Uttarpara or Uttarpara Kotrung is a city and a municipality of Hooghly district in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is a part of the area covered by Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA). Uttarpara is located at , within 10 km from Kolkata, the capital of the state of West Bengal. It is located along the Hooghly river, across from the Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Uttarpara is home to the Uttarpara Jayakrishna Public Library, Asia's oldest free public library. Geography Uttarpara is at the southernmost part of Hooghly district. It is separated from Bally, Howrah by Bally Canal (Bally Khal). The old name of Uttarpara was "North Bally". A bridge was constructed in 1846 over Bally Canal to connect Uttarpara with Bally. Demographics As per 2011 Census of India Uttarpara had a total population of 159,147 of which 81,410 (51%) were males and 77,737 (49%) were females. Population below 6 years was 11,760. The total number of literates in Uttarpara Kotrung was 133,610 (90.65% of the population over 6 years). India census, Uttarpara Kotrung had a population of 150,204. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Uttarpara Kotrung has an average literacy rate of 79%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 82% and female literacy is 76%. In Uttarpara Kotrung, 8% of the population is under 6 years of age. Kolkata Urban Agglomeration The following Municipalities and Census Towns in Hooghly district were part of Kolkata Urban Agglomeration in 2011 census: Bansberia (M), Hugli-Chinsurah (M), Bara Khejuria (Out Growth), Shankhanagar (CT), Amodghata (CT), Chak Bansberia (CT), Naldanga (CT), Kodalia (CT), Kulihanda (CT), Simla (CT), Dharmapur (CT), Bhadreswar (M), Champdani (M), Chandannagar (M Corp.), Baidyabati (M), Serampore (M), Rishra (M), Rishra (CT), Bamunari (CT), Dakshin Rajyadharpur (CT), Nabagram Colony (CT), Konnagar (M), Uttarpara Kotrung (M), Raghunathpur (PS-Dankuni) (M), Kanaipur (CT) and Keota (CT). Economy Hindustan Motors Uttarpara was home to India's first car factory, Hindustan Motors, which produced the legendary Ambassador cars. The plant was closed in 2014 when production of the Ambassador was scrapped. Titagarh Wagons Titagarh Wagons is considered one of the leading wagon manufacturer in India. After the acquisition of sick Italy-based Firema Trasporti, the company encouraged the modernisation of its coach making plant at Uttarpara, which in present scenario is capable of producing ultra-modern India-made aluminum metro coaches. Hiranandani Group The Hiranandani Group entered into an MoU in the state of