Durgapur Expressway

Durgapur (), is an industrial hub and a planned urban agglomeration in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is stands on the northern bank of the Damodar river and located in Paschim Bardhaman district. Durgapur is a major centre for producing steel and manufacturing train wheels in India. Over the past few years, this city has also been developed as a hub for the IT industry in India. The city was planned by Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, Joseph Allen Stein and Benjamin Polk in 1955. Durgapur is the only city in eastern India to have an operational dry dock. Durgapur has been nicknamed the 'Ruhr of India'.The Chota Nagpur Plateau in India is more commonly regarded as the Ruhr of India; however, some sources also cite Durgapur as the same. (as it is occasionally referred to).

Geography

Location

Durgapur is located at . It has an average elevation of .

Durgapur is in the Paschim Bardhaman district of West Bengal, on the bank of the Damodar River, just before it enters the alluvial plains of Bengal. The topography is undulating. The coal-bearing area of the Raniganj coalfields lies just beyond Durgapur; some parts intrude into the area. The area was deeply forested until the end of 20th century and some streaks of the indigenous sal and Mahua forests can still be seen scantily.

History

Durgapur, a city nestled in the Indian state of West Bengal, holds within its boundaries a rich tapestry of history that dates back centuries. There are several historically and religiously significant monuments such a
Rarheshwar Mandir
Ichhai Ghoser Deul and
Bhabani Pathak’s Tilla
The evolution of this industrially significant city is intertwined with a compelling historical narrative that has shaped its identity and character. The present industrialization and habitat expansion has not only adversely affected the dense green cover and ecology of the region but also arguably to a great extent buried archaeological evidences and overshadowed much of its early history.

Ancient settlements

Stone hunting equipment used by hunters from the prehistoric period has been excavated from Durgapur which shows that the history of this place dates back to around 5000 BC. The Damodar-Ajay River Valley witnessed the growth of settled life simultaneously during the Harappa-Mohenjo Daro civilization.

Traces from Mauryan and Gupta Periods

Archaeological findings from Durgapur suggest historical evidence dating from the Mauryan and Gupta periods. The Damodar River, a witness to the city’s ancient past, hosted traders from distant lands, leaving imprints in the archaeological landscape.

History behind the name 'Durgapur'

Around 1765, Gopinath Chattopadhyay secured a lease for a portion of Jangalmahal (now part of Durgapur) from the Maharaja of Bardhaman. This area later became known as Gopinathpur Mouja. Gopinath worked to transform this dense forest into a habitable area. His descendant, Durgacharan Chattopadhyay, continued the effort and established a new colony in the present Sagarbhanga region of Durgapur. In 1793, he erected a Kali temple, followed by a Shiva temple in 1803. The Zamindar house in Sagarbhanga stands as a testament to Durgacharan’s substantial contributions.

In 1855, when the East India Company laid the railway line between Bardhaman and Andal, the station was named Durgapur, a tribute to Durgacharan’s efforts by the local community. This marked the formalization of the name ‘Durgapur,’ gaining significance as a railway hub in the country.

Durgapur Along the Grand Trunk Road

As the colonial era unfolded, Durgapur became a strategic outpost along the Grand Trunk Road. British administrative records narrate the city’s transformation from a hamlet to a bustling settlement. The echoes of horse-drawn carriages resonate through historical pages.

Post-Independence

Following India’s independence in 1947, Durgapur underwent a remarkable metamorphosis under the visionary leadership of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, the then Chief Minister of West Bengal. The city was chosen as the site for the second integrated steel plant in India, setting the stage for rapid industrialization and urbanization. This pivotal decision catapulted Durgapur into the forefront of India’s industrial landscape, fostering economic growth and employment opportunities.

Environment

Durgapur has been ranked 35th best “National Clean Air City” under (Category 2 3-10L Population cities) in India.

Law administration

Police stations

Aurobindo Police Station, located in Durgapur Steel Township, opposite to Office of Commissioner of Police (Asansol-Durgapur) has jurisdiction over parts of Andal CD Block. The area covered is 87 km² and the population covered is 292,841. It has following investigation centres under it.

Coke Oven police station, located near the Durgapur Railway Station, has jurisdiction over parts of the Durgapur municipal corporation. The area covered is 49 km² and the population covered is 136,181.

Durgapur Women PS has jurisdiction over the Durgapur Subdivision

New Township police station, located in MAMC township, has jurisdiction over parts of the Durgapur municipal corporation and the Faridpur Durgapur CD Block. The area covered is 23 km², and the population covered is 160,411. It has a police Outpost located in Bidhannagar under its jurisdiction.

