Akola is located on the banks of the Morna River. Although it is not considered a common tourist destination, Akola is an important city due to its history, culture, politics, and agriculture. It also has a prominent road and rail junction in the Tapti River valley that functions as a commercial trading centre.
Akola is an important educational centre with several colleges affiliated with Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University. The city is developing into a market centre. The primary language spoken by the people of Akola is Marathi.
Etymology
The name "Akola" is believed to have originated from the Marathi word "Akol," which means "the end" or "the boundary." This term is thought to refer to the city's historical role as a boundary or administrative center in the region. According to local tradition, the city was named after Maharaja Akolsingh, who was an influential figure in the area.
The evolution of the name "Akola" reflects its historical and cultural significance in the Vidarbha region. The city's etymology encapsulates its role in regional governance and its geographical context as a prominent location in Maharashtra.[6][7]
A period of Muslim rule began when Alauddin Khalji, Sultan of Delhi, conquered the region in the early 14th century. The region was part of the Bahmani Sultanate, which broke away from the Delhi Sultanate in the middle of the 14th century. The Bahmani Sultanate itself broke up into smaller sultanates at the end of the 15th century, and in 1572 Berar became part of the Nizam Shahi sultanate, based at Ahmednagar. The Nizam Shahis ceded Berar to the Mughal Empire in 1595, and the Mughals ruled the Berar province during the 17th century. The Akola fort was heavily fortified during Mughal king Aurangzeb's rule.[9] As Mughal rule started to unravel at the start of the 18th century, Asif Jah I, Nizam of Hyderabad seized the southern provinces of the empire (including Berar) in 1724 to form an independent state.[10]
After India's independence in 1947 from the British Government, the newly formed country was divided into different states. The Congress's proposed linguistic provinces plan before the Independence of India had positioned Akola as the headquarters of the Berar region.[12][13]
Geography
Akola is located on the banks of the Morna River in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, India. It is situated approximately 580 km (360 mi) east of Mumbai and 250 km (160 mi) west of Nagpur. The city lies in the Tapti River valley, which contributes to its significance as a commercial and agricultural hub. Akola also serves as an important road and rail junction.
Climate
Akola experiences a tropical wet and dry climate, characterized by high temperatures and significant variations in rainfall throughout the year. The climate includes hot, dry summers, a monsoon season with substantial rainfall, and relatively mild winters.
The highest and lowest temperatures ever recorded were 47.8 °C and 2.2 °C, respectively.
Climate data for Akola (1991–2020, extremes 1901–2024)
Akola has been ranked 34th best “National Clean Air City” under (Category 2 3-10L Population cities) in India.[16]
Demographics
According to the 2011 Census of India,[17] Akola City had a population of 425,817 and an area of about 128 square kilometres (49 sq mi). After the city's municipal limits were extended in August 2016, the estimated population of Akola city is above 603,000. The population estimate for the Akola metropolitan area is currently not available. The most recent census, conducted in 2011, recorded a population of [last known census figure]. The scheduled 2021 census for Akola city was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Current estimates are based on historical growth rates.[18]
The local government of Akola is administered by the Akola Municipal Corporation, which operates under a Mayor-Council system. The Mayor, assisted by a Deputy Mayor, heads the corporation, with elections occurring every five years.[24] The corporation was established on 1 July 1967 and governs an area of approximately 124 km².[25]
The city's administrative functions are managed by a District Collector. As of the latest update, Ajit Kumbhar (IAS) serves in this role.[26] The Municipal Commissioner, currently Kavita Dwiwedi (IAS), is responsible for overseeing the executive functions of the Akola Municipal Corporation.[27] The Mayor, Archana Masne, oversees the implementation of policies and administrative functions within the Akola Municipal Corporation.[28]
Additionally, Akola has a range of local administrative services and multiple police stations operating under the jurisdiction of the Akola Police.[29]
Akola Police maintains eight police stations in the Akola city subdivision that cover the metropolitan area of the city.[30]
The government also approved the creation of a new Railway Police Akola subdivision that will include Akola, Wardha, and Badnera railway police units. The Akola Police subdivision falls under the Nagpur District of Railway.[31]
Transportation
Road
National Highway No. 6 passes through Akola.
Akola is well-connected by road with major cities and towns across Maharashtra and neighboring states. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) provides extensive intercity and interstate bus services from Akola, including routes to Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Amravati, Jalgaon, Aurangabad, Indore, and Hyderabad. Private bus operators also serve these routes, enhancing regional connectivity.
National Highway 6 (NH 6), which extends from Surat to Kolkata, passes through Akola, making it a key route for long-distance travel. Additionally, State Highways No. 68 and 69, as well as State Highway 204 and State Highway 200 (Akola–Amravati), support intra-state travel. NH-161, which starts in Akola, provides a connection to Telangana near Hyderabad, further integrating Akola into the regional transport network.[32][33]
Railway
Akola Junction
Akola is a major railway hub with the following stations serving the city:
Akola Junction railway station is a prominent junction on the Howrah-Nagpur-Mumbai line, part of the Central Railway zone of Indian Railways. It serves as a key transit point for travelers heading to major destinations such as Mumbai, Nagpur, and Pune. The station features facilities such as waiting rooms, ticket counters, and refreshment stalls. It also serves as a significant junction for trains connecting various parts of India.[34]
Akola railway station is another important station, catering to local and regional train services. This station, along with Akola Junction, supports the city's connectivity to surrounding regions and is essential for the local commuting network.[35]
Air
Shioni Airport Akola
Akola Airport (also known as Shioni Airport) (IATA: AKD, ICAO: VAAK) is the domestic airport serving Akola. Situated 304 metres (999 ft) above sea level, the airport was established by British authorities in the 1940s. It initially provided regular flights to Mumbai. However, the airport is currently non-functional, with its single runway measuring 4,600×145 feet.
The expansion and potential resumption of airport operations have been impeded by difficulties in acquiring land from the Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth university. As of now, the airport's infrastructure remains underutilized, and there are ongoing discussions regarding its future development.[36]
Akola is home to several prominent educational institutions catering to various fields of study. Notable among them are:
Agricultural University
Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Agricultural University
Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth: This agricultural university is a key educational and research institution in Akola, covering the eleven districts of Vidarbha. It plays a significant role in agricultural research and education in the region. For more information, visit PDKV Official Website.
College of Engineering & Technology, Akola (COETA): Known for its engineering programs and research facilities, COETA contributes significantly to technical education in the region. For further information, visit COETA Official Website.
College of Engineering & Technology, Akola
Manav Engineering College: An engineering college offering a range of technical programs and contributing to the region’s educational landscape. For more details, visit Manav Engineering College Official Website.
These institutions represent Akola's commitment to advancing education in agriculture, medicine, and engineering, reflecting the city's role as a center for academic and professional development in Maharashtra.
The Raj-Rajeshwar Temple in Akola is a significant Hindu temple known for its historical and architectural value. It attracts numerous devotees and tourists alike.
All Saints Church
This church is an 1873 British establishment. It has Christmas decorations.
The All Saints Church, established in 1873 during the British era, features beautiful Christmas decorations and serves as a major Christian place of worship in Akola.
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