Cities and towns in West Bengal

West Bengal is the state with highest population density in India.[1] The state is dotted with several small and medium towns and cities. Historically, the main source of income of the people of West Bengal has been farming, and, as a consequence, the state previously had a large rural population skew. At the turn of the 20th century, however, the role of industry in West Bengal increased substantially, leading to a population move into urban areas.

Image of Harrison Street Strand Road and Burra Bazaar in Kolkata (Calcutta) in 1945, shortly before the urban expansion of West Bengal

In 1947, when India gained independence, the erstwhile British Indian province of Bengal was divided into two parts: the eastern region formed East Pakistan—which became Bangladesh in 1971 — and the western part joined India as the state of West Bengal. Scores of refugees from the eastern part came to West Bengal, leading to the start of new urban areas, and contributing to the congestion of already established cities like Kolkata.

Current scenario

As of 2011 India census,[2] 375 cities and towns in West Bengal can be classified in the following categories:

  • 782 Census Towns.

Major cities
Kolkata, on a monsoon day
The Great Banyan tree in Indian Botanical Gardens, Howrah
Curzon Gate, Burdwan City, Bardhaman
Toy Train approaching Darjeeling
Kalimpong, as viewed from a distance, showing the urban arrangement necessitated by the geography of some parts of the state.
Hazarduari in Murshidabad
Name Coordinates Area[12] Status[12] Population 2011[14] Population Density Importance
Kolkata 22.57°N 88.37°E / 22.57; 88.37 206.08 km2 (79.57 sq mi)[15] Municipal Corporation 4496694[16][17] 21,935/km2 (56,810/sq mi) The capital of West Bengal. It was the capital of British India until 1911. Kolkata is one of the four big cities in India, and is one of the largest urban agglomerations in the world.
Howrah 22.59°N 88.31°E / 22.59; 88.31 63.55 km2 (24.54 sq mi)[18][19] Municipal Corporation 1370448[20][21] 21,565/km2 (55,850/sq mi) A primarily industrial city in West Bengal, located on the west bank of the Hooghly River, and is the twin city to Kolkata. Headquarter of the Howrah district.
Darjeeling 27.03°N 88.16°E / 27.03; 88.16 10.57 km2 (4.08 sq mi) Municipality 107530 10,173/km2 (26,350/sq mi) It is a famous hill station and tourist destination. Also known for its access route, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Darjeeling tea, and historical role of the city as a summer retreat. Headquarter of the Darjeeling district.
Kalimpong 27.06°N 88.47°E / 27.06; 88.47 8.67 km2 (3.35 sq mi) Municipality 42980 4,957/km2 (12,840/sq mi) It is a hill station in the Kalimpong district. It is known as a tourist destination, especially for its climate, and for its Buddhist monasteries and flower market.
Sainthia 23.92°N 87.53°E / 23.92; 87.53 16 km2 (6.2 sq mi) Municipality 44601 4,400/km2 (11,000/sq mi) One of the busiest business hubs in West Bengal and business capital of the Birbhum district. From the city, the agricultural products are exported to different parts of the State and also to different parts of the Eastern India. It is a famous tourist destination. The Famous Nandikeshwari Temple, which is one of the Shakti Peethas of Indian subcontinent situated in this city.[22]
Bolpur 23.67°N 87.69°E / 23.67; 87.69 17.70 km2 (6.83 sq mi) Municipality 80,210 4,532/km2 (11,740/sq mi) Situated on bank of River Ajay, West Bengal ,it is educational capital of the Birbhum district. It hosts Viswa Bharati University VBU which was founded by Tagore. It is a famous tourist destination. It arranges its own version of Colors of Holi attracts people from all over.
Kharagpur 22.33°N 87.33°E / 22.33; 87.33 90.65 km2 (35.00 sq mi) Municipality 207984 19,294/km2 (49,970/sq mi) The fifth largest city of West Bengal (by area) is famous for the Indian Institute of Technology. Also has one of the longest railway platform in the world and a major air force base, Kalaikunda nearby. The railway station is one of the best as well as beautiful in India. It is a major industrial city in West Bengal.
Bardhaman 23.25°N 87.85°E / 23.25; 87.85 48.00 km2 (18.53 sq mi) Municipality 346639 5,956/km2 (15,430/sq mi) Headquarters of the Purba Bardhaman district.

