Uttarpara


Uttarpara or Uttarpara Kotrung is a city and a municipality of Hooghly district in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is a part of the area covered by Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority. Uttarpara is located at, within 10 km from Kolkata, the capital of the state of West Bengal. It is located along the Ganges river, across from the Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Uttarpara is home to the Uttarpara Jayakrishna Public Library, Asia's oldest free public library.

Geography

Uttarpara is at the southernmost part of Hooghly district. It is separated from Bally, Howrah by Bally Canal. The old name of Uttarpara was "North Bally". A bridge was constructed in 1846 over Bally Canal to connect Uttarpara with Bally.

Demographics

As per 2011 Census of India Uttarpara had a total population of 159,147 of which 81,410 were males and 77,737 were females. Population below 6 years was 11,760. The total number of literates in Uttarpara Kotrung was 133,610.
India census, Uttarpara Kotrung had a population of 150,204. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Uttarpara Kotrung has an average literacy rate of 79%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 82% and female literacy is 76%. In Uttarpara Kotrung, 8% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Kolkata Urban Agglomeration

The following Municipalities and Census Towns in Hooghly district were part of Kolkata Urban Agglomeration in 2011 census: Bansberia, Hugli-Chinsurah, Bara Khejuria, Shankhanagar, Amodghata, Chak Bansberia, Naldanga, Kodalia, Kulihanda, Simla, Dharmapur, Bhadreswar, Champdani, Chandannagar, Baidyabati, Serampore, Rishra, Rishra, Bamunari, Dakshin Rajyadharpur, Nabagram Colony, Konnagar, Uttarpara Kotrung, Raghunathpur , Kanaipur and Keota.

Economy

Hindustan Motors

Uttarpara was home to India's first car factory, Hindustan Motors, which produced the legendary Ambassador cars. The plant was closed in 2014 when production of the Ambassador was scrapped.

Transport

/ Grand Trunk Road passes through Uttarpara.

Private Bus

is situated in the Howrah-Bardhaman main line. It is part of the Kolkata Suburban Railway system.

Culture

Uttarpara boasts of a rich cultural heritage. The town once boasted of sylvan peace, beautiful buildings, epitome of great architectural works and steeped in cultural heritage. Bengali poet Michael Madhusudan Dutt spent his last days in Uttarpara Joykrishna Library.

Education

Colleges

Uttarpara police station has jurisdiction over Uttarpa-Kotrung and Konnagar Municipal areas and parts of Sreerampur Uttarpara CD Block. The police station is under Chandannagar Police Commissionerate.

Notable people