# Dhule

Dhule (धुळे), one of the largest cities in Maharashtra and central India, is located in the northwestern part of the state, within the Dhule District (धुळे जिल्हा), also known as West Khandesh (पश्चिम खानदेश). Situated along the banks of the Panzara River (पांझरा नदी), Dhule serves as the regional headquarters for MIDC, the Forest Department, the Tapi River Federation, RTO, and MTDC.
Dhule is home to the Adishakti Ekvira Devi Temple, an important Hindu pilgrimage site in the city​. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is another significant religious landmark located in Dhule. Additionally, Dhule has a notable presence of Jain temples. Some of the prominent Jain religious sites include the Sheetalnath Jain Mandir and the Godiji Parshwanath Jain Temple, both of which attract Jain devotees​.
Dhule, a rapidly developing city, features well-established industrial zones, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and residential areas. The city is emerging as a key hub for textiles, power looms, edible oil production, and Information Technology in Maharashtra. Its strategic location at the intersection of three major National Highways—NH-3 (Mumbai–Agra), NH-6 (Surat–Kolkata), and NH-211 (Solapur–Dhule) has significantly contributed to its economic growth. Additionally, the Manmad–Indore rail project is expected to further enhance its connectivity​.To strengthen transportation infrastructure, the Ministry of Surface Transport has approved the conversion of four state highways into National Highways, making Dhule one of the few cities in India to be positioned at the junction of seven National Highways. Furthermore, the NH-3 highway expansion project, which aims to upgrade it from four lanes to six lanes between Dhule and Nashik, is currently underway, integrating modern facilities to improve connectivity and trade​.
Dhule is part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) Project as Node-17, a key component of India’s ambitious infrastructure initiative aimed at developing new industrial cities and integrating next-generation technologies across various infrastructure sectors​
Additionally, as part of the government's effort to promote employment in smaller cities, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has granted in-principle approval for establishing a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) unit in Dhule to boost job opportunities in the region​.

## History

Until the early 19th century, Dhule was a small, unremarkable village under the jurisdiction of Laling, the capital of the Laling (Fatehabad) Subdivision. During the rule of the Nizam, Laling was incorporated into the District of Daulatabad. Over the centuries, the region changed hands multiple times, passing through the control of Arab rulers, the Mughals, the Nizam, and the Peshwas. In 1795, it came under the rule of the Peshwas.
In 1803, the town was abandoned due to Holkar’s invasions and a severe famine. However, in 1804, Balaji Balwant, an associate of the Vinchurkar, repopulated Dhule and was rewarded with inam (land grants) and administrative privileges. He later took charge of managing the Songir and Laling territories, establishing Dhule as his administrative center until the British annexed the region in 1818.
Under British rule, Captain John Briggs selected Dhule as the headquarters of the newly formed Khandesh District. The British referred to the town as Dhulia. In 1819, Captain Briggs initiated urban planning, commissioning public offices for revenue and judicial administration at a cost of £2700. Skilled artisans were brought from various places, and settlers—both local and from other regions—were incentivized to build homes through land grants and financial aid.
At this time, Dhule was a small settlement of one square mile, located on the southern bank of the Panzara River, enclosed between an irrigation channel and cultivated gardens. The 1819 census recorded a population of 2,509 people in 401 houses. By 1863, the population had grown to 10,000, and by 1872, it had further increased to 12,489, with 2,620 houses.
Dhule's steady growth during British rule was driven by its role as a trading center, especially in cotton and linseed. During the late 19th century, the town became known for coarse cotton and woolen cloth production, along with locally made turbans. In 1872, a severe flood caused significant damage to homes and property.
The Dhule Civil Hospital (Dhulia Civil Hospital) was established in 1825 by the British government. By 1881, Dhule was a cantonment town with two hospitals, telegraph and post offices. In 1873–74, the city had four government schools with 551 students. Historically, Dhule was divided into Old and New Dhule. The old part of the town had irregularly built houses, many of which were modest in nature.
Dhule is recognized as one of the best-planned cities in India, with its layout designed by Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, a renowned Indian engineer and statesman. The city's urban planning incorporated a well-structured road network, residential zones, and commercial hubs, which contributed to its development as a significant industrial and economic center in Maharashtra.

