Durgapur#Police station

{{About|the city in West Bengal|the administrative subdivision|Durgapur subdivision|other uses}}

{{Use Indian English|date=November 2019}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}

{{Infobox settlement

| name = Durgapur

| settlement_type = Urban Agglomeration

| other_name =

| image_skyline = {{multiple image

| border = infobox

| total_width = 250

| image_style =

| perrow = 1/2/2

| image1=

| caption1 = Durgapur aerial view along AH1

|image2 = NIT Durgapur front .jpg

|caption2= Statue of Bidhan Chandra Roy in NIT Durgapur

|image3=

|caption3= Durgapur Barrage

|image4= Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport on November 2020.jpg

|caption4= Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport

|image5= Shram Vir Statue, Durgapur Steel Plant - panoramio (1).jpg

|caption5=Durgapur Steel Plant

}}

| nickname = Ruhr of India

| pushpin_map = India West Bengal#India3

| pushpin_label_position = right

| pushpin_map_alt =

| pushpin_map_caption = Location in West Bengal, India

| coordinates = {{coord|23.55|N|87.32|E|display=inline,title}}

| subdivision_type = Country

| subdivision_name = India

| subdivision_type1 = State

| subdivision_type2 = District

| subdivision_name1 = West Bengal

| subdivision_name2 = Paschim Bardhaman

| established_title1 = Established

| established_date1 = Late 1950s

| founder = Bidhan Chandra Roy (former chief minister of West Bengal)

| named_for = Durgacharan Chattopadhyay

| government_type = Municipal Corporation

| governing_body = {{bulleted list|Durgapur Municipal Corporation|Asansol Durgapur Development Authority}}

| leader_title1 = Mayor

| leader_name1 = Anindita Mukherjee

| unit_pref = Metric

| area_footnotes = {{cite web|title=Durgapur City|url=http://bardhaman.nic.in/blocks/durgapur_mc.html}}{{cite web|title=Asansol Durgapur Development Authority|url=https://www.sudawb.org/wbdma_oldversion/HTM/MUNI_ADDA.htm|website=sudawb.org|access-date=24 November 2020}}

| area_metro_footnotes =

| area_rank = 4th in West Bengal

| area_urban_km2 = 285.65

| area_metro_km2 = 1550

| elevation_footnotes =

| length_km = 19.8

| width_km = 15

| elevation_m = 65

| population_urban = 726,000

| population_as_of = 2024

| population_footnotes =

| population_density_km2 = auto

| population_demonym = Durgapurbashi, Durgapurians

| population_urban_footnotes =

| population_metro = 1,209,372

| population_metro_footnotes =

| demographics_type1 = Languages

| demographics1_title1 = Official

| demographics1_info1 = Bengali{{cite web|title=Fact and Figures|url=https://wb.gov.in/portal/web/guest/facts-and-figures;jsessionid=JzdD9RHb7aMY5esZPtcsIVLy|website=Wb.gov.in|access-date=13 November 2019}}{{cite web|title=52nd Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|website=Nclm.nic.in|publisher=Ministry of Minority Affairs|access-date=13 November 2019|page=85|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525141614/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|archive-date=25 May 2017}}

| demographics1_title2 = Additional official

| demographics1_info2 = English

| timezone1 = IST

| utc_offset1 = +5:30

| postal_code_type = PIN

| postal_code = 713201- 713217 for City Area

| area_code = +91 0343

| area_code_type = Telephone code

| registration_plate = WB-39 / WB-40

| blank1_name_sec1 = Lok Sabha constituency

| blank1_info_sec1 = Bardhaman-Durgapur (MP - Kirti Jha Azad  - TMC)

| website = {{URL|durgapurmunicipalcorporation.org/}}

| footnotes =

| leader_title2 = Commissioner of Police (CP)

| leader_name2 = Sukesh Kumar Jain, IPS (Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate)

| blank2_name_sec1 = Vidhan Sabha constituency

| blank2_info_sec1 = Durgapur Purba (MLA - Pradip Mazumdar  - TMC),

Durgapur Paschim (MLA - LAKSHMAN CHANDRA GHORUI  -BJP)