Sixth Largest City Of West Bengal.

Asansol 23.68°N 86.98°E / 23.68; 86.98 127.24 km2 (49.13 sq mi) Municipal Corporation 1243414 4,434/km2 (11,480/sq mi) Asansol is the second largest city and urban agglomeration in West Bengal after Kolkata. An industrial city in the Paschim Bardhaman district known for the IISCO Steel Plant at Burnpur, the locomotive works at Chittaranjan and the recently founded Kazi Nazrul University. It is at the heart of the Eastern Coalfields area and hosts the headquarters for the mining company. Asansol serves as the commercial hub for the entire region and operates as the Divisional Headquarters for the Asansol Division of the Eastern Railways.
Durgapur 23.48°N 87.32°E / 23.48; 87.32 154.20 km2 (59.54 sq mi) Municipal Corporation 580990 3,197/km2 (8,280/sq mi) An industrial city in the Paschim Bardhaman district, famous for the National Institute of Technology, Durgapur and the Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, a large industrial city with well-planned roads and townships. It is the second largest city in terms of area.
Murshidabad 24.18°N 88.27°E / 24.18; 88.27 12.95 km2 (5.00 sq mi) Municipality 44019 12,368/km2 (32,030/sq mi) It was the capital of Bengal before British Raj.
Malda City 25.00°N 88.15°E / 25.00; 88.15 13.25 km2 (5.12 sq mi) Municipality 313681 12,185/km2 (31,560/sq mi) Headquarter of Malda district and The fifth largest city in state and second in North Bengal, most important trade hub after Siliguri in North Bengal. It is the gateway of North Bengal as well as north-eastern region of India. It was the capital of ancient Bengal from the 5th century BC till the time of Muslim rule. The relics are found at Gaur and Pandua.
Siliguri 26.71°N 88.43°E / 26.71; 88.43 41.90 km2 (16.18 sq mi) Municipal Corporation 705579 11,224/km2 (29,070/sq mi) An arterial city in North Bengal, one of the most important business hubs in the state and the entire north-eastern region of India. It is the fourth largest city of the state and the second most important trade hub after Kolkata.
Jalpaiguri 26.52°N 88.73°E / 26.52; 88.73 12.97 km2 (5.01 sq mi) Municipality 169002 7,726/km2 (20,010/sq mi) Headquarters of the Jalpaiguri district.
Raiganj 25.62°N 88.12°E / 25.62; 88.12 8.99 km2 (3.47 sq mi) Municipality 199690 18,378/km2 (47,600/sq mi) Headquarters of the district North Dinajpur.
Balurghat 25.22°N 88.77°E / 25.22; 88.77 8.56 km2 (3.31 sq mi) Municipality 164816 15,831/km2 (41,000/sq mi) Headquarters of the district South Dinajpur.
Purulia 23.33°N 86.37°E / 23.33; 86.37 13.93 km2 (5.38 sq mi) Municipality 126815 8,167/km2 (21,150/sq mi) Headquarters of the Purulia district.
Baharampur 24.1°N 88.25°E / 24.1; 88.25 31.42 km2 (12.13 sq mi) Municipality 304487 5,098/km2 (13,200/sq mi) Also called Berhampore. It is the headquarters of Murshidabad district.
Krishnanagar 23.4°N 88.5°E / 23.4; 88.5 15.96 km2 (6.16 sq mi) Municipality 182010 8,714/km2 (22,570/sq mi) Headquarters of the Nadia district.
Barasat 22.23°N 88.45°E / 22.23; 88.45 34.50 km2 (13.32 sq mi) Municipality 287435 6,711/km2 (17,380/sq mi) Headquarters of the North 24 Parganas district.
