Erode

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ஈரோடு (Erode)
ஈரோடு (Erode) Location of ஈரோடு (Erode) in Tamil Nadu and India
Coordinates	11°21′00″N 77°44′00″E / 11.35°N 77.7333333°E / 11.35; 77.7333333
Country	India
State	Tamil Nadu
District(s)	Erode District
Founded	1871
Mayor	K. Kumar Murugesh
Corporation Commissioner	K.R.Selvaraj
Population • Density	1,029,106 (2005[update]) • 383 /km2 (992 /sq mi)
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Area • Elevation	230.15 km2 (89 sq mi) • 183 m (600 ft)
Codes • Pincode • 638 xxx • Telephone • +91 (424) • UN/LOCODE • IN ERO • Vehicle • TN 33, 34, 36, 56
Website	http://erodecorp.tn.gov.in/ http://erode.nic.in/, http://erodecorp.tn.gov.in/

Erode (Tamil: ஈரோடு) is a municipal corporation in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Erode city is the headquarters of Erode district, in Tamil Nadu, India. The Cauvery River flows between the city of Erode and Pallipalayam. Erode is well known for handloom, powerloom textile products and readymade garments and hence it is called Powerloom City Of India. Products such as cotton sarees, bed spreads, carpets, lungies, printed fabrics, towels, dhotis are marketed here in bulk.

Location of ERODE and its Importances

Location & Boundaries

Erode is located at a distance of 100 km east of Coimbatore and is situated on the banks of the river Cauvery and at which river Bhavani enters the Cauvery and flows down the city, between 11 ° 19.5" and 11 ° 81.05" North latitude and 77 ° 42.5" and 77 ° 44.5" East latitude. Erode local planning area extends over an area of 76.21Sq km with the population of about 5 lakhs (City) and about 30 Lakhs (District) as per 2006 (estimated).

Considering with the state of Tamilnadu, it may be located in the western part. But it is the Central point of entire South Indian peninsula...

It is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu in area wise (including Pallipalayam, but not officially merged). It has an average elevation of 183 metres (600 feet).

Erode central city lies on the western banks of the river Kaveri and Pallipalayam on the eastern banks of the same. Bhavani to the north of central city on its western banks, at the confluence of the Bhavani River and Komarapalayam on the eastern bank of Kaveri, opposite to Bhavani and to the north of Pallipalayam.

In the Banks of River Kaveri

It is situated on the banks of the river Kaveri, which drives through the city, between 121 ° 19.5" and 11 ° 81.05" North latitude and 77 ° 42.5" and 77 ° 44.5" East longitude.

Part of the Industrial Valley Chain

The city lies in the Industrial valley chain, formed with the cities of Salem, Namakkal, Erode, Karur, Tirupur, Coimbatore & Pollachi, each separated at an average distance of 55 km from one another.

Located 55 km from Salem, Namakkal, Tirupur, Karur, Sathy and Mettur. The City is Located at the centre point of all these places.

River Bhavani and Kaveri merges at Erode

The River Bhavani flowing from Bhavanisagar enters the city to reach Kaveri at Bhavani Mukkudal (Tiriveni Sangamam), at the Northern part of the city.

National Highway NH-47

And National Highways (NH 47) drives through the City and its Bye-pass splits the city into Erode and Bhavani, which acts as a Bye-pass for both of the Twin Cities (Erode & Bhavani).

Erode Municipality upgraded to Corporation

Erode Municipality was constituted in 1871. It has been upgraded from Selection Grade Municipality to Special Grade Municipality with effect from 01.03.1980 as per G.O.Ms.No.349 R.D. & L.A., dated 27.02.1980 and upgraded as Corporation from 1.1.2008.

Erode has been upgraded into a City corporation by Tamil Nadu Government from 01.01.2008, as of Thandhai Periyar's Long-term Dream comes true..

Demographics

As of 2001^[update], the Indian census^[1] indicates that Erode had a population of 151,184. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Erode has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 83%, and female literacy is 72%. In Erode, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Etymology

Erode, Chittode, Perode, Vellode

Erode derives its name from Tamil words Eer Oodai meaning Two Water Ways, later by pronunciation turned to ERODE.^{[citation needed]}. There are no streams in the original township.

According to the legends, Dakshaprajapathi, father-in-law of Shiva, conducted a yaga for which Shiva was not invited. However, his wife, Dakshayini came against the wishes of her husband. However, Dakshayini was heart-broken as she was not welcomed by her parents. She threw herself to the fire in the Yaga kundam and burnt to ashes. On hearing this, Shiva got enraged and severed the fifth head of Brahma. Due to the Brahmahatyadosham, the skull remained stuck to Siva's palm. He roamed throughout India and only when he arrived at Erode, the skull crashed and formed the Kapala Tirtham. The holy water of Kapala Tirtham can be found today at Arudra Kapaleeswarar Koil temple (to the left of the presiding deity in the form of a well) in Erode. This is also attested by the Bhairava Puranam. This is ratified by the presence of the place names where the other bits of skull shattered around, Vellodu (lit. white skull), Perodu (lit. big skull) and Chittodu (lit. small skull) which are located around Erode.

Vaishnavite theory states it is related to the shell of the Kurma Vishnu which fell at the spot.

Mordern historians including Periyar contend that Erode has its origin in Tamil Eru Odai meaning two rivers^{[citation needed]}.