| blank2_name_sec2 = Climate

| blank2_info_sec2 = Aw

| official_name =

| population_rank = 4th in West Bengal

| image_caption =

}}

Durgapur ({{IPA|bn|durgapur}}), is an industrial hub and a planned urban agglomeration in the Indian state of West Bengal.{{Cite web |title=Places to visit in Durgapur |url=https://www.incredibleindia.gov.in/en/west-bengal/durgapur |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=Incredible India |language=en}} It is stands on the northern bank of the Damodar river and located in Paschim Bardhaman district.{{Cite web |last=মাঝি |first=দেবাশিস দাশগুপ্ত,সুমন |date=2024-09-20 |title=দামোদরের ড্রেজিংয়ের ভাবনায় সরকার, চিন্তা নাব্যতা নিয়ে |url=https://eisamay.com/west-bengal-news/durgapur-news/state-government-is-thinking-of-dredging-damodar-river/articleshow/113523498.cms |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=Eisamay Online |language=bn}}{{cite web| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf | title = Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 lakh and above |work= Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011 |access-date = 21 March 2020 }} Durgapur is a major centre for producing steel and manufacturing train wheels in India.[https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1798772 Durgapur Railway Wheel Manufacturing]{{Cite web |title=Durgapur {{!}} Industrial City, Steel Hub {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Durgapur |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}} Over the past few years, this city has also been developed as a hub for the IT industry in India.https://stpi.in/en/about-kolkata-durgapur The city was planned by Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, Joseph Allen Stein and Benjamin Polk in 1955.{{Cite web |last=Raza |first=Raqeeb |date=2024-10-06 |title=23 Years Later: How an American Architect Shaped Modern Delhi's Steinabad |url=https://www.thequint.com/videos/23-years-later-an-ode-to-stein-man-behind-delhis-modern-architecture |access-date=2025-04-22 |website=TheQuint |language=en}} 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 {{Coord|23.55|N|87.32|E|}}. It has an average elevation of {{convert|65|m|ft}}.

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.

{{OSM Location map

| width=550| height=550| zoom=13

| coord={{coord|23|31|30|N|87|17|30|E}}| float=centre|caption=Durgapur
R: temple, mosque, P: park, F: facility, N: neighbourhood, W: works, factory
Owing to space constraints in the small map, the actual locations in a larger map may vary slightly
Places marked on this map, which have a separate page, are linked in the larger full screen map

|mark-coord1={{coord|23|34|16|N|87|17|19|E}} | label-pos1=right|label1= Durgapur Steel Township|labela1=A Zone|numbered1=N| mark-title1=DSP A Zone
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|mark-coord2={{coord|23|33|47|N|87|19|7|E}} | label-pos2=right|label2= Durgapur Steel Township|labela2=B Zone | mark-title2= DSP B Zone
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|mark-coord3={{coord|23|33|17|N|87|18|28|E}} | label-pos3=right|label3= Durgapur Steel Township|labela3=C Zone | mark-title3= DSP C Zone
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|mark-coord4={{coord|23|33|29|N|87|16|32|E}} | label- =right|label4= Benachity| numbered4=N| mark-title4= Benachity
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|mark-coord5={{coord|23|32|53|N|87|18|20|E}} | label-pos5=right|label5= CMERI Colony| numbered5=N| mark-title5= CMERI Colony
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|mark-coord6={{coord|23|32|20|N|87|17|55|E}} | label-pos6=right|label6= City Centre| numbered6=N| mark-title6= City Centre
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|mark-coord7={{coord|23|31|58|N|87|19|25|E}} | label-pos7=right|label7= MAMC Township| numbered7=N| mark-title7= MAMC Township
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|mark-coord8={{coord|23|32|16|N|87|20|22|E}} | label-pos8=right|label8= Fuljhore| numbered8=N| mark-title8= Fuljhore
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|mark-coord9={{coord|23|31|0|N|87|20|58|E}} | label-pos9=left|label9= Bidhannagar| numbered9=N| mark-title9= Bidhannagar
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|mark-coord10={{coord|23|29|48|N|87|19|53|E}} | label-pos10=right|label10= Sagarbhanga| numbered10=N| mark-title10= Sagarbhanga
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|mark-coord11={{coord|23|29|48|N|87|18|20|E}} | label-pos11=right|label11= DPL Township| numbered11=N| mark-title11= DPL Township
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|mark-coord12={{coord|23|31|20|N|87|19|32|E}} | label-pos12=left|label12= APL Township| numbered12=N| mark-title12= APL Township
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|mark-coord13={{coord|23|31|0|N|87|16|3|E}} | label-pos13=right|label13= Angadpur| numbered13=N| mark-title13= Angadpur
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|mark-coord14={{coord|23|31|36|N|87|15|27|E}} | label-pos14=right|label14= DVC DTPS Colony| numbered14=N| mark-title14= DVC DTPS Colony
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|mark-coord15={{coord|23|33|13|N|87|15|38|E}} | label-pos15=right|label15= Old Court HSCL Colony| numbered15=N| mark-title15= Old Court HSCL Colony
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|mark-coord16={{coord|23|34|7|N|87|16|4|E}} | label-pos16=right|label16= Sukanta Pally| numbered16=N| mark-title16= Sukanta Pally
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|mark-coord17={{coord|23|29|41|N|87|19|0|E}} | label-pos17=right|label17= Durgapur railway station| numbered17=F| mark-title17= Durgapur railway station|shape-color17=#C42222

