Gopalganj district, located in the northwestern part of Bihar, stands as a remarkable example of rural resilience, agricultural development, and cultural diversity. Established as a district in 1973 after being part of the historic Saran district, Gopalganj is now recognized for its progressive agriculture, significant diaspora, and harmonious communities.
Geographic and Administrative Overview
Gopalganj covers an area of 2,033 sq km and is bordered by districts such as Siwan, Saran, West Champaran, East Champaran, and shares proximity with Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar. Administratively, it is divided into 14 blocks, 2 sub-divisions, and over 1,500 villages. The district’s headquarters is the bustling town of Gopalganj, which serves as the region’s economic and administrative hub.
Demographics
As per recent estimates, Gopalganj has a population of approximately 2.56 million (25.62 lakhs), ranking it 21st in Bihar. Remarkably, Gopalganj boasts a sex ratio of 1,021 females per 1,000 males—the highest in Bihar, far above the state average. The child sex ratio is also impressive at 954. The district’s literacy rate is nearly 65.5%, with male literacy at 76.5% and female literacy at 54.8%, showing steady improvement in recent years.
Gopalganj is predominantly Hindu (nearly 80%), with a significant Muslim minority (about 20%), alongside smaller populations of Christians, Sikhs, and Buddhists.
Economy: Agriculture and Industry
Gopalganj is known as an agricultural stronghold, with vast tracts dedicated to paddy, wheat, sugarcane, and vegetables. Owing to its fertile soil, the district has become a hub for not only crop production but related industries such as sugar factories (notably in Sasamusa and Sidhwalia), ethanol plants, rice mills, and cold storages. Its dairy, mustard oil, flour milling, and small-scale industrial activities support the local economy, while a robust NRI community brings a high volume of remittances, giving Gopalganj one of the higher per capita incomes in Bihar.
Connectivity and Infrastructure
Gopalganj is well-connected by National Highways 27 and 28, with good road links to all blocks and neighbouring states. The railway network serves the district with stations at Gopalganj, Thawe, and several smaller stops. Upcoming infrastructure projects and the inclusion of Sabeya Airport in the government’s UDAN scheme signal future improvements in connectivity for the region.
Culture and Society
Traditionally, Gopalganj is a harmonious blend of cultures, home to festivals, fairs, religious places, and folk traditions. Its villages are vibrant with local customs, and the district has made steady progress in education and healthcare, with a focus on inclusive rural development.
Gopalganj
Gopalganj district is a beacon of agricultural productivity, social progress, and cultural harmony in Bihar. With empowering demographics, rising literacy, and emerging industries, Gopalganj is poised to play an ever-growing role in the future of the state.