## Geography

Dhule is located at 20°54′N latitude and 74°47′E longitude (20°54′N 74°47′E﻿ / ﻿20.9°N 74.78°E﻿ / 20.9; 74.78.) and has an average elevation of 250 meters (787 feet) above sea level. The city is part of the Khandesh region, situated in the northwestern corner of the Deccan Plateau.
Dhule district shares its western border with the state of Gujarat, while its northern boundary adjoins Madhya Pradesh and Nandurbar district. To the south and east, it is bordered by Nashik district and Jalgaon district, respectively. The city lies in a valley formed by the Tapi River, with the Panzara River flowing through it, contributing to its agricultural and economic significance.
Dhule city is divided into several subdivisions and localities, which include both urban and suburban areas. These subdivisions contribute to the city's residential, industrial, and commercial growth. The key subdivisions in Dhule are:
* Devpur
* Mahindale
* Nakane Upnagar
* Walwadi Upnagar
* Mohadi Upnagar
* Nagavbari
* Nagaon
* Old Dhule
* Chittod
* Morane
* Anandkhede
* Varkhede
* Awadhan
* Raver
* Nyahlod
* Balapur-Fagne Upnagar
* Wadibhokar
These areas include residential neighborhoods, industrial zones, and commercial hubs that play a crucial role in Dhule’s urban expansion. Some suburban localities, such as Walwadi and Mohadi Upnagar, have seen rapid development due to industrial and infrastructural projects. Dhule's strategic location along major highways and upcoming projects has further fueled the growth of these subdivisions.

### 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 ||||||||||||||
Dhule has a predominantly dry climate, except during the south-west monsoon season. The four seasons experienced in the district are:
* Winter (December - February): The coldest period, with temperatures dropping to an average minimum of 16.2°C.
* Summer (March - May): The hottest season, where the temperature gradually rises and reaches a mean daily maximum of 40.7°C in May.
* Monsoon (June - September): The primary rainy season, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall across the region.
* Post-monsoon (October - November): A transitional period with decreasing temperatures and humidity levels.

### Rainfall and Humidity

* The average annual rainfall in Dhule district is 674.0 mm.
* The hilly regions, including parts of the Western Ghats and the Satpura ranges, receive comparatively higher rainfall.
* Humidity levels remain above 70% during the monsoon, but for the rest of the year, the air is generally dry.

### Temperature Variations

* Summer: The temperatures rise steadily after February, peaking at 40.7°C in May.
* Winter: The coldest months are December and January, with temperatures dropping to 16.2°C.
* Post-monsoon: The transition from monsoon to winter sees a rapid decrease in both daytime and nighttime temperatures.
This climate pattern significantly influences agriculture, water resources, and local biodiversity in the region.

## Demographics

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% |
As of 2011 India census, Dhule had a population of 375,603. At the 2011 census, males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Dhule has an average literacy rate of 85%, higher than the national average of 74%: male literacy is 80% and, female literacy is 69%. 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.
* Marathi (54.04%)
* Urdu (28.32%)
* Hindi (6.01%)
* Khandeshi (4.07%)
* Marwari (2.07%)
* Sindhi (1.56%)
* Bhili (1.01%)
* Gujarati (0.98%)
* Others (1.94%)
At the time of the 2011 census, 54.04% of the population spoke Marathi, 28.32% Urdu, 6.01% Hindi, 4.07% Khandeshi, 2.07% Marwari, 1.56% Sindhi, 1.01% Bhili and 0.98% Gujarati as their first language.

