# Dhule

Dhule is one of the largest cities in Maharashtra, and central region of India. The city located in the Dhule District in the northwestern part of Maharashtra state, India known as West Khandesh. Situated on the banks of the Panzara River, Dhule is the regional headquarters of MIDC, Forest, Taapi River Fedreshan, RTO, and MTDC.
The city is mainly known for the Hindu temple of Adishakti Ekvira and Swaminarayan Temple. Dhule is also one of the important places for Jain Religion for a number of Jain Temples and Dharamshala are in the city.
The city, with industrial areas, schools, hospitals, and residential areas, has communications and transport infrastructures. Dhule is largely emerging as one of the upcoming hubs of textile, edible oil, Information Technology, and power-loom across the state and has gained a strategic advantage for being on the junction of three National Highways viz. NH-3, NH-6, and NH-211 and on most anticipated Manmad – Indore Rail Project. Recently Ministry of Surface Transport has granted conversion of the surrounding 4 state highways to National Highway, after which Dhule would be one amongst very few cities in India being located on convergence of 7 National Highways. Conversion of NH-3 from four lanes to six lanes between Dhule and Nashik with modern facilities is under process.
Dhule city is also a part of Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project, as Node – 17, India's most ambitious infrastructure program, aiming to develop new industrial cities and converging next generation technologies across infrastructure sectors.
As a part of creating employment across smaller cities, Ministry of Electronics and IT has also given in-principle approval for setting BPO at Dhule.

## History

Until the beginning of the 19th century, Dhule was an insignificant village, subordinate to Laling, the capital of the Laling or Fatehabad Subdivision. Under the rule of the Nizam, Laling was incorporated with the District of Daulatabad. The town passed successively through the hands of the Arab kings, the Mughals, and the Nizam, and into the power of the Peshwas about 1795. In 1803, it was completely deserted by its inhabitants on account of the ravages of Holkar and the terrible famine of that year. In the following year, Balaji Balwant, a dependant of the Vinchurkar, to whom the parganas of Laling and Songir had been granted by the Peshwa, repeopled the town and received from the Vinchurkar, in return for his services, a grant of inam land and other privileges. He was subsequently entrusted with the entire management of the territory of Songir and Laling, and fixed his headquarters at Dhule, where he continued to exercise authority till the occupation of the country by the British in 1818. Dhule was immediately chosen as the headquarters of the newly formed District of Khandesh by Captain John Briggs. In British Raj Britishers call it Dhulia.In January 1819, he obtained sanction for building public offices for the transaction of revenue and judicial business. Artificers were brought from distant places, and the buildings were erected at a total cost of £2700. Every encouragement was offered to traders and others to settle in the new town. Building sites were granted rent-free in perpetuity, and advances were made both to the old inhabitants and strangers to enable them to erect substantial houses. At this time, Captain Briggs described Dhule as a small town, surrounded by garden cultivation, and shut in between an irrigation channel and the river. The town was located on the southern bank of the Panzara River with an area of about one square mile. In 1819, the population numbered only 2509 persons, living in 401 houses. In 1863, there were 10,000 inhabitants; while by 1872 the number had further increased to 12,489, with 2620 houses. From the date of its occupation by the British, the progress of Dhule had been steady. Towards the end of the 19th century the town had already become a significant trading center due to the trade in cotton and linseed. Coarse cotton, woolen cloths and turbans were manufactured for local use around this time. In 1872, Dhule was visited by a severe flood, which did much damage to houses and property.
The Dhulia aka Dhule civil hospital was established in 1825 by the British government.
Dhule was a cantonment town, and in year 1881 had two hospitals, telegraph and post offices. In 1873–74 there were four Government schools, with 551 pupils. Historically, the town has been divided into New and Old Dhule. In the latter, the houses were irregularly built, the majority being of a very humble description.