Barrackpore 22.76°N 88.37°E / 22.76; 88.37 11.65 km2 (4.50 sq mi) Municipality 152783 12,396/km2 (32,110/sq mi) The first army barrack of the British East India Company was established here. Also, the first sparks of 1857 Indian mutiny is said to have started from this city. It is now a northern suburb of Kolkata.
Ranaghat 23.18°N 88.58°E / 23.18; 88.58 7.72 km2 (2.98 sq mi) Municipality 234449 8,906/km2 (23,070/sq mi) It is one of the important rail stations in eastern railway and a communication link between north and south Bengal, also a growing market.
Baranagar 22.64°N 88.37°E / 22.64; 88.37 7.12 km2 (2.75 sq mi)[23] Municipality[24] 2,45,313[25] 34,454/km2 (89,240/sq mi)[25] The city was originally a Portuguese settlement that become the seat of Dutch trading station and an important river anchorage for Dutch shipping.[26] It houses the Peneti Bagabari of the Tagore family among other historical buildings.[27]
Serampore 22.75°N 88.34°E / 22.75; 88.34 14.50 km2 (5.60 sq mi) Municipality 181842 13,652/km2 (35,360/sq mi) A city of the Danish East India Company.
Chandannagar 22.87°N 88.38°E / 22.87; 88.38 20.00 km2 (7.72 sq mi) Municipal Corporation 166867 8,108/km2 (21,000/sq mi) A city built by the French East India Company.
Chinsura 22.90°N 88.39°E / 22.90; 88.39 17.29 km2 (6.68 sq mi) Municipality 179931 9,844/km2 (25,500/sq mi) Headquarters of the Hooghly district.
Kalyani 22.98°N 88.48°E / 22.98; 88.48 29.14 km2 (11.25 sq mi) Municipality 100,575 3,500/km2 (9,100/sq mi) The northernmost part of the Kolkata urban agglomeration, Kalyani was the brainchild of the second chief minister of the state, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. It is a planned township and is divided into residential, industrial and educational sectors.
Tamluk 22.3°N 87.92°E / 22.3; 87.92 10.42 km2 (4.02 sq mi) Municipality 65306 4,398/km2 (11,390/sq mi) Headquarters of the district Midnapore East.
Medinipur 22.25°N 87.65°E / 22.25; 87.65 18.36 km2 (7.09 sq mi) Municipality 169264 8,352/km2 (21,630/sq mi) Headquarters of the district Midnapore West.
Nabadwip 23.25°N 88.22°E / 23.25; 88.22 12 km2 (4.6 sq mi) Municipality 125543 10,500/km2 (27,000/sq mi) Nabadwip was capital of old Bengal(A.D. 1169 – A.D.1206). It was a place of culture, literature, religion.Lord Sri Chaityanya was born here making it a holy place for Hindus.
Contai 21.78°N 87.75°E / 21.78; 87.75 14.25 km2 (5.50 sq mi) Municipality 92226 5,438/km2 (14,080/sq mi) Near the tourist attraction, Digha.
Cooch Behar 26.19°N 89.26°E / 26.19; 89.26 8.19 km2 (3.16 sq mi) Municipality 77935 2,053/km2 (5,320/sq mi) Headquarters of the Cooch Behar district.
Bankura 23.25°N 87.07°E / 23.25; 87.07 19.06 km2 (7.36 sq mi) Municipality 137386 6,758/km2 (17,500/sq mi) Headquarters of the Bankura district.
Bishnupur 23.08°N 87.32°E / 23.08; 87.32 22.01 km2 (8.50 sq mi) Municipality 67783 2,814/km2 (7,290/sq mi) A city of archeological importance.
Haldia 22.03°N 88.06°E / 22.03; 88.06 109.65 km2 (42.34 sq mi) Municipality 200827 1,557/km2 (4,030/sq mi) Most important among upcoming industrial hubs of the state. Home to major petrochemical houses, it is set to become the most important port in the region.