This claim is based on the existence of two water courses, Perumpallam in Surampatti and Kalingarayan in Brahmana Periya Agraharam and Kasipalayam, themselves different neighboring villages (municipalities now) distinct outside the border of the old Erode village's boundaries.

History

Map released by the Corporation of Erode showing the municipalities that come under the corporation, marking Cauvery (right) and the Perumpallam rivers (bottom)

Erode was under the regime of local Gangakulam kings forming indegenous Chera kings and Western Ganga Dynasty. After a short rule of Cholas with Dharapuram as their Headquarters, Muslims (Modeen Sulthans) took over the rule after which Nayaks of Madurai ruled.

Hyder Ali's Regime Then Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan, with occasionally rebelling polygar Dheeran Chinnamalai had their sway. In 1799, when Tippu Sultan lost to the British, the East India Company took over the administration after hanging Dheeran Chinnamalai.

During Hyder Ali's regime, Erode flourished with 300 houses and a population of 1500^{[citation needed]}. A mud fort, with a garrison of 4000 soldiers surrounded by coconut groves and fertile lands formed the boundary with river Kaveri on the north and Kalingarayanpalayam channel as the eastward boundary (by Bucchanan 7th and 8 November 1800).

Owing to the successive wars of Marathas, Mysore and British invasions, Erode almost was deserted and ruined. However, as peace was restored by the British, people returned and settled here. Within a year it began to show growth.

The garrison withdrew in 1807, and the ruined fort at the centre of the city was leveled as a relief work during the famine of 1877. The place enclosed within the rampart was occupied by houses.

Nayakar's Rule Due to in-fighting in the Pandian Kingdom, the Muslim rulers from Delhi interfered and thus the area fell into the hands of Madurai Sultanate. This region was later wrested by Vijaya Nagar rulers after over throwing the Madurai Sultanate. For a few years, the area remained under Vijaya Nagar rule and later under the independent control of Madurai Nayakas. The rule of Muttu Virappa Nayak and later that of Thirumalai Nayak were marked by internal strife and intermittent wars which ruined the Kingdom. As a result of this, the Kongu region in which the present Erode District is situated, fell into the hands of the Mysore rulers from whom Hyder Ali took over the area. Later, consequent of the fall of Tippu Sultan of Mysore in 1799, the Kongu region came to be ceded to the East India Company by the Maharaja of Mysore who was restored to power by the company after defeating Tippu Sultan. From then, till 1947 when India attained independence, the area remained under British control who initiated systematic revenue administration in the area.

The Fort

But now at the place of Fort there found Lord Shiva Temple and Perumal (Kasturi Aranganathar) Temple combined enforcing the unity of Vainavam & Saivam.

The V.O.Chidamabaram Park

The well at "Pechiparai Dam" situated at the present V.O.C.Park was once celebrated for its "wholesome and milky water". There are two old temples - one dedicated to Lord Siva and the other to Lord Vishnu.

Earlier Administration Erode District was a part of Coimbatore and has its history intervened with Coimbatore district. It is difficult to separately deal with the history of Erode region. Together with Coimbatore district, Erode formed part of the ancient Kongu country known as Kongu Nadu, whose history dates back to the Sangam era. It is found that in the early days, this area was occupied by tribes, most prominent among them being the "Kosars" reportedly having their headquarters at 'Kosamputhur' which is believed to have in due course become Coimbatore. These tribes were overpowered by the Rashtrakutas from whom the region fell into the hands of the Cholas who ruled supreme during the time of Raja Raja Chola. On the decline of Cholas, the Kongunadu came to be occupied by the Chalukyas and later by the Pandyas and Hoysalas.

Jurisdiction

Erode Collectorate

Erode District came into being as a result of the bifurcation of Coimbatore District, through the G.O.Ms.No.1917, Revenue dated 31.08.1979.

Bhavani, Dharapuram, Erode and Sathyamangalam taluks were included in Coimbatore district which had a composite character, at the beginning of the century. Of these, Sathyamangalam Taluk was renamed as Gobichettipalayam taluk retaining Sathyamangalam as a sub-taluk. In 1975, Sathyamangalam sub-taluk was upgraded into a taluk. In 1979 Perundurai Sub Taluk was upgraded into taluk and 1981 Kangayam Sub Taluk was upgraded in; to taluk. These seven taluks were grouped together to constitute the new district of Erode. Now Dharapuram taluk and Kangeyam taluk, parts of newly formed Tirupur District. Uttukuli a panchayat town, part of Perundurai Taluk moved to Tirupur District now.

City Administration

Erode city is administrated by Erode Municipal Corporation, with Six Zones and 99 Wards(including Pallipalayam). It also serves as the headquarters of the district with the same name (Erode District). The city has one Member of Parliament constituency. The city is headed by a Mayor, the Deputy Mayor and several councillors elected by people representing administrative wards; as well as a corporation Commissioner of the rank of IAS to administer the city. The district is headed by the District Collector of the rank of IAS. The District court is the highest court of appeal in Erode. The city has seen moderate to high development in spite of funds constraint.

Surrounding Administrations Erode Municipal Corporation is surrounded by, Surampatti Special Grade Municipality, Karungalpalayam first grade municipality, Veerappanchatram special grade municipality, Pallipalayam municipaliity, Kasipalayam second grade municipality, BPAgraharam selection grade town panchayat, Chithode special grade town panchayat, Thindal special grade town panchayat, Lakkapuram town panchayat, Nasiyanur town panchayat, Bhavani selection grade municipality and Komarapalayam selection grade municipalities.

