Quick Facts

Quick Facts

General Information

• Location: Raiganj is located in the Uttar Dinajpur district, West Bengal, India.
• Geography: Lies on the banks of the Kuladabari River, a tributary of the Mahananda River.
• Coordinates: Around 25.62°N 88.13°E.
• Elevation: About 40 meters (131 feet) above sea level.
• Significance: Raiganj is the district headquarters of Uttar Dinajpur.

History

• Ancient Origins:
  • Historically part of the Pundravardhana region (an ancient kingdom mentioned in texts).
• Medieval Era:
  • Developed as a market town and administrative center during medieval times.
• British Period:
  • Raiganj expanded during British rule as an important stop along trade routes between Bengal and Bihar.
• District Formation:
  • Uttar Dinajpur district was carved out of West Dinajpur district in 1992, with Raiganj as the district capital.

Economy

• Agriculture-Based:
  • Majority of the economy is based on agriculture: rice, jute, potatoes, maize, and vegetables are major crops.
• Market Center:
  • Acts as a regional market hub for agricultural goods.
• Emerging Sectors:
  • Small-scale industries like rice mills, oil mills, and handicrafts.
• Services Sector:
  • Banking, education, health care, and small retail businesses are growing.
• Tourism:
  • Slowly developing due to attractions like the Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary.

Transportation

• By Rail:
  • Raiganj Railway Station connects to important nearby towns like Malda, Katihar, Siliguri, and Kolkata.
  • Part of the Howrah–New Jalpaiguri rail route.
• By Road:
  • Connected by NH 12 (formerly NH 34), one of the key highways of Bengal.
  • Buses and private taxis run regularly to Siliguri, Malda, Kolkata, and other places