Badlapur

Badlapur (Pronunciation: [bədləpʊr]) is a city located in the Thane district of Maharashtra, India, and forms part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Situated along the banks of the Ulhas River, Badlapur is approximately 40 km from Thane and is governed by the Kulgaon-Badlapur Municipal Council. With an estimated population of around 245,000 in 2024, Badlapur has seen significant growth due to its strategic location and growing urbanization.
Badlapur serves as a key suburban hub within the region, with strong rail and road connectivity to Mumbai, Thane, and other parts of Maharashtra. It has also witnessed a steady increase in population, driven by affordability and infrastructure development. The city is known for its pleasant climate, proximity to natural attractions like the Matheran Hills, and its expanding residential and commercial real estate sectors.
As per the 2011 Census, Badlapur had a population of 174,226, comprising 90,365 males and 83,861 females. The population grew significantly by 77.88% from 2001 (97,948) and has continued to expand rapidly, primarily due to ongoing urban development and increased housing projects. The city’s population is estimated to have grown to approximately 245,000 by 2024.
Gender Ratio and Literacy Rate Badlapur has a sex ratio of 928 females for every 1,000 males, with a child sex ratio of 904 girls for every 1,000 boys. The literacy rate stands at an impressive 91.72%, with male literacy at 94.45% and female literacy at 88.80%. As of the 2011 Census, there were 143,480 literates in the city, of which 76,518 were males and 66,962 were females.
Total no. of Slums in Badlapur city numbers 2,349 in which population of 10,269 resides. This is around 5.89% of total population of Badlapur city.
The sex ratio of Badlapur city is 928 per 1000 males. Child sex ratio of girls is 904 per 1000 boys.
As of 2011 Census, In education section, total literates in Badlapur city are 143,480 of which 76,518 are males while 66,962 are females. Average literacy rate of Badlapur city is 91.72 percent of which male and female literacy was 94.45 and 88.80 percent.
The majority of Badlapur's population is young, with a large proportion in the 15-45 age group. This is reflective of the working-age population commuting to nearby urban and industrial areas.
As of 2011 Census, Hinduism is majority religion in Badlapur city with 141,124 (81.00%) followers. Buddhism is second most popular religion in Badlapur city with 21,034 (12.07%) following it. In Badlapur city, Islam is followed by 6,692 (3.84%), Christianity by 3,012 (1.73%), Jainism by 994 (0.57%) and Sikhism by 266 (0.15%). Around 80 (0.05%) stated 'Other Religion', approximately 1,024 (0.59%) stated 'No Particular Religion'.
Many residents of Badlapur are employed in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, and the city has a high percentage of daily commuters.
The local economy is also supported by small-scale industries, retail businesses, and service-based jobs, with an increasing trend in real estate development due to the suburban expansion of Mumbai.
Badlapur Jamun was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) status tag from the Geographical Indications Registry under the Union Government of India on 31 March 2024 (valid until 23 May 2032).
Jambhul Parisamvardhan and Samuday Vikas Charitable Trust headed by Aditya Gole from Badlapur proposed the GI registration of Badlapur Jamun with Five varieties of jamun from the Badlapur region were sent to the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre for quality testing at its Food Technology Department. After filing the application May 2022, the Jamun was granted the GI tag in 2024 by the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, making the name "Badlapur Jamun" exclusive to the Jamuns grown in the region. It thus became the 1st Jamun variety from India before Bahadol Jamun and the 47th type of goods from Maharashtra to earn the GI tag.
Marathi is the primary language spoken in Badlapur, followed by Hindi and English due to the multicultural population and proximity to Mumbai.
Urban-Rural Mix
Badlapur is urbanized, but it still retains some rural characteristics, especially in its outskirts. Residential and commercial development has been expanding, creating a more urbanized demographic in recent years.
Badlapur has been ranked 38th best “National Clean Air City” under (Category 2 3-10L Population cities) in India.
The Matheran Range starts at Haji Malang in the north-north-west, continues to Tavli in the north, and then runs south and finally terminates at Bhivpuri Road Hill. Strictly speaking, this range is not a part of the Sahyadris, but rather runs parallel to the Badlapur-Karjat railway line to its west. The Sahyadris proper run parallel to the same railway line, but to its east.