Chhapra (ISO: Chaparā) is a city and headquarters of the Saran District in the Indian state of Bihar. It is situated near the junction of the Ghaghara River and the Ganges River. Chhapra grew in importance as a river-based market in the 18th century when the Dutch, French, Portuguese, and English established saltpeter refineries in the area. It was recognised as a municipality in 1864. The major railway station is Chhapra Junction. There is a well known Shaktipeeth temple in Chhapra named Ambika Bhavani.

Geography

Chhapra is located at 25.7848°N, 84.7274°W. It has an average elevation of 36 m. India's biggest double-decker flyover is being constructed in Chhapra. This 3.5 km long double-decker flyover from Bhikhari Chowk to Bus Stand, is being constructed at the cost of ₹ 411.31 crore from the central road fund (CRF) under engineering procurement construction (EPC) mode by Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited (BRPNNL). It is longer than 1.8 km double-decker flyover in Santa Cruz–Chembur Link Road. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation stone of this double-decker flyover in July 2018, which is set to be completed by June 2022.

Climate

Demographics

As per 2011 census, Chapra Urban Agglomeration had a population of 212,955. Chapra Urban Agglomeration includes Chapra (Nagar Panchayat) and Sandha (Census Town). Chapra Nagar Panchayat had a total population of 201,597, out of which 106,250 were males and 95,347 were females. It had a sex ratio of 897 females to 1000 males. The population in the age range of 0–6 years was 27,668. The effective literacy rate of those aged 7 years and older in Chhapra was 81.30% as of 2011.

Religion

Hinduism is the largest religion in Chhapra city with 1,64,811 Hindus (81.45%). Islam is the second largest religion in Chhapra city with 36,639 Muslims (18.11%). Other religions includes 219 Christians (0.11%), 100 Jains (0.05%), 55 Sikhs (0.03%), 14 Buddhists (0.01%), 514 did not answer (0.25%).

Notable people