Demographics

In the 2011 census, Durgapur Urban Agglomeration had a population of 566,937 out of which 294,349 were male and 272,588 were female. The 0–6 year population was 50,512. Effective literacy rate of the population was 87.70. Durgapur Municipal Corporation included and 3 census towns: Bamunara, Arra, and partly Andal.

In the 2011 census, Durgapur Municipal Corporation had a population of 581,409 out of which 301,700 were male and 279,709 were female. The 0–6 year population was 51,930. Effective literacy rate of the population was 87.84.

Religion

According to Census of India 2011, Hinduism is the predominant religion in this city, followed by Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, and others. Out of the 5,66,517 people living in Durgapur (Municipal Corporation); 5,19,122 are Hindus (91.63%), 35,923 are Muslims (6.34%), 1889 are Christians (0.36%), 2346 are Sikhs (0.44%), 513 are Buddhists, 382 are Jains, 906 are other religions, and 5436 (1.04%) did not state their religion.

Languages

At the time of the 2011 census, 82.99% of the population spoke Bengali, 11.15% Hindi, 1.84% Santali, and 1.03% Urdu as their first language.

Economy

Durgapur is the biggest industrial hub of West Bengal and was planned as an integrated industrial city. It is the most developed city in West Bengal in terms of technology, infrastructure, and economy next to Kolkata and contributes a substantial amount to the economy of the state of West Bengal. It lies on the banks of Damodar River and near to the coalfields of Raniganj. Durgapur was a dream of former prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru and chief minister of West Bengal, Bidhan Chandra Roy. The 1948-founded Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) is essential to the growth of the area. The first project in Durgapur was Damodar Valley Corporation's Durgapur Barrage which attracted many public sector units. Durgapur Steel Plant was the first PSU established in the region in 1955 with the help of U.K which was later undertaken by SAIL. Later, an alloy plant was established by Hindustan Steel Ltd. in 1965 which was also acquired by SAIL. From 1951 to 2019, industrial units in the region grew from 46 to 430, with engineering units rising from 18 to 66 and basic metal units booming from 2 to 122. The area's economic strength is driven by its rich coal deposits, excellent transportation, and skilled labor force, making it a key economic hub in West Bengal and Eastern India.

Mining and Allied Machinery Corporation (MAMC) was established in 1964 with the help and support from USSR (now closed but reviving with J.V of Bharat Earth Movers, Coal India & DVC). Hindustan Fertilisers Corporation (HFC) was a major PSU which produced fertilizer but got closed down (now RCF showed interest to reopen it). Bharat Opthlamic Glass Limited (BOGL) was established in 1972 used to manufacture electronic valves and other electronic components. Its closure was approved in 2006.

Durgapur Chemicals Limited (DCL) was set up by the Government of West Bengal in 1963 to boost the chemical needs of the state. DCL started it's journey in 1968 and was involved in commercial production of Phenol, phthalic anhydride, monochloro benzene, pentachloro Phenol, caustic soda, chlorine and hydrochloric acid. Although not closed, but the Government of West Bengal decided to disinvest in DCL in 2016 as it had increasingly become a sick industry.

Durgapur Projects Limited (DPL) was the first thermal power station in the city. It was commissioned by the Government of West Bengal in 1960. It has eight production units of which only two are currently operational. The whole city of Durgapur and the surrounding areas get electricity supply from DPL. It is currently owned by WBPDCL.

Major Indian and international MNCs have their production facilities in Durgapur which includes GE Power India Limited (formerly ACC Babcock Limited which was later taken over by Alstom), Scania and Komatsu (in partnership with Larsen & Toubro), Philips Carbon Black, Sankey Wheels (a unit of GKW), Birla Cement (earlier Durgapur Cement Ltd.), Graphite India Limited, etc.

Durgapur is also an emerging IT and real estate hub. The Government of West Bengal's Webel IT Park houses some of well known as well as startup software companies generating employment opportunities for the youth of the region. It is set to develop many proposed residential areas like DLF's Durgapur Township. Companies lik
Pinacle Infotech
and Tata Consultancy Services (a major Indian multinational IT company) etc. have their branch office and back office respectively in the city.

Transport

Road

Durgapur is a gateway to the districts of Bankura, Birbhum (Bolpur, Rampurhat, Suri), and Purulia. NH 19 (old numbering: NH 2) passes through the city jurisdiction and SH 9 originates from Muchipara in the city. NH 14 (old numbering NH 60) passes through the north-western suburb of Pandabeswar and finally passes through Raniganj and heads away towards Odisha. It is one of the few cities that has an Asian Highway (AH) passing directly through the city jurisdiction. The AH1 links Japan with Turkey, through Korea, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran.