## Geography

Dhule is located at 20°54′N 74°47′E﻿ / ﻿20.9°N 74.78°E﻿ / 20.9; 74.78. It has an average elevation of 250 metres (787 feet). Dhule lies in the Khandesh region, which forms the northwest corner of the Deccan Plateau. Dhule City is a part of khandesh region.
The Dhule district is bordered in the west by the Gujarat State and in the north by Madhya Pradesh along with Nandurbar district, and in the south and east by Nashik district and Jalgaon District respectively. It is situated in a valley of the Tapi River along the banks of the Panzara River.
Subdivisions in Dhule city
* Devpur
* Mahindale
* Nakane Upnagar
* Walwadi Upnagar
* Mohadi Upnagar
* Nagavbari
* Nagaon
* Old Dhule
* Chittod
* Morane
* Anandkhede
* Varkhede
* Awadhan
* Raver
* Nyahlod
* Balapur-Fagne Upnagar
* Wadibhokar

### Climate

Climate data for Dhule :
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 29 (84) | 32 (90) | 36 (97) | 38 (100) | 39 (102) | 34 (93) | 30 (86) | 29 (84) | 30 (86) | 32 (90) | 30 (86) | 28 (82) | 32 (90) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 12 (54) | 14 (57) | 19 (66) | 22 (72) | 25 (77) | 24 (75) | 22 (72) | 21 (70) | 21 (70) | 19 (66) | 15 (59) | 12 (54) | 19 (66) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 33.33 (1.31) | 2.1 (0.08) | 3.3 (0.13) | 3.5 (0.14) | 4.4 (0.17) | 114.2 (4.50) | 115.6 (4.55) | 119.6 (4.71) | 121.6 (4.79) | 60.8 (2.39) | 10.7 (0.42) | 6.5 (0.26) | 595.63 (23.45) |
| Source: Dhule Weather ||||||||||||||
The climate of the district is on the whole dry except during the south-west monsoon season. The year may be divided into four seasons. The cold season from December to February is followed by the hot season from March to May. The south-west monsoon season which follows thereafter, lasts till September. October and November constitute the post-monsoon season.
The average annual rainfall in the district is 674.0 mm. The rainfall is heavier in the hilly regions of the Western Ghats mountain range and the Satpura ranges. From about the latter half of February, temperatures increase steadily till May which is the hottest part of the year with the mean daily maximum temperature at 40.7 degrees Celsius.
From November, both day and night temperatures drop rapidly till January which is the coldest month with the mean daily minimum at 16.2-degree Celsius. Except during the south-west monsoon season when the humidity is above 70 per cent, the air is rather dry over the district during the rest of the year.

## Demographics
#### Total Population (2011 Census)

* Total: 375,559
** Males: 193,446
** Females: 182,113
* Sex Ratio: 941 females per 1,000 males
* Child Population (0-6 years): 44,836
** Child Sex Ratio: 886 females per 1,000 males

#### Literacy Rate

* Overall: 87.86%
** Male Literacy: 91.24%
** Female Literacy: 84.30%
* Total Literates: 290,569

#### Religious Composition

Religions in Dhule city (2011) :
| Religion | Religion | Percent | Percent |
| Hinduism | Hinduism | 64.52% | 64.52% |
| Islam | Islam | 31.58% | 31.58% |
| Jainism | Jainism | 1.60% | 1.60% |
| Buddhism | Buddhism | 1.31% | 1.31% |
| Other or not stated | Other or not stated | 0.99% | 0.99% |
| Religion | Percentage | Population (2011) |
| Hinduism | 64.52% | 242,299 |
| Islam | 31.58% | 118,618 |
| Jainism | 1.60% | 5,994 |
| Buddhism | 1.31% | 4,924 |
| Christianity | 0.32% | 1,200 |
| Sikhism | 0.23% | 854 |
| Other/Not Stated | 0.44% | 1,670 |
* Marathi (70.5%)
* Ahirani (A Khandeshi Dialect of Marathi) (10.2%)
* Hindi (9.5%)
* Urdu (7.4%)
* Gujarati & Other Languages (2.07%)

#### Language Demographics

* Marathi (Official & Majority Language): 70.5%
* Ahirani (A Khandeshi Dialect of Marathi): 10.2%
* Hindi: 9.5%
* Urdu: 7.4%
* Gujarati & Other Languages: 2.4%
These figures are based on the 2011 Census of India. The official 2021 Census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and updated figures will be available after the next census.

