Kalyani is a city and a municipality in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located around 50 kilometres (31 mi) from Kolkata the capital of West Bengal, forming the northern most boundary of Kolkata metropolitan area.[1] Kalyani is the administrative headquarters of Kalyani subdivision, a part of Nadia district. Situated on the banks of Hooghly River, the city is spread over an area of 29.14 square kilometres (11.25 sq mi). According to the 2011 census, Kalyani had a population of 100,620. During the World War II, Kalyani was site of an American Airbase, known by the name of Roosevelt Town or Roosevelt Nagar.[2] It was developed as a planned town in early 1950s by the Government of West Bengal on behest of Bidhan Chandra Roy - the second Chief Minister of West Bengal - for hosting the Indian National Congress meeting and to accommodate the housing needs of the growing population of Calcutta. Kalyani being a planned town, it is characterised by underground sewage system, paved roads forming rectangular grids, tree-lined avenues and community parks. Kalyani has a dedicated industrial zone including Andrew Yule and Company, Kalyani Breweries (UB Group), and Dabur, though many of the industries have closed or stopped production. It is an important center of education in West Bengal, with two universities (University of Kalyani and Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya), three engineering colleges, one medical college, and other institutes of higher education and research. Kalyani Stadium has emerged as an alternative location to Kolkata for holding numerous I-League football matches and other sporting events. The Bengal Cricket Academy and a stadium have been established by Cricket Association of Bengal in Kalyani for promotion and development of cricket.[3]