List of urban areas (district-wise)
District Headquarters Municipal Corporations[12] Municipalities[12] Census Towns[28] Special Urban Units
Alipurduar Alipurduar -- Alipurduar Alipurduar Railway Junction, Bholar Dabri, Chechakhata, Falakata, Jaygaon, Paschim Jitpur, Sobhaganj, Uttar Kamakhyaguri, Uttar Latabari --
Bankura Bankura -- Bankura, Bishnupur, Sonamukhi Barjora, Beliatore, Khatra --
Birbhum Suri -- Bolpur, Dubrajpur, Nalhati, Rampurhat, Sainthia, Suri Ahmadpur --
Cooch Behar Cooch Behar -- Dinhata, Koch Bihar, Haldibari, Mathabhanga, Mekliganj, Tufanganj Bhangri Pratham Khanda, Guriahati, Khagrabari, Kharimala Khagrabari --
Dakshin Dinajpur Balurghat -- Balurghat, Gangarampur

Buniadpur

 -- --
Darjeeling Darjeeling Siliguri Darjiling, Kurseong, Mirik Bairatisal, Cart Road, Pattabong Tea Garden, Uttar Bagdogra --
Hooghly Chinsurah Chandannagar Arambag, Bansberia, Baidyabati, Bhadreswar, Champdani, Hugli-Chuchura, Konnagar, Rishra, Serampore, Tarakeswar, Uttarpara Kotrung Amodghata, Badhagachhi, Bamunari, Barijhati, Begampur, Chak Bansberia, Chikrand, Dakshin Rajyadharpur, Dharmapur, Kanaipur, Kharsarai, Kodalia, Kulihanda, Madhusudanpur, Mrigala, Monoharpur, Nabagram Colony, Pairagachha, Pandua, Purba Tajpur, Raghunathpur, Rishra, Shankhanagar, Simla, Singur, Garalgachha, Krishnapur, Raghunathpur --
Howrah Howrah Howrah Uluberia Andul, Ankurhati, Argari, Bagnan, Balaram Pota, Bally (Jagachha), Bankra, Banupur, Beldubi, Bhandardaha, Bikihakola, Bipra Noapara, Chakapara, Chamrail, Dakshin Jhapardaha, Dhuilya, Domjur, Eksara, Gabberia, Hatgachha, Jagadishpur, Jala Kendua, Jhorhat, Kalara, Kantlia, Kesabpur, Khalia, Khalor, Khantora, Mahiari, Makardaha, Manikpur, Mansinhapur, Nalpur, Natibpur, Naupala, Nibra, Panchla, Panchpara, Paniara, Podara, Raghudebbati, Ramchandrapur, Sahapur, Salap, Sankrail, Santoshpur, Sarenga, Tentulkuli, Uttar Pirpur --
Jalpaiguri Jalpaiguri -- Dhupguri, Jalpaiguri, Mal Banarhat Tea Garden, Gairkata, Mainaguri --
Jhargram Jhargram -- Jhargram -- --
Kalimpong Kalimpong -- Kalimpong -- --
Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata -- -- --
Malda Malda City -- English Bazar, Old Malda Aiho, Kachu Pukur, Kendua, Gazole, Chanchal, Kaliachak, Sujapur, Manikchak, Ratua, Harish Chandrapur, Bamongola, Habibpur --
Murshidabad Baharampur -- Baharampur, Beldanga, Dhulian, Jangipur, Jiaganj Azimganj, Kandi, Murshidabad Anup Nagar, Aurangabad, Chachanda, Charka, Dafahat, Dhusaripara, Sagardighi, Farrakka Barrage Township, Fatellapur, Ghorsala, Goaljan, Gora Bazar, Harharia Chak, Jagtaj, Jot Kamal, Kankuria, Kasimbazar, Khodarampur, Paschim Punropara, Sahajadpur, Serpur, Srikantabati, Uttar Mahammadpur --
Nadia Krishnanagar -- Birnagar, Chakdaha, Gayespur, Haringhata, Kalyani, Krishnanagar, Taherpur, Nabadwip, Ranaghat, Santipur, Cooper's Camp Aistala, Bablari Dewanganj, Baruihuda, Char Brahmanagar, Char Maijdia, Darappur, Jagadanandapur, Karimpur, Kshidirpur, Madanpur, Badkulla, Nasra, Parbbatipur, Phulia, Satigachha --