Durgapur has bus terminuses at Durgapur Railway Station, Prantika (Prantika-I and II), and City Center. Within the city, private mini-buses operate from Durgapur Rly. Station to Prantika, via City Centre, Muchipara and various other routes within the city. Muchipara is an important bus stop in Durgapur, from which all buses are available.

Auto-rickshaws ply between City Center, Benachity, William Kery, Chandidas, Mamra, Bidhannagar, Railway Station, and other parts of the city in a number of routes. Pre-paid taxis are available in the city from railway stations. Additionally, online cab services like Ola, Uber, etc., and bike taxi services like Rapido are available within the city.

Only one bus is available for the Kalyani-Bansberia route and it departs from Prantika-II Bus Terminus at 4:40 am and from Kalyani at 10 am every day.

Various private and government buses ranging from sleepers to premium Volvos are available from City Center Bus Terminus and Station Bus Terminus for Kolkata, Asansol, Barddhaman, Barakar, Bhubaneswar, Digha, and other nearby cities. Durgapur is the headquarters of SBSTC which provides government bus services to Kolkata, Haldia, Digha, Bankura, etc., from Durgapur and Asansol. Private buses are available for Asansol, Barakar, Bardhaman, Bolpur, Bishnupur, Chittaranjan, Deoghar, Digha, Illambazar, Jhargram, Kalna, Katwa, Kharagpur, Krishnanagar, Medinipur, Nabadwip, Nalhati, Purulia, Rampurhat, Siuri, Tatanagar, Tarakeswar, etc..

Air

The city is home to a domestic airport, the Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport. It is India's first private-sector Greenfield airport. It is located at a place called Andal which is roughly 15 kilometres from Durgapur's City Center Bus Terminus. The airport has direct flights to New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Siliguri, Guwahati, which are operated by IndiGo and Spicejet. And an old DSP Airport at Bijra near IQ city.

An air force station at Panagarh (Military Airfield), belonging to the Indian Air Force, is used as a base for a C-130J Hercules squadron.

Climate

Durgapur experiences a somewhat transitional climate between the tropical wet and dry climate of Kolkata and the more humid subtropical climate further north. Summers are extremely hot and dry, lasting from March to the middle of June, with average daily temperatures exceeding 45 °C. They are followed by the monsoon season with heavy precipitation and somewhat lower temperatures. Durgapur receives most of its annual rainfall of around 1,320 mm during this season. The monsoon is followed by a cold, dry winter from November to January. Temperatures are cold, with average daily temperatures dropping near 9 °C. There is a short autumn at the end of October and a short spring in February, both of which have relatively moderate temperatures of around 20 °C. Due to the heavy rainfall it has received in recent years, for almost five months of heavy rainfall every year, locals often refer to the city as "Chhota Cherapunji" (named after the main city of Cherapunji).

Administrative changes

The administrative setup came in stages. In 1837, when Bankura district was formed, the Durgapur area was part of it. In 1847, the Raniganj subdivision was formed with three police stations – Raniganj, Kanksa, and Neamatpur – and it was made a part of the Bardhaman district. In 1906, the subdivisional headquarters was shifted to Burdwan, and the subdivision renamed accordingly. In 1910, the police stations in Asansol subdivision were Asansol, Ranigunj, Kanksa, Faridpur, and Barakar. On 14 April 1968, the Durgapur subdivision was carved out of Asansol subdivision. In 2011, the Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate (ADPC) was formed by the State Government.

Education

Colleges

Durgapur is home to National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, an autonomous institution in eastern India of national importance. It is one of the 31 N.I.T.s in the country. N.I.T. Durgapur is one of the eight old Regional Engineering Colleges established in 1956.

Durgapur Government College is a premier government degree college not only in the home district of Paschim Barddhaman but also in the neighbouring districts of Bankura, Purulia, and Birbhum. It was established on 15 September 1970, and was affiliated to the University of Burdwan, which later got affiliated to Kazi Nazrul University.

The Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (also known as CSIR-CMERI Durgapur or CMERI Durgapur) is a public engineering research and development institution in Durgapur, West Bengal, India. It is a constituent laboratory of the Indian Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The institute is dedicated to work in the mechanical and allied engineering disciplines.

The National Power Training Institute (Also known as NPTI(ER) and formerly known as PETS, Durgapur) is an institute under Ministry of Power, Government of India which offers postgraduate education in the field of power plants. This institute is also associated with several industrial bodies for imparting training to plant personnel.

Dr. B.C. Roy Engineering College, Bengal College of Engineering and Technology, Sanaka Education Trusts Group of Institutions, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Durgapur Institute of Advanced Technology and Management and The Aryabhatta Institute of Engineering & Management are private engineering colleges which offer ( B.Tech) in engineering and other degrees, including BBA, BCA, B.Pharm, and others. They are affiliated to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT). Durgapur Women's College and Michael Madhusudan Memorial College are general degree colleges affiliated to Kazi Nazrul University.

