Tiljala

It is a neighbourhood in Kolkata, bordered by E.M. Bypass in the east, Ballygunge Place in the west, Kasba in the south and Topsia in the north.

History

Originally a slum area, Tiljala was once known for abject living conditions and high crime rates. It has seen a recent real estate boom but urbanization hasn't kept pace with settlements. Scattered pockets of slums exist, illegal constructions are on the rise and the arterial roads still lack pavements.

The construction of the Bondel Gate flyover, bridging the Kolkata Suburban Railway (Sealdah South Section) between Picnic Garden Road and Bondel Road was completed in 2006 after a long legal wrangle over land dispute. The proposed widening of Picnic Garden Road and G. S. Bose Road is yet to take place.

Areas

Demographics

It housed one of the largest slums, mainly Muslim, in the city. In 1971, Hindu refugees from Bangladesh settled in colonies. At present, Tiljala is a melting pot with great ethnic diversity - there are Bengalis, Marwaris, Punjabis, Anglo-Indians, Nepalis, a number of communities from Bihar and the North-East and a few African nationals.