North 24 Parganas Barasat Bidhannagar Ashoknagar Kalyangarh, Baduria, Bangaon, Baranagar, Barasat, Barrackpore, Basirhat, Bhatpara, Dum Dum, Gobardanga, Habra, Halisahar, Garulia, Kamarhati, Kanchrapara, Khardaha, Madhyamgram, Naihati, New Barrackpur, North Barrackpur, North Dumdum, Panihati, Rajarhat-Gopalpur, South Dumdum, Taki, Titagarh Bamangachhi, Bara Bamonia, Chandpur, Dhakuria, Dhanyakuria, Garshyamnagar, Guma, Ichhapur Defence Estate, Jafarpur, Jetia, Kaugachhi, Maslandapur, Muragachha, Nebadhai Duttapukur, Nokpul, Patulia, Raigachhi, Ruiya, Sadpur, Sonatikiri, Talbandha, Thakurnagar Barrackpur Cantonment
Paschim Bardhaman Asansol Asansol, Durgapur Jamuria, Kulti, Raniganj Amkula, Andal, Bahula, Ballavpur, Banshra, Baska, Belebathan, Bhanowara, Bilpahari, Chak Bankola, Chapui, Chelad, Chhora, Chittaranjan, Dalurband, Debipur, Dhandadihi, Dignala, Haripur, Harishpur, Hindusthan Cables Town, Jemari, Jemari (J.K. Nagar Township), Kajora, Kanksa, Kenda, Kendra Khottamdi, Khandra, Konardihi, Kunustara, Mahira, Mandarbani, Murgathaul, Nabgram, Palashban, Pangachhiya (B), Parashkol, Parasia, Prayagpur, Raghunathchak, Ramnagar, Ratibati, Sankarpur, Sarpi, Siduli, Sirsha, Ukhra --
Paschim Medinipur Medinipur -- Chandrakona, Ghatal, Kharagpur, Kharar, Kshirpai, Medinipur, Ramjibanpur Balichak, Deuli, Durllabhganj, Kharagpur Railway Settlement --
Purba Bardhaman Bardhaman -- Bardhaman, Dainhat, Guskara, Kalna, Katwa, Memari Dhatrigram, Gopinathpur, Hatsimla, Panuhat, Patuli, Srirampur, Sukdal, Uttar Goara --
Purba Medinipur Tamluk -- Contai, Egra, Haldia, Panskura, Tamluk Bahirgram, Dakshin Baguan, Goasafat, Kakdihi, Kolaghat --
Purulia Purulia -- Jhalda, Puruliya, Raghunathpur Adra, Arra, Balarampur, Barabazar, Chapari, Hijuli, Nabagram, Par Beliya, Santaldih --
South 24 Parganas Alipore -- Baruipur, Budge Budge, Diamond Harbour, Jaynagar Majilpur, Maheshtala, Pujali, Rajpur Sonarpur Abhirampur, Alipur, Amtala, Asuti, Baharu, Balarampur, Barkalikapur, Basanti, Benjanhari Acharial, Bhangar Raghunathpur, Bhasa, Bidyadharpur, Bilandapur, Birlapur, Bishnupur, Bora Gagangohalia, Bowali, Buita, Chak Alampur, Chak Baria, Chak Enayetnagar, Chak Kashipur, Champahati, Chanddandaha, Chata Kalikapur, Dakshin Raypur, Danga, Daulatpur, Ganye Gangadharpur, Garia, Gaur Daha, Gobindapur, Hanspukuria, Hariharpur, Kalikapur, Kalikapur Barasat, Kalua, Kanganbaria, Kanyanagar, Khodar Bazar, Komarhat, Kriparampur, Magrahat, Mallikpur, Maricha, Mathurapur, Nadabhanga, Nahazari, Naridana, Nimpith, Nischintapur, Panchghara, Patharberia, Petua, Poali, Radhanagar, Ramchandrapur, Ramchandrapur, Rameswarpur, Ramkrishnapur, Raynagar, Sahebpur, Salipur, Samali, Solgohalia, Tulshighata, Uttar Durgapur, Uttar Kalas, Uttar Raypur, Uttarparanij --
Uttar Dinajpur Raiganj -- Dalkhola, Islampur, Kaliaganj, Raiganj Kasba, Nachhratpur Katabari --

