AKOLA

Akola has been a pivotal town in the Vidarbha region, which was in ancient times believed to be part of a large kingdom. The Mahabharat frequently mentions Vidarbha as part of the Dakshinapatha, an ancient trade route running through southern India. This route facilitated commercial exchanges and cultural interactions across large distances. Akola, situated within this region, likely played a role in these networks.

Archaeological evidence in the area, such as the Buddhist caves at Patur, further adds to the existence of active trade and cultural transmission in Akola’s early history. These caves are characteristic of rock-cut monasteries found along major trade routes in western India. Their presence indicates that Akola and the surrounding areas were not only economically connected but also part of broader religious and intellectual currents, particularly those associated with early Buddhism.

In the early days, Akola’s transport network relied heavily on animal power. Traditionally, bullock carts, locally known as chhakda, were a primary mode of transport in Akola, used for moving both people and goods. While their prevalence has diminished due to the adoption of motorized vehicles, they remain in use in rural areas and continue to serve local agricultural and commercial needs.

With the emergence of a growing middle class, bicycles became a popular and accessible means of transport. Locals recall that this development was accompanied by the rise of bicycle rickshaws and hand carts, which diversified transportation options for short-distance travel within towns and markets.

Akola district is served by a network of important railway lines that provide both regional access and long-distance connectivity. The primary rail corridor is part of the Howrah–Mumbai main line, under the Central Railway zone and Bhusawal Railway Division, with major stations including Akola Junction, Murtizapur, and Balapur.

The arrival of railways in Akola district began with the expansion of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR) during British rule. The Bombay–Nagpur line, completed in 1867, passed through key locations such as Balapur, Akola, and Murtizapur, running across the fertile black soil cotton belt of Vidarbha.

The district colonial Gazetteer (1884) noted that this railway line enabled faster and more reliable trade, helping farmers and merchants transport goods, particularly cotton and timber, to distant markets. By the late 19th century, the Akola district had become an integral part of the rail-driven colonial trade economy, with Akola emerging as one of the most commercially active stations in the Vidarbha region after Nagpur.

The Khandwa–Hingoli–Purna metre-gauge line, later opened in 1961, stretched across 214 kilometers and included 18 stations across Akola district. This route significantly improved connectivity for interior talukas such as Akot, and enhanced the region’s capacity to transport cotton and other agricultural goods to southern markets.

The line played a crucial role in linking the northwestern and southeastern parts of the district, and helped integrate Akola into the South Central Railway network.

Public bus transport in Akola district is primarily managed by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), which operates a fleet of inter-district, inter-state, and local buses.

However, the origins of organized bus transport in the district date back to 1942, when M/S Mechanical Transport Ltd. began passenger services. In 1943, the Nagpur Omnibus Company was established under its management. These services were later taken over and consolidated by the state government, leading to the formation of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) in 1961. Today, MSRTC operates from multiple depots in the district and serves remote villages, taluka headquarters, and urban nodes. City buses, managed by the Akola Municipal Corporation, also operate primarily within Akola city and its immediate surroundings.

Shared autos and vans are a critical mode of informal transport across Akola district, especially in areas not well-served by buses. These vehicles typically operate on fixed routes connecting villages to nearby towns and markets, and are widely used by workers, students, and small-scale traders.

Fares are distance-based and usually set by drivers. For example, a round-trip between Bhandaraj and Akola (approx. 31 km) ranges from ₹80 to ₹100, depending on fuel prices and road conditions.

Locals say that the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent rise in fuel costs led to notable fare hikes, affecting both shared autos and buses. Despite this, autos remain preferred in rural areas for their availability and shorter wait times.

Akola district is home to Shivani Airport (IATA: AKD), located near Akola city. Originally built by the British in 1942–43 as an airstrip, it is currently classified as a non-operational regional airport. In 2008, plans were announced by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to start operating the unused airstrip at Akola Airport by the end of October. These proposals envisioned Akola Airport as a regional link for western Vidarbha. In a Times of India article (2008), a senior AAI official suggested that this move could significantly boost the economy of the Vidarbha region, underscoring the airport's potential role in regional development.

However, despite basic airfield infrastructure being in place, commercial flight operations have not resumed. Various administrative and political hurdles have delayed its development. The airport continues to be cited in discussions about upgrading unserved or underutilized airstrips across Maharashtra.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Akola district was notable for its regional newspaper activity, particularly in the Marathi language. During this period, the press played an important role in informing the public and offering commentary on colonial governance in the Berar region, which included Akola.

One prominent publication of the time was Warhad Samachar, a Marathi journal known for its critical coverage of British colonial administration. It contributed to raising public awareness about political and social conditions under colonial rule. Established in 1865, the paper continued its circulation until 1918. The publication regularly reported on socio-political events and colonial governance, offering perspectives that were uncommon in the mainstream colonial press.

On 6 May 1877, the Samachar notably published a report detailing alleged abuses by British officials, including an account of the Chief Commissioner, Mr. Morris, arresting an Indian man for using a well, and another incident involving a British officer accused of killing Ramdayal, a municipal peon in Akola.

Today, Akola is served by a variety of newspapers and magazines that play a significant role in disseminating information within the community. Prominent publications include Lokmat, Deshonnati, Tarun Bharat, Sakal, Dainik Bhaskar, India Today, The Times of India, Mathrubhumi, Loksatta, and Hitavada. These media outlets provide residents with news coverage, local happenings, and advertisements.

The city’s billboards offer a snapshot of local commerce and seasonal trends. A significant number of advertisements focus on rental properties, reflecting the demand for housing. Companies frequently utilize hoardings to promote discounts and seasonal offerings. During election seasons, the streets are adorned with a plethora of banners, showcasing candidates and political messages.

In Akola, the types of advertisements also shift with the seasons. For instance, summer brings a surge in promotions for cold drinks, while wedding season sees increased marketing for clothing and related services.

Coaching classes dominate the advertising landscape, particularly during summer and Diwali vacations, capitalizing on the influx of students seeking extra tuition.

The post office in Akola remains a vital community service, with residents utilizing it for various purposes. Many people send wedding invitations and other important correspondence through postal services. Additionally, individuals use the post office for transactions, including managing passbooks and savings accounts.

Under the Deendayal Sparsh Yojana, the Akola post office also supports education by offering scholarships to 40 meritorious students, each receiving ₹6,000. This initiative underscores the post office’s role not just in communication, but also in fostering educational opportunities within the community.