Baniakhari - Matigara, Darjeeling
Baniakhari is a village situated in the Matigara subdivision of Darjeeling district, West Bengal. It is located approximately 10.6 km from Kadamtala. Patharghata serves as the Gram Panchayat for Baniakhari village.
As per Census 2011, the village code of Baniakhari is 306536. The village covers a total geographical area of 171.99 hectares and falls under the 734010 pincode. Siliguri is the nearest town, located about 10 km away.
Baniakhari village is governed under the Panchayati Raj system, with a Sarpanch serving as the elected head. For political representation, the village falls under the Matigara-naxalbari Vidhan Sabha (Assembly) constituency and the Darjeeling Lok Sabha (Parliamentary) constituency.
Population of Baniakhari
According to the 2011 Census, Baniakhari village had a total population of 5,088 people, including 2,591 males and 2,497 females, living in 1,066 households. The sex ratio was 964 females per 1,000 males. The overall literacy rate was 66.04%, with male literacy at 73.44% and female literacy at 58.35%. The Scheduled Caste (SC) population was 2,823, while the Scheduled Tribe (ST) population was 600.
The table below presents a detailed demographic breakdown of the village, including separate male and female figures for each population category.
| Category | Total | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 5,088 | 2,591 | 2,497 |
| Child Population (0–6 yrs) | 774 | 392 | 382 |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 2,823 | 1,439 | 1,384 |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 600 | 294 | 306 |
| Literate Population | 2,849 | 1,615 | 1,234 |
| Illiterate Population | 2,239 | 976 | 1,263 |
Nearby Villages of Baniakhari
Baniakhari is surrounded by several neighbouring villages in various directions. The table below lists these nearby villages along with their approximate aerial (straight-line) distances and directions from the village:
| Nearby Village | Direction | Approx. Distance (Aerial) |
|---|---|---|
| Guria | North-West | 1.21 km |
| Nichitpur | North | 1.29 km |
| Gaurcharan | East | 1.69 km |
| Nengtichhara | South-West | 1.82 km |
| Nimai | North-West | 2.30 km |
| Bara Gharia | North-East | 2.43 km |
| Jugibhita | North | 2.47 km |
| Dhukuria | North | 2.73 km |
| Rangia | West | 2.87 km |
| Tomba | South-East | 3.48 km |
Transport and Connectivity of Baniakhari
Baniakhari is connected by an all-weather road, and public transport is mainly available through shared auto-rickshaws. The nearest railway station is Matigara, while the nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, situated at an approximate aerial distance of 5.4 km.
| Connectivity | Status | Nearest Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bus Service | No | Available within <5 km |
| Private Bus Service | No | Available within 5-10 km |
| Railway Station | No | Available within >10 km |
In addition to basic transport facilities, distances and travel times help define overall connectivity. The road distance from Siliguri to Baniakhari is about 10 km, with a usual travel time of around 15-30 minutes. Actual travel time may vary depending on road conditions and mode of transport.
Banking and Postal Services in Baniakhari
Banking and postal services are essential for daily financial transactions and communication. The availability of these facilities for Baniakhari village is detailed below:
| Service Type | Status | Nearest Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | No | Available within 2-5 km |
| ATM | Yes | Available within village |
| Post Office | No | Available within 1-2 km |
Health Facilities in Baniakhari
Healthcare facilities play an important role in providing basic medical services to the residents. The details regarding the nearest health centres and hospitals serving Baniakhari village are given below:
| Facility Type | Status | Nearest Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Health Sub-Centre (HSC) | No | Available within 2-5 km |
| Primary Health Centre (PHC) | No | Available within 2-5 km |
| Community Health Centre (CHC) | No | Available within >10 km |
FAQs about Baniakhari
Where is Baniakhari located?
Baniakhari village is located in Matigara Subdivision, Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India.
What is the gram panchayat of Baniakhari?
The Gram Panchayat of Baniakhari is Patharghata.
What is the pincode of Baniakhari?
The pincode of Baniakhari is 734010.
What is the population of Baniakhari?
Baniakhari had a total population of 5,088, including 2,591 males and 2,497 females.
How many households are there in Baniakhari?
Baniakhari had 1,066 households.
What is the literacy rate in Baniakhari?
As per Census 2011, the literacy rate of Baniakhari was 66.04%. Male literacy was 73.44% and female literacy was 58.35%.