|mark-coord18={{coord|23|32|12|N|87|17|52|E}} | label-pos18=left|label18= Durgapur City Court| numbered18=F| mark-title18= Durgapur City Court
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|mark-coord19={{coord|23|34|0|N|87|18|20|E}} | label-pos19=right|label19= Nehru Stadium| numbered19=F| mark-title19= Nehru Stadium
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|mark-coord20={{coord|23|32|26|N|87|17|28|E}} | label-pos20=left|label20= Sidhu Kanhu Indoor Stadium| numbered20=F| mark-title20= Sidhu Kanu Indoor Stadium|shape-color20=#C42222

|mark-coord21={{coord|23|32|37|N|87|17|39|E}} | label-pos21=right|label21= CMERI| numbered21=C| mark-title21= Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute |shape-color21=#C42222

|mark-coord22={{coord|23|32|54|N|87|17|29|E}} | label-pos22=left|label22= NIT-Durgapur| numbered22=C| mark-title22= National Institute of Technology, Durgapur |shape-color22=#C42222

|mark-coord23={{coord|23|32|40|N|87|20|24|E}} | label-pos23=left|label23= Dr. B.C.Roy Engg College| numbered23=C| mark-title23= Dr. B.C. Roy Engineering College, Durgapur |shape-color23=#C42222

|mark-coord24={{coord|23|31|15|N|87|20|24|E}} | label-pos24=left|label24= Bengal College of Engg & Tech| numbered24=C| mark-title24= Bengal College of Engineering & Technology |shape-color24=#C42222

|mark-coord25= {{coord|23.5468|87.2537}} | label-pos25=right|label25= SAIL Durgapur Steel Plant| numbered25=W| mark-title25= Durgapur Steel Plant

|mark-coord26= {{coord|23.5286|87.2693}} | label-pos26=right|label26= SAIL Alloy Steels Plant| numbered26=W| mark-title26= Alloy Steels Plant
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|mark-coord27= {{coord|23.5186|87.2983}}| label-pos27=bottom|label27= Durgapur Projects Limited| numbered27=W| mark-title27= Durgapur Projects Limited
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|mark-coord28={{coord|23|30|15|N|87|18|48|E}} | label-pos28=right|label28= Phillips Carbon Black Ltd.| numbered28=W| mark-title28= Philips Carbon Black Ltd.
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|mark-coord29={{coord|23|31|9|N|87|19|13|E}} | label-pos29=right|label29= MAMC| numbered29=W| mark-title29= Mining & Allied Machinery Corporation
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|mark-coord30={{coord|23|30|59|N|87|19|35|E}} | label-pos30=bottom|label30= APL (Alstom Projects)| numbered30=W| mark-title30= Alstom Projects (India) Ltd.
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|mark-coord31={{coord|23|31|50|N|87|15|4|E}} | label-pos31=|label31= DVC DTPS| numbered31=W| mark-title31= Durgapur Thermal Power Station

|mark-coord32={{coord|23|28|35|N|87|18|10|E}} | label-pos32= right|label32= Durgapur Barrage| numbered32=W| mark-title32= Durgapur Barrage

