Quick Facts

Quick Facts

 General Information

• Location: Western Assam, India.
• Coordinates: 26.5°N latitude, 90.56°E longitude.
• State: Assam
• Region: Lower Assam
• District: Bongaigaon district (formed in 1989, carved out from Goalpara and Kokrajhar districts).
• Area: Approximately 1,093 square kilometers.
• Elevation: About 62 meters (203 feet) above sea level.
• River: Flows near the Brahmaputra River.

 Demographics

• Population: Around 139,650 (as per 2011 Census for the city).
• Major Languages: Assamese (official), Bengali, Hindi, Bodo, and English.
• Religions: Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism.

 History

• Historic Significance: Part of the ancient Kamrup kingdom and Koch dynasty territories.
• Modern Era: Developed rapidly after the 1980s due to industrialization, particularly oil refining.

 Economy

• Major Industries:
  • Bongaigaon Refinery (now part of Indian Oil Corporation) — a major oil refinery.
  • Petrochemical industries.
  • Agriculture and tea production in nearby areas.
• Key Crops: Paddy (rice), jute, mustard, and seasonal vegetables.

 Transport

• Railways:
  • Major station: New Bongaigaon Junction — second largest railway junction in Northeast India.
  • Well-connected to Guwahati, Kolkata, Delhi, and other parts of India.
• Roadways:
  • National Highways NH-17 and NH-31 pass through.
• Airways:
  • Nearest airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (in Guwahati, about 180 km away).
  • Upcoming Plan: Demand and proposals for a local airport in nearby areas.

 Tourism and Attractions

• Kakaijana Reserve Forest: Home to golden langurs and rich biodiversity.
• Bagheswari Temple: Ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Durga; located on a hilltop.
• Eco Park: Green retreat for locals and visitors.
• Jogighopa Caves: Ancient rock-cut caves near Jogighopa area.
• Manas National Park: UNESCO World Heritage site (nearby, about 90 km away).

 Education

• Important institutions:
  • Bongaigaon College
  • Birjhora Mahavidyalaya
  • Bongaigaon Polytechnic Institute
  • Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV Bongaigaon)
• Several good schools and coaching centers for competitive exams.

 Climate

• Type: Humid subtropical (Cwa - Köppen classification).
• Summer: Hot and humid (April to June).
• Monsoon: Heavy rainfall (June to September).
• Winter: Mild and pleasant (November to February).

 Culture and Festivals

• Celebrates all major Assamese festivals like:
  • Bihu (Rongali, Bhogali, and Kongali Bihu)
  • Durga Puja
  • Eid, Christmas, Chhath Puja, and local fairs.
• Blend of Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, and other cultures.
• Folk dances like Bihu dance are popular.

 Future Development

• Part of India's Smart Cities Mission (proposal stage).
• Infrastructure improvements like flyovers, improved roads, and urban development projects ongoing.