## Education

Dhule has several reputed institutions offering education in engineering, medical, and other fields.

#### Engineering Colleges:

* S.S.V.P.S's Bapusaheb Shivajirao Deore College of Engineering – Affiliated with North Maharashtra University, offers various undergraduate and postgraduate engineering programs.
* SES College of Engineering – Provides technical education in multiple engineering disciplines.
* NMIMS Global University (Dhule Campus) – A branch of the renowned NMIMS University, offering business and management programs along with engineering and technical courses.

#### Medical Colleges:

* Shri Bhausaheb Hire Government Medical College, Dhule – One of the prominent government medical colleges in Maharashtra, providing MBBS and postgraduate medical programs.
Apart from these, Dhule also has several other institutions offering education in pharmacy, management, law, and arts & sciences.
Schools
Dhule has a variety of schools, including government, private, and international institutions. Some of the prominent schools in the city include:
* Kendriya Vidyalaya, Dhule – A CBSE-affiliated school offering education from Class I to XII.
* Chavara Public School, Walwadi – A CBSE-affiliated co-educational school.
* Podar International School – Follows a CBSE curriculum and is well known for quality education.
* New City High School, Dhule – A reputed school in the city.
* Jai Hind High School – One of the established schools in Dhule.
* Pashchim Bhagini Kanya High School – A school focusing on girls' education.
* Mahajan High School, Dhule – Another well-known institution in the city.
* Systel English Medium School, Deopur – A recognized English medium school.
Dhule has a mix of CBSE, Maharashtra State Board, and other curriculum-based schools, offering education from preschool to senior secondary levels

## Government Hospital

Shri Bhausaheb Hire Government Medical College (SBHGMC), Dhule, was established in 1989. Initially, it shared its hospital with the District Civil Hospital, but due to conflicts between the staff of the respective departments, the Department of Medical Education decided to establish a separate facility. In 2016, the medical college hospital was relocated to a newly built campus at Chakkar Bardi, around 8 km from the city along NH-6. This new facility has a total capacity of 500 beds and state-of-the-art medical infrastructure​
A new Civil Hospital with a proposed capacity of 200–250 beds is planned at the old location in the city. To improve accessibility, MSRTC has resumed city bus services between the Central Bus Stand and Chakkar Bardi​.
SBHGMC offers MBBS and various postgraduate courses, including MD, MS, and diploma programs. Admissions are based on NEET-UG for MBBS and NEET-PG for postgraduate courses. The college is affiliated with the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences and recognized by the Medical Council of India.

## Industries and Economy of the City

Dhule is known for its high-quality dairy production, particularly milk and ghee, and has a strong presence in agro-based industries. The district is also a leader in renewable energy, with significant wind and solar power projects.
In Sakri Taluka, the Sakri Solar Power Project is the largest solar energy project in Maharashtra. Developed by Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL), this 50 MW plant is part of a larger 125 MW initiative. It has been operational for nearly a decade and has contributed significantly to non-conventional energy production in the region.
Dhule is also home to one of Asia's largest wind power projects, operated by Suzlon Energy near Chhadvel Korde and Nijampur villages. This project plays a crucial role in India's push toward sustainable energy sources.
Additionally, Dondaicha in Shindkheda Taluka is a major hub for chili production and trade. The region also has a starch factory and several cottage industries, including beedi rolling, pottery, brick making, sari weaving, and oil extraction from groundnut and sesame.
Furthermore, Dhule's strategic location along the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) has led to significant industrial growth. Safexpress, India's leading logistics company, has established its largest logistics park on National Highway No. 6, enhancing the city's role as a key transport and trade hub.