|mark-coord33={{coord|23|33|19|N|87|16|27|E}} | label-pos33=right|label33= Bhiringi Maa Kali Mandir| numbered33=R| mark-title33= Bhiringi Maa Kali Mandir
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|mark-coord34={{coord|23|34|42|N|87|17|48|E}} | label-pos34=right|label34= ISKCON Mandir| numbered34=R| mark-title34= Durgapur ISKCON Mandir
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|mark-coord35={{coord|23|30|33|N|87|21|0|E}} | label-pos35= left|label35= Ram Mandir| numbered35=R| mark-title35= Bidhannagar Ram Mandir
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|mark-coord36={{coord|23|32|12|N|87|18|5|E}} | label-pos36=right|label36= Anand Amusement Park| numbered36=P| mark-title36= Anand Amusement Park
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|mark-coord37={{coord|23|33|45|N|87|18|5|E}} | label-pos37=bottom|label37= Mohan Kumaramangalam Park| numbered37=P| mark-title37= Mohan Kumaramangalam Park
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|mark-coord38={{coord|23|29|48|N|87|16|0|E}}| label38=Damodar River| label-color38 = #77A1CB| label-angle38=30| label-pos38=top| label-size38=10| mark-size38=0| mark-title38 =none

|mark-coord39= {{coord|23|33|40|N|87|15|5|E}} | label-pos39=right|label39= SAIL DSP |labela39= Administrative Building| numbered39=W| mark-title39= Durgapur Steel Plant

|mark-coord40= {{coord|23|33|50|N|87|14|0|E}} | label-pos40=right|label40= Durgapur Cement/ |labela40= Birla Cement| numbered40=W| mark-title40= M.P Birla Group}}

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 as [https://www.incredibleindia.gov.in/en/west-bengal/durgapur/rarheshwar-mandir Rarheshwar Mandir], Ichhai Ghoser Deul and [https://www.incredibleindia.gov.in/en/west-bengal/durgapur/bhabani-pathaks-tilla 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.{{Cite web |title=History of Durgapur, Historical Places in Durgapur, Durgapur Past |url=https://www.durgapuronline.in/guide/history-of-durgapur |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240907212229/https://www.durgapuronline.in/guide/history-of-durgapur |archive-date=2024-09-07 |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=DurgapurOnline.in |language=en}} The Damodar-Ajay River Valley witnessed the growth of settled life simultaneously during the Harappa-Mohenjo Daro civilization.{{Cite web |last=Team |first=Editorial |date=2024-01-16 |title=Historical Origins of Durgapur - Durgapur Hub |url=https://durgapurhub.com/historical-origins-of-durgapur/ |access-date=2025-01-03 |language=en-US}}

= 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.{{Cite web |date=7 September 2024 |title=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024 |url=https://prana.cpcb.gov.in/ncapServices/robust/fetchFilesFromDrive/Swachh_Vayu_Survekshan_2024_Result.pdf |website=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024}}

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.{{cite web | url = http://wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook | title = District Statistical Handbook 2014 Bardhaman | work = Tables 2.1, 2.2 | publisher = Department of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of West Bengal | access-date = 23 September 2018 | archive-date = 21 January 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190121045803/http://www.wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook | url-status = dead}}{{cite web| url = http://asansoldurgapurpolice.in/# |title = Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate |work = Find your police station | publisher= Asansol Durgapur Police | access-date = 18 February 2017}}

class="wikitable sortable"
Investigation Centre ||Address
B-Zone Investigation CentreMarconi Avenue, B-Zone
City Centre Investigation CentreBengal Ambuja, City Centre
Faridpur Investigation CentreNear Gandhi More
Waria Investigation CentreNear DSP Main Gate, Waria
DTPS Investigation CentreOld Colony, DVC-DTPS

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.{{cite web| url = http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf | title = Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 lakh and above |work= Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011 | publisher = Government of India|access-date = 10 October 2011 }} Durgapur Municipal Corporation included and 3 census towns: Bamunara, Arra, and partly Andal.{{cite web| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_4_PR_UAs_1Lakh_and_Above_Appendix.pdf | title = Constituents of urban Agglomerations Having Population 1 Lakh & above |work= Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011| publisher = Government of India|access-date = 27 March 2012 }}

{{See also|List of cities in West Bengal}}

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.{{cite web| url = http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf | title = Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 lakh and above |work= Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011 |access-date = 10 October 2011 }}