Erode City includes three Panchayat Unions namely Erode West, Erode Central and Erode East(Pallipalayam), Bhavani, Modakurichi & Perundurai Unions.

Erode City is covered by two Taluks namely, Erode West & Erode East (Pallipalayam) and also by Bhavani, Perundurai & Sivagiri.

City Police

Kongu Kalai Arangam at Sampath Nagar

The city's police force is headed by a Superintendent of police (SP). This post will soon be replaced by a City Police Commissioner in the rank of Inspector General (IG) of Police.^{[citation needed]} The initiatives of the district police include a portal for accident prone places through google maps, the mobile phone number of the Highway patrol, Streaming videos of important Signals in Erode city, Police Stations in Erode City, Accident Charts.

City Extension

• Erode Region-I

In the center of the city, about a mile east of the fort is an old & longest 4 lane bridge that spans the river Kaveri, which divides the city into two, i.e., Erode Fort, Karungalpalayam & Pallipalayam.

Due to the river separating the city, it is not only considered for district boundary instead also separates pallipalayam and its surroundings to Namakkal District.

But there is a plan & proposal to include Pallipalayam and SPB Colony with Erode Municipal Corporation. If its integrated, Erode will become the Fourth Largest Urban Agglomeration in Tamil Nadu.

• Bhavani Region-II (Proposed)

• Twin City of Erode

Bhavani is in Erode district Tamil Nadu, India, being a suburb of Erode City. It lies at the confluence of Kaveri river and Bhavani river. Sangameswarar Temple built at the confluence of these rivers, is a pilgrimage and tourism spot of Tamil Nadu government. Bhavani also known as Carpet city, as the leading business of the town is carpet export to European countries.

Bhavani is about 7 miles away from Erode railway junction and nearly a 5 miles drive from Central Bus Station.

Soon the City Boundary limit will be extended up to the SPB Colony of Namakkal district and there is a proposal to integrate Bhavani and Komarapalayam with the City Metro extension as two divisions (Erode Region-I & Bhavani Region -II).

Sub-Urbs of the City

Direction Compass

Erode City Direction Compass

Destinations from Erode Turmeric & Textile City of Rivers

	Bhavani, BP Agraharam, Kalingarayan	Vairapalayam, Veerappanchatram, Komarapalayam	Pallipalayam Agraharam, Sankagiri, Karungalpalayam
	Chithode, Sampath Nagar, Nasiyanur		Pallipalayam, SPB Colny, Aanangoor, Tiruchengode
		Erode Turmeric & Textile City of Rivers
	Thindal, Perundurai, Chennimalai	Moolapalayam, Surampatti, A.Poondurai, Arachalur	Solar, Kokrayanpet, Modakurichi, Sivagiri

Out-Reach from Erode

Destinations from Erode

	Mysore, Sathy,Bhavanisagar Dam Chamrajanagar, Mangalore	Bangalore, Hosur, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri	Salem, Vellore, Chennai, Tirupati, Tiruvannamalai
	Coimbatore, Ooty, Thrissur, Palakkad		Namakkal, Rasipuram, Viluppuram, Pondichery
		Erode
	Tirupur, Pollachi, Udumalpet, Anaimalai	Dindigul, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Kanyakumari, Dharapuram, Palani, Oddanchatram	Kodumudi, Karur, Trichy, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam

Department of Posts

A Central Postal Division is there headed by Erode. Erode has two Head Post Offices.

• PS Park
• Bhavani

City Specials

Famous Personalities from Erode

• Dheeran Chinnamalai - Freedom Fighter
• Thandhai Periyar - Social Reformer and Dravidian Ideologue
• Tiruppur Kumaran- Chennimalai - Freedom Fighter (Kodi Kaatha Kumaran)
• K. B. Sundarambal - Actress & Singer (Ovvaiyar)
• Srinivasa Ramanujan - Great Mathematician
• Erode Tamilanban - Poet & Writer
• E.V.K.Sampath - Famous Tamil Orator
• E.V.K.S.Elangovan - Ex-Union Minister from Congress

Cuisine of the City

Erode cuisine is predominantly South Indian with Rice as its base. Erode flavours are generally fairly mild to spicy. One can get to taste the authentic Kongu cuisine in Erode. Most locals still retain their rural flavour, with many restaurants serving food on a banana leaf.

The Pallipalayam variety of dishes is very special and popular throughout South India. Pallipalayam Chicken is known for its spicy curry. North Indian, Chinese and continental cuisines are also available in the city restaurants.

The Mutton Treat (Keda Virunthu) is mostly famous at any occasion and also available in most of the Restaurants and Hotels.

Mysorepa (a sweet made from lentil flour and ghee), idly, dosa, Halwa (a sweet made of different ingredients like milk, wheat, rice) and vada-sambar and Biryani are popular among the locals.

Coffee shops and pizza houses have been on the increase, and serve as meeting places for young people.

Garam Poori (Beet Salsa mixed with puffed rice) is a very popular evening snack, which goes with Thattuvadai (lentil chips).

