Quick Facts

Quick Facts

General Information

• Location: Haldia is located in the Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal, India.
• Geography: Situated near the confluence of the Haldi River and the Hooghly River, around 125 km southwest of Kolkata.
• Nickname: Often called "The Industrial Port City of West Bengal."
• Coordinates: Approximately 22.03°N 88.06°E.
• Elevation: Very low-lying — around 8–10 meters (26–33 feet) above sea level.

History

• Development: Planned and developed primarily in the 1960s as a major industrial and port city.
• Purpose: Intended to reduce pressure on the Port of Kolkata (then Calcutta) and serve as an alternative deep-water port.
• Strategic Importance: Its location made it ideal for maritime trade and petroleum industries.

Economy and Industry

• Port of Haldia:
  • One of the largest ports on India's eastern coast.
  • Handles mainly bulk cargo, especially petroleum, chemicals, and containers.
  • Managed by Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority (formerly Kolkata Port Trust).
• Major Industries:
  • Haldia Petrochemicals Limited (HPL): One of India's largest petrochemical companies.
  • Indian Oil Corporation (IOC): IOC’s Haldia refinery is a massive complex.
  • Exide Industries, Tata Chemicals, and others have significant operations.
  • Fertilizer, chemical, plastic, and oil industries dominate the economy.
• Special Economic Zone (SEZ):
  • The Haldia SEZ has attracted significant investment in manufacturing and trade.

Transportation

• By Road:
  • Connected by NH 41 and now by upgraded highways to Kolkata and Kharagpur.
• By Rail:
  • Haldia Railway Station connects to important routes, mainly through Panskura Junction.
• By Waterways:
  • Extensive river port facilities, ferry services are operational.
• By Air:
  • Nearest major airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (about 2.5 hours away).

Education

• Major Institutions:
  • Haldia Institute of Technology (HIT): Top engineering college in the region.
  • Haldia Government College.
  • Indian Maritime University (IMU), Haldia Campus: Specializes in maritime education.
• Focus: Engineering, technology, maritime studies, and management education are emphasized.

Culture and Attractions

• Popular Places:
  • Marine Drive Haldia: Scenic coastal road, good for picnics and views.
  • Haldia Dock Complex: Industrial area but a marvel of port engineering.
  • Mahishadal Rajbari: Nearby heritage palace.
  • Tamluk Rajbari: Ancient palace and archaeological site.
  • Balughata Riverside Sunset Point: Peaceful riverside spot.
• Festivals:
  • Durga Puja is the biggest celebration.
  • Kali Puja, Diwali, and local fairs are also popular.
• Haldia Utsav:
  • An annual cultural festival showcasing music, dance, and crafts.

Climate

• Type: Tropical wet and dry climate.
• Summer: Hot and humid (April–June); temperatures around 35–40°C.
• Monsoon: Heavy rainfall (June–September).
• Winter: Mild and pleasant (December–February); temperatures between 10–18°C.

Notable Points

• Planned City: Like Durgapur, Haldia was also developed with planned sectors, wide roads, green spaces, and organized industrial areas.
• Economic Gateway: Plays a huge role in the industrial logistics of Eastern India.
• Environmental Challenges: Being close to the river mouth, Haldia is prone to flooding and cyclones during monsoon seasons.

Interesting Facts

• Haldia is one of the cleanest industrial cities in India.
• The Haldia Petrochemicals complex is so large that it has its own mini-township inside!
• Haldia also has a strong Japanese connection – in the 1990s, Japanese firms started showing major interest here, and there were even plans for a "Japan Town" (though it didn't fully materialize).
• It’s one of the few cities where cargo ships can directly unload without needing lighter vessels.
• The river cruise services between Kolkata and Haldia are being promoted for tourism.