= Religion =

{{Pie chart

|caption = Religions of Durgapur (2011)

|label1 = Hinduism |value1 = 91.63 |color1 = orange

|label2 = Islam |value2 = 6.34 |color2 = green

|label3 = Sikhism |value3 = 0.41 |color3 = darkturquoise

|label4 = Others |value4 = 1.62|color4 = yellow

|thumb = left

}}

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.{{Cite web |date=2011 |title=Table C-01 Population by Religion: West Bengal |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11396/download/14509/DDW19C-01%20MDDS.XLS |website=censusindia.gov.in |publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India}}

=Languages=

{{Pie chart

|caption = Languages of Durgapur (2011)

|label1 = Bengali |value1 = 82.99 |color1 = orchid

|label2 = Hindi |value2 = 11.15 |color2 = orange

|label3 = Santali |value3 = 1.84 |color3 = darkturquoise

|label4 = Urdu |value4 = 1.03 |color4 = green

|label5 = Others |value5 = 2.99 |color5 = grey

|thumb = left

}}

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.{{Cite web |title=Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: West Bengal |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10226/download/13338/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1900.XLSX |website=www.censusindia.gov.in |publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India}}

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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/economy/story/19881231-public-private-industries-in-dire-straits-in-durgapur-798050-1988-12-31|title=Public and private industries in dire straits in Durgapur|first=Kamaljeet |last=Rattan|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=12 November 2019|date=31 December 1988}} The 1948-founded Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) is essential to the growth of the area.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-15 |title=All You Need to Know About Asansol, Durgapur & Raniganj |url=https://durgapurhub.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-asansol-durgapur-raniganj/ |access-date=2024-08-15 |language=en-US}} 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.

File:Durgapur Steel Plant.jpg

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).{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/joint-venture-to-revive-mamc/cid/515676|title=Joint venture to revive MAMC|website=www.telegraphindia.com|language=en|access-date=12 November 2019}} Hindustan Fertilisers Corporation (HFC) was a major PSU which produced fertilizer but got closed down (now RCF showed interest to reopen it).{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/business/rcf-eyes-durgapur-fertiliser-unit/cid/723078|title=RCF eyes Durgapur fertiliser unit|website=www.telegraphindia.com|language=en|access-date=12 November 2019}} 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.{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/property-/-cstruction/dlf-bags-durgapur-project/articleshow/2300108.cms?from=mdr|title=DLF bags Durgapur project|date=22 August 2007|work=The Economic Times|access-date=12 November 2019}} Companies like [https://pinnacleinfotech.com/ 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=

File:The front facade of Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport, Andal, Durgapur.jpg

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.{{Cite web|url=http://www.kniairport.com/#|title=KNIAIRPORT- Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport|website=www.kniairport.com|access-date=23 September 2018}} 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.{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/panagarh-to-be-iafs-second-hub-for-c-130j-super-hercules-planes/articleshow/48344173.cms|title=Panagarh to be IAF's second hub for C-130J Super Hercules planes|date=11 July 2018|work=The Economic Times|access-date=23 September 2018}}

Climate

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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 =

File:Nitdgpfront.jpg

Durgapur is home to National Institute of Technology, Durgapur,{{cite web|url=http://www.nitdgp.ac.in|title=NIT DURGAPUR|work=nitdgp.ac.in}} 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).{{Cite web | url=http://www.csir.res.in |title = Council of Scientific & Industrial Research | CSIR | GoI}} The institute is dedicated to work in the mechanical and allied engineering disciplines.{{cite web|url=http://www.cmeri.res.in/abt/profile.html |title=Welcome to CMERI |publisher=cmeri.res.in |access-date=25 August 2013}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://www.nptidurgapur.com|title=Welcome To NPTI Durgapur|website=www.nptidurgapur.com|access-date=25 March 2018}}

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 =

File:Jawaharlal Nehru with school children at Durgapur copy.jpg with schoolchildren at Durgapur]]

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), [https://durgapur24x7.com/ 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,{{cite web |title=Private Commercial FM Stations in India |url=https://www.qsl.net/vu2jos/fm/pvt.htm |website=qsl.net |access-date=7 February 2021}} and serve both Asansol and Durgapur.

Notable people

References

{{Reflist}}