Places of Interest

Fort Shiva Temple in the City

Periya Mari-Amman Temple in PS Park

• Thanthai Periyar Memorial House, E.V.R Street - 2 km from Erode Junction.
• V.O.C park, near Central Bus Terminus
• Thindal malai - 7 km from Central Bus Terminus & Junction, temple of Lord Muruga
• Kongu Tirupati - SPB Colony, 5 km from Central Bus station.
• Perumal Malai - 7 km from Central & 4 km from Chithode & 3 km from Bhavani Terminals.
• Bhavani (Tiriveni Sangamam) - 11 km from Erode Junction and 4 km from Chithode Terminus - Confluence of rivers Bhavani, Cauvery and Saraswathi in the Sangameshwar temple
• Ooratchi Kottai Malai - 3 km from Bhavani & 16 km from Central Terminus.
• Vellode - 10 km from Erode Junction - Birds Sanctuary
• Nanjai Uthukkuli village - Kangayampalayam - 13 km south of Erode Central - Natratdeeswar Temple. This is temple of Lord Shiva. The speciality of this temple is that it has been placed in the center of the Cauvery river. Tamil New Year (Chitthirai Muthal Naal) is a famous celebration in this temple.
• Aval Poondurai - 13 km from Erode, Very old Jain Temple & Bairava Temple.
• Perundurai - 15 km from Erode Central, well known for its SIPCOT estate and has shown an exponential development in real estate
• Tiruchengode - 15 km from Central Bus Station famous for Red-hill Arthanareeswarar Temple.
• Sivagiri - Famous for Handloom and Powerlooms Textiles. Velayudaswami Car fest in Chithirai (Pournami), famous for Muruga and Pon-Kaliamman Temple - 28 km from Erode city central and 20 km from Solar Bus terminus
• Chennimalai - 29 km from Erode, well known town for handloom clothes, temple of Lord Muruga
• Pachaimalai & Pavazhamalai Hill Temples of Lord Muruga near Gobi
• Pushpagiri Hill Temple of Lord Muruga near Vellakoil.
• Nava Brindavan Mutt & Temple near Pallipalayam, Erode
• Sankagiri - Famous Hill fort of Tippu Sultan, who ruled Erode, located 30 km from Central & 20 km from Bhavani Terminus.
• Kodumudi - 35 km from Erode - a town on the banks of the river Cauvery with a lot of temples
• Gobichettipalayam - well known for movie filming; famous temples including Pariyur Amman Temple, which is entirely built by marble stones - 30 km from Chithode & 35 km from Central Terminus.
• Kodiveri - The favourite Shooting spot on the banks of the Bhavani river located near Gobichetipalayam, popularly known for movie filming.
• Kangayam - (Sivan Hills) Sivan malai - Lord Muruga Temple - 45  from Erode
• Bhavanisagar Dam, Near Sathyamangalam, Erode
• Bannari Amman Temple located near Sathyamangalam
• Sathyamangalam forest - a sanctuary for wild animals
• Kundri - a good hilly area near Kadambur, Sathyamangalam
• Kulavilakku Amman Kovil (Mannathampalayam) near Ganapathipalayam Nallroad 18 km from Erode. Beautiful cauvery river view from temple, greenery location.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure is recognised as the most important factor for the promotion of industrial activities in the economy.

Availability of Power, Water, Transportation, Industrial Estate, Finance and Technical Education are the important infrastructure for industrial development.

Erode and its surrounding areas are having very good infrastructural base.

Transportation Facilities

Erode is well connected with bus, air and train transport which contributes to the economic development of the city. The people of Erode are known to travel more compared to people from other parts of Tamil Nadu.

Airways

Nearest airports to the city are;

• Salem Airport (India) (65 km)
• Coimbatore Airport (80 km)
• Tiruchirapalli Airport (135 km)

Roadways

Bus Terminus

The City has Four Major Mofussil Bus Stations, 4 City Bus Stations and 2 Suburb Bus Stations as mentioned below:

The city is well connected to various parts of Tamil Nadu by private and public bus services. The Central bus station, near V.O.C Park has local (City) and mofussil (city-to-city) bus services with connections to nearby towns and villages. Bus services are frequent, once every two to five minutes.

The Central Bus terminus in the city is second biggest terminal in the state. Its a good looking & can accommodate 600 buses at a time.

The roadway connects all the parts of the state with the city. Plenty of Town buses are ply to connect all parts of the city.

It is the first bus terminus to have Air Conditioned Waiting Hall for passengers. The bus stand is now being renovated to accommodate more buses and to provide better facilities.

Local city and town buses are abundant and well mapped to link various places around the city like Solar, Thindal, Chithode, Perundurai, Tiruchengode, Arachalur, Kavindapadi, Komarapalayam, Sivagiri, Chennimalai, Bhavani, etc.

The city is also well-connected to the other cities of Tamil Nadu, southern Karnataka and Kerala through public and private chartered buses. One can get buses from Erode to almost any part of the state.

Major arterial roads The road flying from Perundurai Bus station to Tiruchengode Bus station through Central Bus Station is known as Institutional Highway or College Rider Highway

It drives 20 km to the West and 20 km to the East of the Central Bus station through a vast number Educational Institutions, namely IRT PMC, Maharaja, Kongu, Nandha, Vellalar, RR College, K.S.R, Vidyaa Vikaas, Sengunthar and so on.

• Brough Road
• Gandhiji Road
• EVN Road
• Sathy Road
• Nethaji Road
• Mettur Road
• Perundurai Road
• Tiruchengode Road
• Chennimalai Road
• Cutchery Road
• Veerapathra Road
• Old Rly. Station Road
• Poondurai Road
• Karur Bye-pass Road
• Nasiyanur Road
• 100 feet Road at Periyar Nagar
• RKV Road
• Cauvery Road

Also there is one local (city) bus station which is going to be operated within few months at the Railway Junction Campus Bus Station.