See also

List of cities in West Bengal by population

References
  1. 903 per sq. km. "India at a glance: Population Density". Census of India, 2001. Retrieved 13 December 2008.
  2. "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
  3. "List of Million Plus Cities of India". Census of India. Retrieved 14 October 2008.
  4. "HMC sets up 'Mayor's Cop' to monitor civic amenities". millenniumpost.in.
  5. Bally battles merger blues telegraphindia.com/
  6. Merge Bally, Howrah civic bodies: Mamata Banerjee timesofindia.com | 19 May 2015
  7. "HMC".
  8. "bmcwbgov.in".
  9. "Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation is to be formed".
  10. "Four new municipalities in West Bengal". Rabin Biswas. Retrieved 4 December 2010.
  11. http://www.north24parganas.nic.in. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  12. "Category, Year of Establishment, Area, SC, ST and total population in ULBs in West Bengal" (PDF). Department of Municipal affairs, Government of West Bengal. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 December 2009. Retrieved 9 November 2008.
  13. "All India Trinamool Congress". www.aitcofficial.org. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  14. https://www.citypopulation.de/India-WestBengal.html
  15. "Basic Statistics of Kolkata". Kolkata Municipal Corporation. Kolkata Municipal Corporation. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015.
  16. "District Census Handbook – Kolkata" (PDF). Census of India. The Registrar General & Census Commissioner. p. 43. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 October 2016. Retrieved 13 May 2016.
  17. "Kolkata Municipal Corporation Demographics". Census of India. Retrieved 3 June 2016.
  18. "HMC" (PDF).
  19. "Bally Municipality". Archived from the original on 2 April 2015.
  20. [Primary Census Abstract Data Tables – West Bengal – DDW_PCA1915_2011_MDDS with UI "Census 2011 Handbook of Howrah"] Check |url= value (help).
  21. "Bally 2011 census".
  22. http://m.sainthia.westbengalonline.in/city-guide/about-sainthia#
  23. "Baranagar Police Station". barrackporecitypolice.in. Retrieved 6 December 2019.
  24. "Welcome to www.baranagarmunicipality.org". Retrieved 6 December 2019.
  25. "2011 Census – Primary Census Abstract Data Tables". West Bengal – District-wise. Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 6 December 2019.
  26. "Baranagar Municipality - Right to Information Act". Baranagar Municipality. Retrieved 6 December 2019.
  27. "Initiative to declare cities along the bank of Hooghly as heritage cities". All India Trinamool Congress. 1 October 2015. Retrieved 6 December 2019.
  28. "List of Census Towns, West Bengal, 2001". Census of India, Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal. Retrieved 15 December 2008.
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