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Then: Founded in 1696, the city had the privilege of being the capital of the early British settlers. They marked their presence with Fort William, the first British fort in the city. Ancient trams trundled side by side with horse drawn buggies. Evening soirees provided cultural entertainment for the gentry and the brown sahibs. The city with the imposing palatial structures continued to grow in importance, size and population, till the British decided to shift their seat to Delhi. The large dimension of Kolkata is matched by its large heart, which still accords a warm welcome to any visitor.
Now: Kolkata’s image may have suffered a reversal due to several shortcomings; but this bustling metropolis boasts of India’s first underground transport system. The city has survived the odds, and progress is visible though not very rapid. Trade, commerce, and power driven industry share space with Information Technology related establishments. The sedentary attitude has given way to a vibrant atmosphere, where change is always happening.
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Housing: West Bengal, and in particular Kolkata, is perceived as a strategic location for global growth currently, and efforts are on to revamp this city and restore some of its former glory. The market is picking up, thanks to the arrival of new companies. There is an increased activity in the real estate front, and the development of up-market properties in residential and commercial sectors are receiving favourable responses.
- Upscale localities, such as Park Street, Camac Street, Dalhousie, and Chowringhee areas are witnessing a rush of new construction activity. High-rises are dotting the skyline and the demand for commercial property is very high. Residential apartments in prestige complexes are also overbooked.
- Salt Lake and Ballygunge are other areas that command astronomical rates and growth. Investment in property is expected to be on the higher side.
- Industries are re-emerging, while the IT industry and prominent brands are vying for space in the central and southern zones of the city.
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City Facts |
| Area |
1,380 sq. kms. (533 sq. miles) |
| State |
West Bengal |
| District |
Kolkata |
| Altitude |
13 metres (42 feet) |
| Location |
22o 34' 11" North, 88o 22' 11" East |
| Population |
14.5 million |
| Languages |
Bengali (predominant), English, Hindi |
| STD Code |
If calling from India: 033; If calling from outside India: 91-33 |
| Temperature |
Summer: 24o C to 36o C; Winter: 10o C to 27o C |
| Average Rainfall |
160 cms (63 inches) per annum |
| Clothing |
Cottons or light fabrics in summer. Light woollens in winter. |
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Kolkata is divided into:
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- Central:
Bowbazar, Dharmatolla, Entally, Park Street, Circus Avenue, Lala Lajpat Roy Sarani(Elgin), Fort William, Rajbhaban, Esplanade, Kalakar Street, Middleton Row, Princep Street, Chitta Ranjan Avenue, New Market.
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- North:
Kashipur, Bagbazar, Shyambazar, Hatkhola, Beadon Street, Burra Bazar, Raja Rammohan Ray Sarani, Bat Tala, Dum Dum, Ghughudanga(Dum Dum), Alambazar, Baranagar, Belgachia, Sree Bhumi, Nimta, Sinthi, Birati, Calcutta Airport, Bhawanipore, Bangur Avenue, Belgharia, Ariadaha, Kamarhati, Burtalla, Desbandhu Nagar, Rabindra Nagar, Motijheel(Nager Bazar), Dakhsineswar, Bediapara, Mall Road, Rajbari Colony, Nandan Nagar, Lake Town, Noapara.
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- South:
Ballygunge, Bhawanipore, Kalighat, Sarat Bose Road Lansdown, Dhakuria, Jadavpur University, Tollygunge, Behala, Regent Park, Paschim Putiari, Kasba, Lake Gardens, Govinda Khattik Road, Naktala, Jodhpur Park, Santoshpur, Haltu, Italgacha, Haridevpur, Garia, KG Bose Sarani, Bagha Jatin, Regent Estate, Purba Putiari, Panchasayar, Golf Green.
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- West:
Barisha, Hastings, Kidderpore, Gardenreach, Alipore, Sahapur, South Esatern Rly Road, Metiaburuz, New Alipore, Parnasreee Pally(Behala), Sarsuna, Thakurpukur, Brace Bridge(Taratala).
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- East:
Beliaghata, Narkeldanga, Tangra, Tiljala, Kakurgachi, Salt Lake, Bidhan Nagar, Ultadanga Main Road, Sech Bhabhan(Salt Lake).
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