TNSTC Erode Division The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) has its divisional headquarters at Erode. Jeeva Transport Corporation Limited came into being by bifurcation of Cheran Transport Corporation Ltd., and it started functioning from 01.04.1983 with headquarters at Erode and with the principal area of operation in the Erode District. Jeeva Transport Corporation was renamed as Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, (Coimbatore Division-II) Ltd Erode on 01.07.97. The fleet strength as on 31.03.2003 was 918. During the year 2002-2003, 114 buses have been purchased for replacement.

Distances

Private Omni Bus operators (Travels)

• KPN Travels
• NJK Travels
• VIJAYALAKSHMI Travels
• PNKSRT Travels
• ABT Travels
• ARC Travels (buses equipped with LCD TVs)
• PARVEEN Travels
• JAHAN Travels
• SCP Transport

Highways

National Highway projects around Erode

• NH 47 Salem– Nagercoil Bye-pass (via Chittode, Perundurai SIPCOT )
• NH 67 Nagapattinam - Udhagamandalam (Ooty) (via Vellakovil, Kangayam of Erode District)
• NH 209 Dindugul - Bangalore (via Sathyamangalam of Erode District)

State Highways

• Erode - Gobi - Sathyamangalam
• Erode - Perundurai
• Erode - Kodumudi - Karur
• Erode - Karumandam palayam - Othakkadai(Kodumudi outer) - Salaiputhur - Karur.
• Erode - Salem
• Erode - Tiruchengode - Namakkal
• Erode - Kangeyam - Dharapuram - Palani
• Erode - Bhavani - Mettur
• Erode - Muthur - Vellakovil - Mulanur
• Erode - Sivagiri - Pallapatti - Dindigul
• Erode - Tiruchengode - Rasipuram - Attur - Kallakurichi
• Erode - Anthiyur - Bangalore
• Erode - Chennimalai - Kangeyam

Railways

Erode Junction (code: ED) is the hub of the Southern Railway's operations connecting Tamil Nadu to various parts of India, notably regions in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh.

Another one station is "KODUMUDI", KODUMUDI is one of the famous temple station and Parikara place.

Erode Junction

Erode railway junction

Currently, there are five platforms (being extension to 7 now). Three routes have been proposed for Mysore (Chamaraj Nagar), Palani and linking Cauvery station to Chitode station in the Erode - Mysore plan and an additional - Erode E-LOCO train to the SPB paper mills.

It has state of the art technology in electrification and was the first electrified link from Chennai with broad gauge conversion.

It also serves as the hub for water filling facilities, food provision and toilet cleaning to all long distance trains that run along the length and breadth of the country via Erode. The station is well connected by buses round the clock.

And there is one Local Town Bus Terminus in the Railway Junction Campus for City Buses all round the entire city.

There are Six local railway stations in the city.

Erode Junction has the distinction of being the second cleanest railway junction in India.

Trains from Erode Junction^[4]

Express

• Yercaud Express - Erode - Chennai

Passengers

• Erode - Coimbatore
• Erode - Trichy
• Erode - Jolarpettai
• Erode - Tirunelveli

Electric LOCO Shed

It is proud to achieve the status of ISO certification for its best service by the Electric loco shed and the WAP model electric locomotives (which can been seen on almost all state running electric engines marked as WAP-ERODE both in English and Hindi).

Diesel LOCO Shed

The Diesel Loco Shed at Erode houses over 120 Diesel-Electric locomotives. It was set up in 1962 and is one of the premier locomotive maintenance sheds in the country. The ISO 9001 certified shed maintains locomotives which haul important trains up to Kanniyakumari, Trivandrum, Madurai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Mysore, Mumbai, Rajkot, Pune etc. The Erode Railway Junction has three branches leading to Karur, Coimbatore and Salem.

Industries around Erode

Industries

Erode is one among the industrially developing Cities. Industry and Trade occupy a place of prominence in the economy of the City. Industries that flourished in early days in and around Erode area were handloom weaving and carpet manufacturing. The advent of modern era has changed these industries to some extent and the powerloom weaving is slowly replacing it. There are 24189 registered SSI units as on 31.12.2000 in the district besides 59 Large Scale Units.

Loom-World This area has a high concentration of powerloom and handloom weaving, Rice milling, Edible oil expelling units. The other industries are Tanneries, Chemical & Plastic Products, Paper Products, Basic Metal Products industries etc.

Small Scale Industries

Small Scale Industries are providing large-scale employment next to Agriculture in this area. It have played a very important role in the area's economy by providing large scale employment opportunities at fairly low capital cost, a wide industrial base, easy scattering of industries in rural areas and concentration of certain industrial groups at specific areas.

Large Scale Industries

There are 70 Large Scale Industries in this district. Most of the units are cotton textiles. 57 units are textile industries. The following table shows the number of large scale units product wise.

Industries No of Units

Textile Industries 57 Engineering Industries 3 Sugar Mills 2 Oil Extraction 1 Others 7 Total 70

Cottage Industries

Cottage Industries are providing large scale employment with low cost investment. In Erode District there are 5915 units registered under cottage industries as on 31.03.2003 and they are providing employment to 6018 persons. Among them the major type of industries are given below.