### Reasons for Selecting Dhule-Nardana Investment Region (DNIR)

* Strategic Location
** DNIR is situated at the intersection of three major National Highways: NH-6, NH-3, and NH-211, providing seamless connectivity to ports and hinterland areas.
* Industrial Potential
** The region has an abundant supply of raw materials and human resources, making it ideal for textile manufacturing and other industries.
** Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has earmarked 400.35 hectares for industrial growth.
* Transportation and Logistics
** Dhule Airport is located near the investment region, enhancing air connectivity for industries.
** Safexpress Logistics Park, India's largest, is already operational in Dhule, boosting the region’s trade and transport capabilities.
* Water Resources
** The Tapi River basin serves as a major water source, ensuring reliable water supply for industries and agriculture.
** A dedicated 4.50 MLD (million liters per day) water supply scheme has been implemented.
* Government Support
** DNIR is part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), a key infrastructure initiative aimed at boosting industrialization and employment in the region.
** The Maharashtra government has invested in roads, street lighting, and industrial infrastructure to support growth​​.

### Snapshot of Existing Dhule MIDC & Nardana Growth Centre
#### 1) Dhule Industrial Area (MIDC)

* Total Area: 400.35 hectares (278.08 hectares acquired by MIDC).
* Infrastructure: Roads, streetlights, and water supply pipelines are already in place.
* Water Supply:
** A dedicated earthen dam on Motinala provides water.
** A water supply scheme with a 4.50 MLD capacity is operational (current usage: 2.20 MLD).
* Industrial Plots: Allotment rate is ₹100 per sqm.
* Expansion Plans:
** Phase-II expansion is proposed in Raver (outskirts of Dhule) covering 643 hectares (~1600 acres), under consideration by the state government.
** The proposed Manmad-Dhule-Indore railway line (part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor - DMIC) is expected to boost industrial growth.

#### 2) Nardana Growth Centre (MIDC)

* Total Area: 750.09 hectares (648.56 hectares acquired).
* Infrastructure:
** Roads: 7.22 km of WBM roads (2.10 km asphalting completed).
** Water: Permanent supply from Tapi River; a 6 MLD treatment plant in place.
* Industrial Plots: Allotment rate is ₹50 per sqm.
* Companies Present: Includes Nandkrishna Chemicals, Shreeji Wire Industries, and Bedmutha Industries.
* Expansion Plans:
** A textile park (648 hectares) is being set up under DMIC, 30 km from Dhule City.
** Phase 2 Development: 431.09 hectares planned with 132 industrial plots, focusing on textiles, electronics, and agro-based industries​​.

## Subdivisions in Dhule Taluka

Dhule Taluka is divided into multiple subdivisions, covering both urban and rural areas:

#### Urban Subdivisions (Dhule City)

* East Dhule City – Covers the old city area.
* West Dhule City – Includes Walwadi and Devpur areas.
* Central Dhule – The municipality and main administrative region.
* South Dhule City – Covers Mohadi and surrounding localities.
* North Dhule City – Encompasses Nagavbari and adjacent areas.

#### Rural Subdivisions (Dhule Taluka)

* Songir – Located in North Dhule Taluka, historically significant.
* Fagne – Situated in South-East Dhule Taluka, near NH-6.
* Kusumbe – Covers the western part of Dhule Taluka.
* Kapadane – Located in the eastern region of Dhule Taluka.
* Aarvi – Lies in South-West Dhule Taluka.

## Transportation
### Rail Transport in Dhule

Dhule is connected to the Indian Railways network primarily through Dhule Terminus (DHI), which operates under the Central Railway Zone. The city has rail connectivity to Chalisgaon Junction, a major railway hub on the Mumbai-Bhusawal railway line.

