The city of Nagpur, located in the centre of India, has often amazed tourists with traces of its rich history, pulsating culture, and unique attributes. Renowned for oranges, tigers, and pioneering initiatives, Nagpur is indeed one of the major cities in India for a number of reasons. So, here are some amazing facts because of which Nagpur can be rated as a destination to see.
1. The Orange City.
Nagpur has been famously known as the “Orange City” of India since it is a major trading centre for oranges. The city is surrounded by vast expanses of orange orchards that grow varieties that are exported both nationally and internationally. This fruitful production has even led to the creation of unique local delicacies like the Orange Barfi.
2. Double Diamond Railway Crossing
Nagpur has a rare “double diamond crossing” where two railway lines cross each other. The rare crossing falls in the Gondia line, one of the three major railway lines meeting at Nagpur Junction, forming an interesting vision for rail enthusiasts.
3. India’s Tiger Capital
Nagpur is also called the “Tiger Capital of India” because it acts as a gateway to most of the tiger projects in India. All over India, there are 39 tiger projects, out of which 13 are situated around Nagpur in the Vidarbha region. Therefore, many people interested in nature and wildlife photography find Nagpur a favourite destination.
4. National Fire Service College
Nagpur houses the National Fire Service College located in the historic Old Settlement Commissionate Building. This college came into existence around 60 years ago and happens to be an important training centre for fire services. A vast space has been provided for training exercises and demonstrations.
5. Zero Mile Marker Stone
Nagpur is geographically the centre of India, marked by a “Zero Mile Marker.” This historic stone was erected by the British to signify the middle of India, from where other cities’ distances were measured during the colonial period.
6. Leader in Electric Public Transportation.
To date, Nagpur has become the only city in the world to put into service an all-electric public transportation system with 200 e-vehicles, including cars, e-rickshaws, buses, and taxis, on its roads. This pioneering move toward eco-friendly transportation offers a “green ride” to visitors exploring the city.
7. Deekshabhoomi: The Largest Hollow Buddhist Stupa.
The Deekshabhoomi is the largest hollow stupa in Asia and symbolising social change and spiritual awakening in Nagpur. It was here that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, along with millions of followers, first adopted Buddhism in 1956, an event that turned this place into a historical and religious landmark.
8. Major Maintenance Hub: MRO Facility
Boeing has set up one of the biggest MRO outside Shanghai at Nagpur as part of the MIHAN project. This would be a vital facility for India’s aerospace maintenance industry and, in turn, enhance the position of Nagpur in the world of aviation.
9. An Important Centre for Air Traffic Control
Nagpur boasts of one of the busiest Air Traffic Control centres in India, handling more than 300 flights each day. It was the first in the world to be accorded ISO 27000 for air navigation services, hence placing it in the privileged position among global aviation cities.
10. An Important Reserve for Gold
One of the biggest gold reserves is deposited with the Nagpur branch of the Reserve Bank of India, including gold that dates back to pre-independence times. Therefore, Nagpur makes it a geographical centre as well as a critical financial hub.
11. First Textile Mill of India
The first fully integrated textile mill to be established in India, Central India Spinning and Weaving Company Limited, popularly known as “The Empress Mill”. This mill, which Jamshedji Tata started in 1877, was inaugurated on the very day Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India and formed an important milestone in the industrial history of the country.
12. The Aerospace Park
With the setup of Dhirubhai Ambani Aerospace Park in association with Dassault Aviation, Nagpur is poised to emerge as a key player in the global defence industry. The park happens to be the single largest FDI in Indian Defence and also shows the growing importance of Nagpur in Aerospace and Defence.
͏͏͏͏͏͏͏͏͏͏͏͏͏͏͏Conclusion
From history and culture to innovation and nature, Nagpur has it all to keep every visitor spellbound. Explore and discover Nagpur for its hidden treasures!