Netaji Subhas Open University is a state open university for imparting distance education. It is modelled on the Open University, UK and the IGNOU, and offers courses in different disciplines of graduate and post-graduate courses.

IQ City Medical College and Gouri Devi Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital are two colleges which offer (MBBS) medical degree and paramedical courses. They are affiliated to West Bengal University of Health Sciences. Durgapur Paramedical College is another college which offers both a diploma and degree in paramedical courses.

Schools

Durgapur houses a large number of government aided and public schools in addition to two Kendriya Vidyalaya and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (under the Government of India). Notable private schools include: the St. Xavier's School, Carmel Convent High School, Pranavananda Vidyamandir, and Guru Tegh Bahadur Public School.

Sports facilities

* Nehru Stadium is the biggest sports stadium in the city. It has a football ground, basketball and volleyball courts, athletic tracks, modern fully equipped gymnasium, etc.. It is managed by Durgapur Steel Plant Authority.
* Sidhu Kanu Indoor Stadium houses sporting organisations and sporting associations of Burdwan district, including Durgapur Sub-divisional Women's Sports Association, School Sports Association-Durgapur Sub-division, Burdwan District Badminton Association, Burdwan District Table Tennis Association, and Burdwan District Physical Culture Association.

Media

Durgapur has several electronic media houses: Express News, DSTV (owned by DSP)
Durgapur Darpan
''Anandabazar Patrika'' is published from Ghutgoria, near Durgapur, in Bankura District. Samay Sanket is another newspaper published from Durgapur. Durgapur does not have any F.M. stations, however, All India Radio 100.3 FM, 92.7 Big FM, 93.5 Red FM, and Radio Mirchi 95 FM have stations at Asansol, and serve both Asansol and Durgapur.

Notable people

* Abhisek Banerjee, Former Indian domestic cricketer.
* Aishe Ghosh, Indian research scholar and student leader of SFI.
* Aloke Paul, recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology, Alumni of National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, Born in Durgapur.
* Ananda Gopal Mukhopadhyay, Former Politician and Leader, Indian National Congress.
* Bikash Sinha, chairman of the Board of Governors of the National Institute of Technology, Durgapur.
* Bikramjit Basu, recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology, Alumni of National Institute of Technology, Durgapur.
* Bimal Mitra, Indian Bengali Author and author of Saheb Bibi Golam.
* Dipali Saha, Politician, All India Trinamool Congress, won from Sonamukhi (Vidhan Sabha constituency), formerly within Durgapur.
* Kalipada Bauri, Former Politician who won from Gangajalghati, formerly within Durgapur from Communist Party of India (Marxist).
* Kamanio Chattopadhyay, recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology, Alumni of National Institute of Technology, Durgapur.
* Lalbihari Bhattacharya, Former Politician who won from Barjora (Vidhan Sabha constituency), formerly within Durgapur from Communist Party of India (Marxist).
* Mamtaz Sanghamita, Former Member of Parliament, Bardhaman–Durgapur (Lok Sabha constituency) belonging to All India Trinamool Congress
* Mika Singh, Indian Playback Singer and live performer.
* Mrinal Banerjee, Former Minister of Power, State of West Bengal and former leader of Communist Party of India (Marxist).
* Munmun Dutta, Indian Film Actress.
* Nikhil Kumar Banerjee, Indian physician and Politician belonging to All India Trinamool Congress.
* Prayas Ray Barman, Indian Cricketer, Youngest debutant in Indian Premier League.
* Saidul Haque, Former Member of Parliament, Bardhaman–Durgapur (Lok Sabha constituency) belonging to Communist Party of India (Marxist)
* Sandip Burman, Tabla Player and Musician.
* Sri Zaheer, 12th and current dean of the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota.
* Subir Chowdhury, CEO and MD of JCB India.
* Sudip Chattopadhyay, Indian developmental biologist, biotechnologist and the dean of research and consultancy at the National Institute of Technology, Durgapur.
* Sunil Kumar Mandal, Indian Politician and Member of Parliament, Purba Bardhaman, who previously won from Galsi, within Bardhaman–Durgapur (Lok Sabha constituency), from Forward Bloc.
* S. S. Ahluwalia, Member of Parliament, Bardhaman–Durgapur (Lok Sabha constituency) belonging to Bhartiya Janata Party.
* Tushar Dutta, Classical Music Vocalist.

References

External links

Bardhaman district official site
*

{{reflist, group=Note

Cities and towns in Paschim Bardhaman district
Cities in West Bengal
Planned communities in India
Planned cities in West Bengal