## Education
### Colleges

* S.S.V.P.S's Bapusaheb Shivajirao Deore College of Engineering
* SES College of Engineering
* NMIMS Global University

### Medical colleges

* Shri Bhausaheb Hire Government Medical College, Dhule

## Government Hospital

Shri Bhausaheb Hire Government Medical College was founded in 1989. Earlier hospital of Medical College was sub-merged with that of District Civil Hospital. However, since it was leading to several conflicts amongst staff of respective departments, Department of Medical Education decided to venture out itself from District Civil Hospital and erected its new building with state of the art medical facilities at Chakkar Bardi area of the city; around 8 km away from city alongside NH-6 with total capacity of 500 beds and have shifted with effect from 14 March 2016.
At the old site in city, New Civil Hospital with a total capacity of 200 to 250 beds is proposed. MSRTC has resumed city-bus service connecting Central Bus Stand to Chakkar Bardi, so as to avoid any inconvenience to public.

## Industries and Economy of the City

Dhule is well known for purest 'milk and ghee' production, maximum cultivable land and production of groundnut, foremost in agro-based industries, leader in wind power generation.
In the Sakri Taluka there is the one of Asia's Largest Solar projects near Chhadvel Korde village.
Also there is Asia's largest Wind Mills Project run by Suzlon Company near Chhadvel Korde and Nijampur villages.
Dondaicha in Shindkheda taluka is famous for the chilly market. There is also a Starch factory here. Many cottage industries are operational in the district. Beedi rolling, pottery, brick making, knitting saris on handlooms, oil extraction from ground nut and sesame are few of them. Wood cutting units are operated at Dhule, Shirpur and Pimpalner.
Being centrally located on about to complete Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project (DMIC), Safexpress has established India's largest Logistics Park in the outskirts of Dhule City on National Highway No. 6.
As part of the successful development of the region under DMIC, there is a need to focus on ensuring the requisite irrigation infrastructure for ensuring availability of water throughout the year.
Reasons for selecting Dhule- Nardana Investment Region (DNIR):
* Being located close to the intersection of NH-6, NH-3 and NH-211, this region enjoys advantage of excellent connectivity to ports and hinterland.
* With abundant supply of raw materials and human resources, this region has wide potential for setting up of manufacturing units for textile products.
* Dhule Airport is also located close to the proposed region.
* This region is served by the major river basin formed by Tapi River
Keep apart proposed DNIR, snapshot of existing Dhule M.I.D.C. is as under:
1) Dhule Industrial Area:
M.I.D.C. has planned to develop an industrial area on 400.35 Hect. of land. About 278.08 Hect. of land has come into possession of MIDC. MIDC has provided all the basic infrastructure such as roads, street lights, water supply pipe lines in this area.
MIDC has constructed an earthen dam on Motinala to fulfill the requirement of water of the industrial area. MIDC has provided water supply scheme of 4.50 MLD capacity. Presently the consumption of the water is about 2.20 MLD. The rate of allotment of the industrial plot is Rs. 100.00 per sqm. The Association namely "Dhule Avdhan Manufacturers Association Avadhan, Dhule" has been established for the development of Industries in MIDC Dhule Industrial Area.
The expansion of existing MIDC has been proposed vide Phase- II in Raver area, situated in outskirts of the city, which is having an area of more than 1600 acres (643 hectares) and currently this proposal is under consideration of State Government.
Planned Manmad-Dhule-Indore Railway line have also been considered in the original proposal of DMIC (Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project), which will boost Industrial growth in and around city.
2) Nardana Central Government sponsored Growth Centre:
MIDC has planned to develop an industrial area on 750.09 Hect. of land. About 648.56 Hect. of land has come in possession of MIDC. The reservation of water for 4.38 MM3 per year has been granted by Irrigation Department. MIDC has provided the water supply scheme for this industrial area. This scheme includes Jackwell, 600 mm dia PSC raw water rising main (13.50 km.), 400 mm dia PSC pure water rising main (9.50 km.) water treatment plant of 6 MLD capacity & 1000 cum capacity ESR. Presently MIDC is developing phase I having land 480 Hect. MIDC has completed 7.22 km. WBM roads, out of which asphalting of 2.10 km road is completed. MIDC has also provided the water supply distribution pipelines. The rate of allotment of industrial plot is Rs. 50.00 per Sqm.
Under proposed DMIC, The Nardana Textile Park is being set up 30 km from Dhule City. The total area of the park will be approximately 648 hectares, on which 72 plots will be demarcated. The Dhule airstrip, just 30 km away from the industrial area, will provide accessibility to the park and facilitate a quick movement of material.

