Dum Dum
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| Dum Dum | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Dum Dum |
| Settlement type | City |
| Pushpin label position | right |
| Coordinates | 22.62, N, 88.42, E |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | India |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | West Bengal |
| Subdivision type2 | District |
| Subdivision name2 | North 24 Parganas |
| Government type | Municipality |
| Governing body | Dum Dum Municipality |
| Elevation m | 11 |
| Population total | 114,786 |
| Population as of | 2011 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Demographics type1 | Languages |
| Timezone1 | IST |
| Utc offset1 | +5:30 |
| Postal code type | PIN |
| Postal code | 700028, 700074, 700080 |
| Area code type | Telephone code |
| Area code | +91 33 |
| Registration plate | WB |
| Website | http://dumdummunicipality.org/ |
Dum Dum. It is a city and a municipality within the North 24 Parganas district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Situated just north of Kolkata, it forms a vital part of the Kolkata metropolitan area and is historically significant for its military and industrial heritage. The city is globally recognized for the Dum Dum bullet and serves as a major transport hub, anchored by the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.
History
The area's modern significance began with the establishment of a British military cantonment in the late 18th century, which included a major Royal Artillery arsenal. This arsenal gained worldwide notoriety for producing the expanding Dum Dum bullet, first manufactured here in the 1890s and later banned by the Hague Convention of 1899. The region witnessed significant activity during the Indian independence movement and was later affected by the partition of Bengal (1947), absorbing a large number of refugees. Post-independence, it evolved from a cantonment town into a densely populated suburban center, with its governance formalized under the Dum Dum Municipality.
Geography
Dum Dum is located on the Ganges Delta, with an average elevation of approximately 11 meters above sea level. It is bordered by the neighborhoods of Baranagar to the south, Kolkata to the southwest, and Bidhannagar to the east. The city lies just north of the Bidyadhari River, and its terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the southern Bengal plains. It falls under the seismic zone-III classification in India and experiences a tropical wet-and-dry climate influenced by the Bay of Bengal.
Demographics
According to the 2011 Census of India, Dum Dum had a population of 114,786, with a population density of approximately 28,000 persons per square kilometer. The sex ratio was 923 females per 1000 males, and the literacy rate stood at 90.16%, higher than the national average. The majority of the population are Bengalis, with Bengali and Hindi being the primary languages spoken. A significant portion of the population are Hindus, with minorities including Muslims, Christians, and others.
Economy
The city's economy is diverse, with a strong base in small-scale manufacturing, trade, and services. Historically, its economy was centered on the military arsenal and associated industries. Today, it benefits from its proximity to Kolkata and the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, supporting sectors like logistics, retail, and hospitality. Several industrial estates and markets operate within the municipality, and many residents commute to Kolkata and New Town for employment in sectors such as information technology and education.
Transport
Dum Dum is a critical node in the region's transport network. It is served by the Dum Dum Junction railway station on the Kolkata Suburban Railway system, connecting it to Sealdah and other parts of West Bengal. The city is the namesake for the Dum Dum metro station, a terminal on the Kolkata Metro Line 1. Road connectivity is provided by B. C. Roy Road and Kolkata–Barasat Road. The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, located in the adjacent area, is the primary airport serving the Kolkata metropolitan area.
Culture
The cultural life of Dum Dum reflects its Bengali heritage, with festivals like Durga Puja and Kali Puja celebrated with great fervor. The city has several temples, including the historic Dakshineswar Kali Temple located nearby. It is also home to the Indian Air Force museum at the airport, showcasing aviation history. Cultural institutions and local clubs regularly host events related to Bengali literature, music, and theater, contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of the greater Kolkata region.
Category:Cities and towns in North 24 Parganas district Category:Kolkata metropolitan area