Andal, Bardhaman

Andal (অন্ডাল) is a census town and police station in Durgapur subdivision of Bardhaman district in the Indian state of West Bengal.

Geography

Andal is located at . It has an average elevation of 76 metres (249 feet).

The Asansol-Durgapur region is composed of undulating latterite soil. This area lies between two mighty rivers – the Damodar and the Ajay. They flow almost parallel to each other in the region – the average distance between the two rivers is around 30 km. For ages the area was heavily forested and infested with plunderers and marauders. The discovery of coal led to industrialisation of the area and most of the forests have been cleared.

Singaran, a small stream about 35 km long has its origin near Ikra in the Jamuria area, flows past Topsi and Andal and joins the Damodar near Waria.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Andal had a population of 19,504. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Andal has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 81%, and female literacy is 68%. In Andal, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Transport

Road

Andal is on the Grand Trunk Road or NH2, now part of the Golden Quadrilateral. It is easily approachable from all other cities and towns in the region.

Rail

It is on the Howrah-Delhi track and is linked with Sainthia through a branch line.

Asansol division of Eastern Railway has the largest goods yard at Andal. The marshalling of wagons is done by a hump yard fitted with mechanical retarders.

New airport

The Union Civil Aviation Ministry and the West Bengal Government announced on 7 September 2007 plans to set up a new airport — along with a township, IT and logistics hub — at Andal.In the area both Burnpur and Durgapur have airstrips for the landing of small planes. The airfield at Panagarh is under Indian Air Force.

Politics

In the 1957 General Elections, Ondal was a dual constituency. While Ananda Gopal Mukherjee of INC won the open seat, Dwajadhari Mondal of INC won the seat reserved for Scheduled Castes. For election results in other years for the area see Ausgram and Durgapur

Education

Andal has seven primary, three secondary and one higher secondary schools.

External links

Andal have now 2 higher secondary schools.

Business

Saini Transporters: This is the home for Saini Transporters headquarters which is lead by Sr. Darshan Singh Saini. Saini Transporters are one of the leading transport companies in eastern India with more than 200 employees. Besides, having branches in various parts of Bihar and West Bengal, this company also owns the biggest truck service garage in Andal (Ondal).