## Subdivisions in Dhule taluka

* East Dhule city (old Dhule city area)
* West Dhule City (Walwadi and Devpur area)
* Central Dhule (municipality area)
* South Dhule City (Mohadi area of city)
* North Dhule City (Nagavbari area of city)
* Songir (North Dhule Taluka)
* Fagne (South-East Dhule Taluka)
* kusumbe(West Dhule Taluka)
* Kapadane (East Dhule Taluka)
* Aarvi (South- West Dhule Taluka)

## Transportation
### Rail

There are regular trains from Dhule to CSMT Mumbai. Dhule Terminus (Station Code: DHI) is also connected to Chalisgaon Junction Railway Station under Central Railways. The Chalisgaon Dhule Passenger runs between the two stations four times a day. As well as Dhule is important station on proposed railway line from Manmaad to Indore. Dhule city has two stations - one is Dhule and New Dhule.

### Road

Dhule is one of the few cities in the Maharashtra State which is located on the junction of three National Highways, these being NH-3, NH-6 and NH-211. Through the Asian highway project, portions of NH3 and NH6 passing through Dhule have been converted into numbered Asian Highways AH47 & AH46 respectively.
Due to the heavy use of Central Bus Stand and traffic congestion within the city, one more bus stand has been built in Deopur, which became fully operational from 23 March 2015. From this stand, about 120 route buses are running on a daily basis. Central Bus Stand is connected to Deopur Bus Stand by four 25 seater mini-buses by Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). These buses run from Central Bus Stand to Nagav and from Deopur Bus Stand to Laling. Recognizing ongoing expansion of the city limits and the increased population, Shri Annasaheb Misal (IAS), The Collector & District Magistrate of Dhule and Shri Rajendra Deore (Dhule Depot Controller) of MSRTC started city-bus services in July 2016. This service is available on four different routes – Laling to Nagav, Fagne to Morane, Walwadi to Vadjai, and CBS to Chakkar Bardi.

### Air

Dhule Airport (IATA: DHL, ICAO: VA53) is located at Gondur area in Dhule, Maharashtra, India. This airstrip was constructed in 1974 by the Public Works Department and was transferred to the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) after its formation in 2002.

### Local Transport

MSRTC started city-bus services in July 2016. This service is available on four different routes – Laling to Nagav, Fagne to Morane, Walwadi to Vadjai, and CBS to Chakkar Bardi. City bus service handover to corporation in 2024, that running e-bus within city and suburbs. City bus port is established at Mohadi.

## Notable people

* Anup Agrawal – is an Indian politician and he is a Member of the Legislative Assembly, elected for the BJP from Dhule City in 2024.
* Anil Anna Gote – is an Indian politician and he was a Member of the Legislative Assembly, twice elected for the BJP from Dhule City.
* Subhash Bhamre – Ex. Union Minister of State (Defence), Renowned carcinologist
* Manoj Badale – Co-Owner of Rajasthan Royals, an Indian Premier League Team
* Sayali Sanjeev Chandsarkar – Marathi TV and film actress
* Yashvantrao Sakharam Desale – Freedom fighter and politician
* Pallavi Patil – Marathi film actress
* Lalit Prabhakar – Marathi film actor
* Smita Patil – Bollywood actress
* Vishwanath Kashinath Rajwade – Historian, scholar, writer, commentator, and, orator
* Jayakumar Jitendrasinh Rawal – Minister of Tourism and Employment Guarantee Scheme, Government of Maharashtra.
* Harish Salve – Former Solicitor General of India
* Ram V. Sutar – Sculptor Designer and Developer of Statue of Unity
* Mrunal Thakur – Bollywood Actress