Handicraft Units

Like cottage industries, handicraft units are also providing employment to the rural artisans. In Erode District there are 8222 units providing employment to 8300 person. The major types of activities are furnished in the table.

Handicrafts Activity No of Units Employment

Readymade Garments 1993 1999 Handloom Cloth 1128 1132 Leather 913 940 Agarbathi 401 420 Carpets 1659 1659 Palm Leaf Articles 273 273 Incease Perfumery 201 201 Artistic Printing 147 147 Jewellery 124 124 Bamboo, Cane etc. 196 198 Hand Printing 240 247 Wood Work 196 196 Embroiding Works 751 764

Leather Tanning Erode is the prime city for tanning of leather from raw hides to a semi finished product called WET Blue and they are traded to Chennai, Ambur, Ranipet, Bangalore, Kolkata, Dewas for making the finished products.

The history of the Leather industry at Erode dates back to 1906 and most of the leathers made at Erode were being exported to U.K. and Europe. The Erode Tanners preferred mostly to do cow and buff hides.

Pickled goat skins were exported for quite some time during the early 1950s. During that period, E.I. Tanned (East India Tanned) Leathers were manufactured at Erode. East India tanning means tanning of leathers by using barks and nuts from plants and trees only without using any chemicals. So it is also known as vegetable tanned leather.

Erode’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Erode’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for year 2008 stood at 15.5 per cent was the top in the State and ahead of the State’s [GDP] by 4 per cent.^[5]

Some of the famous firms in respective firms who have stood apart and resulted in such high GDP growth rates are:

Educational Institutions around Erode

Erode as Educational Hub

Erode is primarily an industrial and agricultural Area. The people of this generation are showing much importance to education as well. Due to this fact, Erode has developed into an educational hub.

A lot of people from all over the country (especially South India) come and do their higher education in this area. All this growth can be attributed to the high entrepreneurial skills of the people from this area.

The Institute Of Road and Transport Technology (IRTT)

Institute of Road and Transport Technology (IRTT), Chithode. Website : http://www.irtt.ac.in

Institute of Road and Transport Technology is an engineering institution located in Erode, India, run by the Transport Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu and is listed under category II colleges by the Directorate of Technical Education. The current principal is Prof L.Peter Stanley Bebington

The Institute Of Road and Transport Technology (IRTT) was established in the year 1984 as Automobile research oriented Engineering College. It is run by All Transport Corporations of Government of Tamil Nadu. The Institute is located in a sprawling lush green campus of 350 acres. It provides a congenial atmosphere for Technical Education. It is 15 km from Erode Railway Station and Half a km from the NH-47 between Bhavani and Chithode.

The college is affiliated with Anna University, Coimbatore.

The Institute offers 4 year Undergraduate Engineering Courses in Automobile, Civil, CSE,ECE,EEE, IT and Mechanical Engineering, as well as 2 year Postgraduate ME (structural engineering and Thermal Engineering) and 3 year Postgraduate MCA course.

This college is located above a hill which give us a pleasant place to study. Fully filled with trees and other colourful plants. Those who studied here, got the good remuneration in their life. Lot of companies are visiting for placement.

KONGU Institutions

• Kongu Vellalar Institute of Technology Trust - KONGU(KVITT).^[6]

The KONGU Institutions at 10 km to the West & the K.S.R Institutions at 10 km to the East of the City(Tiruchengode) are the top private Institutions in Tamil Nadu among the other Engg., Insitutions in this state.

The Kongu Engineering College (KEC) is an ISO certified institution located at Perundurai in Erode district of Tamil Nadu in India. It was founded by Kongu Vellalar Institute of Technology Trust (KVITT) in 1983. To achieve technical excellence in their rural areas, 41 philanthropists from different walks of life who realized the need for technical education formed KVITT.

Bannari Amman Institute of Technology (BIT)

The Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Sathyamangalam was founded by Dr. S.V. Balasubramaniam in 1996. The college lies besides the bavani river with the Western Ghats as the backdrop. The college runs under the leadership of its director Dr. S K Sundararaman and Principal Dr.A. Shanmugam

It has a number of departments and schools: Computer Applications, Applied Sciences, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Information Technology, Computer Science and Engineering, Biotechnology, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Textile Technology, Fashion Technology, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering,electrical & instrumentation.

There are also a number of clubs, societies and forums that encompass a host of activities including sports; the Institute is developing an industry liaison cell that will enable effective interaction with the industry.

• Bannari Amman Institute of Technology (BITs), Sathy, Erode

KSR Institutions

"AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR A GREATER ACHIEVER"

• KSR Institutes of Technology, Tiruchengode
• KSR Teacher Training Institute, Tiruchengode
• KSR Arts & Science College, Tiruchengode
• KSR Dental College, Tiruchengode
• KSR College of Engineering, Tiruchengode
• KSR Polytechnic College, Tiruchengode
• KSR College of Education, Tiruchengode
• KSR Industrial Training Institute, Tiruchengode
• KSR Matriculation & Hr. Sec. School, Tiruchengode
• KSR Rajammal Rangasamy School, Tiruchengode

[1]

Builders Institute

Builders Institute of Technology - EBET (Erode Builders Educational Trust) Group of Institutions, Palaya Kottai, Erode

• Regional Institute of Engineering Technology, Erod
• Erode Sengunthar Engineering college (ESEC), Thudupathi (Erode Sengunthar Trust)