#### Existing Rail Connectivity

* Dhule – Chalisgaon Passenger: Operates four times a day between Dhule and Chalisgaon Junction.
* Dhule – Mumbai CSMT Train Services: Regular train services connect Dhule with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai.
* Dhule City Railway Stations:
** Dhule Terminus (DHI) – The main railway station.

#### Proposed Railway Development

* Manmad – Indore Railway Line: Dhule is an important station on this proposed railway corridor, which aims to enhance connectivity between Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
* Expansion Plans: Future proposals aim to upgrade Dhule’s rail connectivity to facilitate industrial and passenger transport.

### Road Transport in Dhule

Dhule is strategically located at the junction of three major National Highways—NH-3, NH-6, and NH-211. As part of the Asian Highway Network, segments of NH-3 and NH-6 passing through Dhule have been designated as Asian Highways AH47 and AH46, respectively.
To address increasing passenger demand and ease congestion at the Central Bus Stand, a secondary bus terminal was constructed in Deopur, which became fully operational on March 23, 2015. This terminal facilitates the operation of approximately 120 route buses daily.
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has also introduced four 25-seater mini-buses to improve connectivity between the Central Bus Stand and Deopur Bus Stand, covering routes such as Central Bus Stand to Nagav and Deopur Bus Stand to Laling.
Recognizing the city's expansion and growing population, Shri Annasaheb Misal (IAS), then Collector & District Magistrate of Dhule, along with Shri Rajendra Deore (MSRTC Dhule Depot Controller), launched city bus services in July 2016. The service currently operates on four major routes:
* Laling to Nagav
* Fagne to Morane
* Walwadi to Vadjai
* Central Bus Stand to Chakkar Bardi

### Air Transport in Dhule

Dhule Airport (IATA: DHL, ICAO: VA53) is situated in the Gondur area of Dhule, Maharashtra. Originally constructed in 1974 by the Public Works Department (PWD), the airport was later transferred to the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) in 2002. The airport primarily serves general aviation, pilot training, and emergency services, with future expansion plans aimed at enhancing connectivity.

### Local Transport in Dhule

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) introduced city bus services in July 2016, operating on four primary routes:
* Laling to Nagav
* Fagne to Morane
* Walwadi to Vadjai
* CBS (Central Bus Stand) to Chakkar Bardi
In 2024, the city bus service was transferred to the municipal corporation, which now operates electric buses (e-buses) for eco-friendly and efficient urban transport. A City Bus Port has been established at Mohadi to manage and facilitate these services, improving connectivity within Dhule and its suburbs.

## Notable people
### Politics & Administration

* Anup Agrawal – MLA (BJP), elected from Dhule City in 2024.
* Anil Anna Gote – Former MLA (BJP), twice elected from Dhule City.
* Subhash Bhamre – Former Union Minister of State for Defence, renowned oncologist.
* Jayakumar Jitendrasinh Rawal – Former Minister of Tourism & Employment Guarantee Scheme, Government of Maharashtra.

### Arts & Entertainment

* Sayali Sanjeev Chandsarkar – Marathi TV and film actress.
* Pallavi Patil – Marathi film actress.
* Lalit Prabhakar – Marathi film actor.
* Smita Patil – Legendary Bollywood actress.
* Mrunal Thakur – Bollywood actress.

### Academics & Literature

* Vishwanath Kashinath Rajwade – Historian, scholar, writer, commentator, and orator.

### Business & Law

* Manoj Badale – Co-owner of Rajasthan Royals (IPL team).
* Harish Salve – Former Solicitor General of India, senior lawyer.

### Arts & Sculpture

* Ram V. Sutar – Sculptor, designer of the Statue of Unity.

### Freedom Fighters

* Yashvantrao Sakharam Desale – Freedom fighter and politician.