Bongaigaon

Bongaigaon, in western Assam, grew from a historic Duars–Goalpara belt into a major administrative and industrial centre. In the colonial period, much of the area lay within the old Goalpara region and included estates like Bijni and Sidli, with tracts of the Eastern Duars.

A big change came in the late 20th century: on 29 September 1989, the Government of Assam declared the creation of Bongaigaon district, with headquarters at Bongaigaon, by carving out areas mainly from Goalpara and Kokrajhar (including parts of the Bijni and Sidli estates and Eastern Duars tracts).

Alongside administration, Bongaigaon’s modern identity was shaped by infrastructure and industry. The New Bongaigaon rail hub developed after broad-gauge expansion in the 1960s, strengthening connectivity across Assam and towards North Bengal. Industrial growth accelerated with the setting up of Bongaigaon Refinery & Petrochemicals Limited (BRPL)—incorporated in 1974—which helped create an industrial township and jobs ecosystem around the refinery complex.

Later administrative reorganisation continued: in 2004, part of Bongaigaon district was separated to form Chirang district, giving Bongaigaon its present-day boundaries.