Erode Sengunthar Engineering College is situated at Thudupathi, 5 km away from Perundurai, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India. It is a well renowned college for its quality education

• Vellalar Educational Trusts (VET owns Velalar College of Engg and Tech, Vellalar Arts college for women, Vellalar Matric School, Vellalar State Board School, Vellalar Teacher Training, Vellalar Nursing, Thindal)^[7]
• Maharaja Educational Trusts (Engineering, Polytechnic)^[8]
• SSM Educational Trusts (Engineering College, Polytechnic College)
• Sasurie College Of Engineering (Engineering, MBA, MCA)
• Nandha Educational Trusts (Engineering, Polytechnic), Erode
• Nandha Institute of Technology
• Erode Institute of Technology (EIT), Kavindapadi, Erode
• Erode Institute of Chemical Technology (EICT), Vijayamangalam
• Sri Venkateshwara Educational Trusts (Engineering College, School), Gobi, Erode
• SSM Institute of Textile Technology
• Al-Ameen Institute of Technology, N.Uttukuli, Erode
• M.P.Nachimuthu M.Jaganathan Engineering college, Chennaimalai (MPNMJ), Erode
• JKK Group of Technology Institutes, Bhavani
• Ramanathan College of Engineering, Vijayamangalam, Erode
• Ragavendra Polytechnic, Komarapalayam
• Erode Excel Group of Institutions, Komarapalayam, Erode
• Selva Kumar Engineering College, Sivagiri, Erode
• Government ITI, Erode
• Rabindranath Tagore College of Engineering, Erode

Medical, Nursing and Pharmacy

• IRT Perundurai Medical College (IRT-PMCH), Perundurai, Erode
• Nandha Institute of Pharmacy & Nursing
• Erode College of Pharmacy
• CK School of Nursing
• Shoba College of Nursing
• Coimbatore Institute of Pharmacy
• KSR Institute of Pharmacy & Nursing

Teacher Training Institutes

• D.I.E.T - District Institute of Educational Training, Perundurai, Erode
• Sara Women's Institute, Erode
• Ashram Institute, Erode
• SPM Institute, Erode
• CSI, Erode

Arts & Science Colleges

• http://ksrcas.edu KSR Arts & Science College, Tiruchengode
• Erode Arts and Science college for Men, Rangampalayam, Erode
• Erode Arts for Women, Erode
• Erode School of Business
• Sri Vasavi College for Arts & Science, Chithode,Erode
• Chikkhaiya Nayakar College of Arts & Science - (CNC), Erode
• Bharadhidasan College of Arts & Science, EllispettaiErode
• Amman Arts & Science College, Chithode.Erode
• N.P.M.J College of Arts & Science, Erode
• CSI College of Arts & Science, PS Park
• Vellalar Arts women, Thindal
• Navarasam Arts Women, Arachalur
• K M College of Arts & Science, Muthur
• Cherraan's College, Thituarai, Chennimalai
• Maharaja Arts Women's, Erode
• Rabindranath Tagore women's, Erode

Schools

Public Schools - International & CBSE

• Indian Public School
• Maharaja International School
• AmarJyothi Public School
• Nandha National School
• Indu International School
• BVB Public School
• Kongu Residential School
• Geethanjali Public School

Matriculations & State Boards

• Shri Ganga Matriculation Hr. Sec. School, Ingur, Erode
• A.E.T. Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Erode
• Rajendran Matric Hr.Sec.School, Vadugapatti
• Bharathi Vidya Bhavan Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Thindal, Erode
• Vellalar Matriculation Girls Hr. Sec. School, Thindal, Erode
• Kalaimagal Kalvi Nilayam Hr. Sec. School, Erode
• Erode Hindu Kalvi Nilayam Matric Hr.Sec. School, Mamarathupalayam, Erode
• SVN Matric and Hr.Sec. school, Erode
• SSM Lakshmi Ammal Matriculations Hr. Sec. School, Komarapalayam
• Bharathi Kalvi Nilayam, Nasiyanur
• Christhu Jyothi Matriculation Hr. Sec. School, B.P.Agraharam, Erode
• Kongu Kalvi Nilayam, Rangampalayam, Erode
• Carmel Matriculation Hr. Sec School, Kollampalayam, Erode
• Naga Memorial Matriculation School, Thirunagar colony, Erode
• Shri Maha Matriculation Hr. Sec. School, Ingur, Erode
• Al Ameen Educational Trust, Erode
• Sri Sakthi Vidya Nikethan, Rangampalayam, Erode
• Kongu National Matriculation school, Nanjanapuram, Perundurai Road, Erode
• Railway Colony Corporation Higher Secondary School, Kollampalayam, Erode
• Jaycees Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Moolapalayam, Erode

Central Government School - Anglo Indian Medium

• Railway Mixed High School, Anglo Indian Medium , Railway Colony, Erode

Health-Care

A huge number of Health care organizations are available in the city. Several Ambulance service providers are also available to help the people in an emergency.

