Jamalpur, Bihar City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city.
Jamalpur, Bihar
Jamalpur is a historic railway town in the Munger district of Bihar, known for its Jamalpur Locomotive Workshop, one of the oldest and largest railway workshops in India. It has a rich British-era heritage, a strong railway-based economy, and is surrounded by hills, rivers, and lush greenery.
1. Location & Geography
- Situated in eastern Bihar, about 8 km from Munger and 150 km from Patna.
- Lies near the Ganges River, with hilly terrain surrounding it.
- Has a moderate climate, with hot summers, pleasant winters, and monsoon rains.
2. Economy & Industries
- Railway Industry:
- Home to the Jamalpur Locomotive Workshop (est. 1862), one of the largest railway workshops in Asia.
- The Railway Engineering Training Institute (IRIMEE) trains railway engineers here.
- Small-Scale Industries:
- Presence of iron and steel workshops, machine parts, and small engineering units.
- Trade & Commerce:
- Local markets trade in textiles, agricultural products, and household goods.
3. Education & Institutions
- Indian Railways Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (IRIMEE)
- One of the oldest technical institutions in India, training railway officers.
- TNB College, Bhagalpur (nearby)
- Several government and private schools affiliated with CBSE and BSEB.
4. Tourist & Cultural Attractions
- Jamalpur Gymkhana Club (British-era Club):
- Established in 1864, one of the oldest clubs in India.
- Kali Pahadi & Hills Around Jamalpur:
- Popular for trekking, scenic views, and local tourism.
- Munger Fort (8 km away):
- A historic fort with Mughal and British influence.
- Bari Durga Temple:
- A famous Hindu temple, attracting pilgrims from nearby regions.
5. Connectivity & Transport
- By Road:
- Well-connected via NH-80 to Munger, Bhagalpur, and Patna.
- Frequent Bihar State Road Transport (BSRTC) buses.
- By Rail:
- Jamalpur Junction (JMP) is a major railway station on the Howrah-Patna-Mughalsarai route.
- By Air:
- The nearest airport is Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, Patna (160 km away).
6. Lifestyle & Development
- British-era colonial buildings and railway quarters give the town a historic charm.
- Urbanization is growing, with modern schools, markets, and hospitals.
- Upcoming projects for railway expansion and industrial development.