Barasat is the district headquarters of
North 24 Parganas District. Constituted a municipality in 1869, Barasat is one of the important centers for rice in
West Bengal. Many other industries dealing potatoes, coconuts, legumes, and sugarcane also flourish here. The city's rapid growth is traced to its proximity to the metropolitan city of
Kolkata, as well as to its splendid connectivity.
Amdanga and Deganga are taluk headquarters located near Barasat. Barasat has historical significance, as borne out by the historical landmarks such as the first Nilkuthi (establishments of the early English settlers who started the cultivation of indigo dye), the Bungalow of Lord Hastings, the Bungalows of Magistrates of 24 Parganas and the site of hanging of Maharaja Nandkumar.
The town has many reputed schools and colleges and other modern facilities.
Main attraction here is an annual fair held in honour of a Muslim saint. The fair attracts large number of devotees, Muslims and Hindus.
The National Highway 34 passes through Barasat. Barasat railway station and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport serve this area.