• Sri Athi sathya Hospital
• Kovai Medical Centre Multi speciality Hospitals
• CK Hospitals
• Lotus Multi & Super speciality Hospitals
• Vasan eye care hospital
• MMCH Hospital
• Dr. Agarwal's eye hospitals
• Arasan Eye Hospitals
• Sakthi Care Center
• Baby Hospitals
• Erode Trust Hospitals
• Senthil Nerve & Ortho Care Center
• ESI Hospitals
• KMCH - Erode Center
• KMCH - Perundurai Center
• LKM Hospitals
• IRT PMCH Hospitals
• SKM Siddha & Ayurvedha Clinic
• Ajay Gastro Hospitals
• Arcees Maternity Center
• Brain & Spine Clinic
• CSI Multi-speciality Hospitals
• City Hospitals
• Erode Heart & Child Care Center
• Erode Cancer Cure & Research Center
• Erode Kidney Care Center
• Yang-fu Acupuncture Hospitals
• Rajam Sidha Hospitals
• Thangam Hospital

Media

Print DailyThanthi, Dina Malar, Kalai Kadir, Dina Boomi and Malai Malar (evening daily) are the prominent Tamil news dailies currently printed in the city. The Hindu, Deccan Chronicle and The New Indian Express are the three widely read English newspapers in the region.

Local TV

• King TV - 1
• King TV - 2
• Polimer(upgraded to play-to-air satellite channel)
• Karan TV
• MCN TV

are the local cable television networks.

Radio stations

Erode City is served on the FM dial by Suriyan FM, frequency 93.5 MHz, run by the Sun Network, and Kodai FM (AIR) frequency 100.5 MHz (Kodaikanal), 103.7 MHz (Yercaud), by the Government of India, Radio Mirchi and Hello FM's based on Coimbatore. 90.4 FM Kongu Engg College FM and Sengunthar Engg College FM are the radio stations run by educational institutions.

Geology

The soils are mostly red sand and gravel with moderate amounts of red-loam and occasional black loam tracts. Vast stretches of the upland regions are mostly gravel. Red-loam occurs mostly in the land under the Kalingarayan channel and in beds of tanks in Erode city and to some lesser extent in the valleys in Perundurai and Dharapuram. It also occurs in the hilly tracts of Bhavani.

Soils of Bhavani, Erode, Dharapuram and Perundurai are chiefly gravelly, stony and sandy of the red variety. Soils of Gobichettipalayam and Sathyamangalam taluks are mostly of the red sandy variety. Red loam is prevalent mostly in Gobichettipalayam and Perundurai taluks.

Climate

Erode in general is characterised with scanty rainfall and a dry climate. The maximum rainfall is recorded in Gobichettipalayam and Bhavani. The Palghat gap in the Western Ghats, which has a soothing effect in the climate of Coimbatore District, does not render much help in bringing down the dryness of the climate in this area. The cool-wind that gushes out of the west coast through Palghat gap loses its coolness and becomes dry by the time it crosses Coimbatore district and reaches the Erode region.

Erode District has dry weather throughout except during the monsoon season. Generally the first two months of the year are pleasant, but in March, the mercury gains an upward trend which persists till the end of May. The highest temperature is normally recorded during May. The scanty showers during this period do not provide any relief from the oppressive heat. There is a light improvement in the climate during June-August period. During this pre-monsoon period, the mercury reverses its trend and by September, the sky gets overcast heavily but the rains are meagre. the north-east monsoon sets in vigorously only during October-November and by December, the rains disappear rendering the climate clear but pleasant.

Land Use

The extent of the Erode local planning area (LPA) is 76.21 km². Developed land within the local planning area constitutes 13.44% of the total area. The developed area in the municipal area alone constitutes 83.25% of the total municipal area.

The commercial area has been developed along the roadsides in all major roads, in municipal area along Kongan road near the southern boundary of the local planning area. The commercial area in Erode city is concentrated near the junction of Brough road and Cutchery road and Bazaar area.

In the city, the industries users are found along the Nethaji road. Most of the industries are located outside the municipal limits. The industrially developed Perundurai road is near the fringe of Erode city road.

Some industrial development is also found along Sathy road. The industries that are located within Erode city belong to mainly oil and rice mills and allied trades, such as engineering works, automobiles and power looms. The industries such as dyeing and powerloom textiles are predominant in LPA. Industries belonging to Dhal mill, Cotton textiles, Vanaspathy manufacturing, wax and screen printing, powerloom, sizing, wrapping and printing press are also found in and around Erode city.

Within the city, the industrial units occupy 6 .69% of the city area whereas the industrial belt as a whole covers 136 hectares and accounts for 1.80% of the Erode LPA.

Agriculture

This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (August 2009)

Erode is a very important market centre for coconut, in Avalpoondurai, and for turmeric. The coconut and turmeric is received from Erode, other parts of Tamil Nadu, and adjoining districts like Mysore in Karnataka State.

Erode is well known for marketing of handloom, power-loom and ready-made garments and textiles. Loomed products are marketed here in bulk.

Kangeyam is famous for bulls, rice mills and oil mills. Kangeyam cows are not noted for their yield but their availability in large numbers has helped the district to make a mark in the field of dairy development. It is also one of the largest coconut oil producers in south-India.

Politics

Erode has become a separate parliamentary constituency Erode Parliamentary Constituency in effect with the revised demarcation of constituencies.

Erode City is covered by 6 Assembly Constituencies of Erode East, Erode West, Modakurichi, Bhavani, Perundurai & Komarapalayam.

Among which, Perundurai & Bhavani comes under newly formed Tiruppur Parliamentary Constituency.^[9]

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Erode

• Google Map Link
• Erodemart.com (Online Directory of Erode).
• ErodeOnline.net (All About Erode).
• Erode (official website).
• Erode Municipal Corporation (official website).
• Erode District Police Official Website
• Erode lacks necessary industrial infrastructure

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