Simara history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Simara differs significantly from the chronicles of ancient Himalayan capitals. This settlement did not emerge around palaces or temples but formed naturally on the fertile plains of the Terai. The exact date of its foundation is hidden in the centuries, as the area was originally home to scattered agricultural communities. Active development and the mention of Simara as a significant settlement began in the mid-20th century, when the region became a key link in the country's transport system.

Key Development Factors

The growth and significance of the city were defined by its unique location and infrastructure decisions:

• Strategic Geography: Simara lies at the junction of the plains and the foothills, serving as a natural gateway to central Nepal. Vital routes pass through this area, connecting the capital with the Indian border and the trading hub of Birgunj.
• Transport Hub: A decisive factor in its development was the opening of Simara Airport. As one of the oldest and busiest domestic airports, it provided rapid access to the region, stimulating trade and migration.
• Industrial Corridor: The formation of the Simara-Pathlaiya industrial corridor transformed the agrarian settlement into a centre of economic activity, attracting investment and a workforce.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Initially, the regional economy was based exclusively on agriculture: the humid climate and rich soils allowed for abundant harvests of rice, sugarcane, and pulses. The cultural landscape was shaped by the constant movement of people. Here, the traditions of the indigenous peoples of the plains (Madheshi) mixed with migrants from the hills, creating a diverse and tolerant atmosphere characteristic of trade and transit cities.

Major Historical Milestones

The chronology of the development of Simara is inextricably linked to the modernisation of transport and industrial infrastructure, which turned a small settlement into an important economic centre that Nepal takes pride in today.

• 4 July 1958: Official opening of Simara Airport, which became one of the first and key aviation hubs in the Terai region.
• 1960s: Start of active construction on the "East-West Highway" section, connecting the city's surroundings with other regions of the country.
• 1970s: Establishment of the first major industrial enterprises along the highway, laying the foundation for the future industrial corridor.
• 1990s: A sharp rise in urbanisation and population migration from mountain districts to the plains in search of work in new factories.
• 10 March 2017: A large-scale administrative reform, resulting in Simara merging with neighbouring communities to form the Jitpur Simara Sub-Metropolitan City.
• 31 March 2018: Grand opening of the first phase of the Simara Special Economic Zone (SEZ), designed to develop export-oriented industries.
• 2019: Commissioning of the cross-border Motihari-Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline, passing through the municipality's territory and strengthening its strategic status.
• 2020: Modernisation of the runway and airport terminal, allowing for night flights and increased passenger traffic.
• 2023: Expansion of initiatives to develop eco-tourism in the buffer zone of Parsa National Park, which borders the city.

Stages of Transformation and Growth

The journey of Simara from an agrarian community to the industrial powerhouse of Madhesh Province is marked by a series of key events. These transformations not only changed the face of the city but also defined its vital role in the economy of all Nepal.

• Launch of Air Connectivity (1958). The opening of the airport provided the first powerful impulse for development. The air harbour ensured a rapid link with Kathmandu, making the city accessible for business and tourism long before the appearance of quality roads, laying the foundation for its commercial appeal.
• Integration into the Road Network. Connection to the national "East-West" highway (Mahendra Highway) turned the city into a strategic logistics hub. This allowed for efficient freight flow between the Indian border and the central districts of the country, stimulating the development of warehousing infrastructure.
• Birth of the Industrial Corridor. The concentration of production capacities on the Simara-Pathlaiya stretch became a turning point in the economy. The transition from agriculture to industry attracted major investments and technology, creating thousands of jobs for the region's residents.
• Administrative Reform (2017). The formation of the Jitpur Simara Sub-Metropolitan City through the unification of neighbouring communities allowed for the consolidation of budget resources. This launched large-scale urban planning projects and improvements in municipal services.
• Creation of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The launch of a specialised territory with tax incentives opened new horizons for exports. This step is aimed at attracting foreign manufacturers and diversifying local industry.
• Energy Modernisation. The commissioning of the cross-border Motihari-Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline, passing through this territory, significantly reduced transport costs for fuel. This strengthened the city's status as a key link in the country's energy security.
• Multicultural Urbanisation. Active economic growth triggered an influx of population from both the southern plains and the northern hills. This mix formed a unique cultural environment, fostering the exchange of traditions and the development of the service sector.

Architectural Appearance and City Development

Unlike the historical centres of the Kathmandu Valley, the architecture of Simara does not abound with ancient palaces or carved pagodas of the Malla era. This is a comparatively young settlement, the appearance of which is dictated by functionality, rapid economic growth, and its geographical position on the hot plains of the Terai. The urban structure here was formed predominantly in the second half of the 20th century, following the development of transport arteries.

Main Architectural Styles

The visual image of the city represents an eclectic combination of fading rural traditions and advancing modern pragmatism:

• Traditional Terai Style: In the outskirts and older residential clusters, examples of the vernacular architecture of lowland Nepal have been preserved. These are single or double-storey houses with mud-brick walls and tiled pitched roofs, a construction ideally adapted to the humid subtropical climate.
• Utilitarian Modernism: With the onset of industrialisation, concrete monoliths became the dominant style. Central streets are lined with "box-like" buildings with flat roofs, where ground floors are fitted as shops with roller shutters, and upper floors are used for housing or offices.
• Industrial Architecture: A significant part of the urban fabric is occupied by production complexes. Huge hangars, factory chimneys, and warehouse terminals form a stern, business-like silhouette of the city along the main highway.

Urban Structure and Landmarks

The layout of Simara is a classic example of linear development ("ribbon development") along key highways. The city stretches along the road, which ensures logistical convenience but creates a high density of traffic in the centre.

• Transport Hub: The Simara Airport terminal building, although not an ancient monument, serves as an important landmark. It is an example of modern functional architecture, ensuring the vital connection of the region with the capital.
• Religious Structures: The spiritual life of the city is reflected in modern Hindu temples. They are built using concrete and brick but reproduce the classic "Shikhara" forms (tall towers) and are adorned with vibrant paintings, creating a contrast with the industrial background.
• Special Economic Zone (SEZ): This new district sets standards for modern urban planning with an ordered grid of streets, wide driveways, and modern engineering utilities, differing from the chaotic development of the old centre.

Prominent Personalities of the Region

Although Simara is a comparatively young industrial centre, the land on which it stands and the surrounding Bara District have given the country many significant figures. Here, the destinies of ancient rulers who laid the cultural foundation of the region intertwine with modern leaders shaping its future on a national scale in Nepal.

• Nanyadeva
  Founder of the Karnata Dynasty, historical ruler (11th century)
  A legendary king who established his capital in nearby Simraungadh. He turned this region into a thriving centre of art and culture long before the appearance of modern cities. His legacy is considered the golden age of the history of the Terai plains.
• Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav
  Vice President of Nepal, statesman
  A native of Bara District who reached one of the highest offices in the state. Elected Vice President in 2023, he actively lobbies for the interests of the Madhesh region and promotes the development of local infrastructure.
• Krishna Prasad Paudel
  Politician, first mayor of the metropolis
  He became the first head of the united Jitpur Simara Sub-Metropolitan City after the 2017 reform. His leadership laid the administrative foundation for transforming scattered settlements into a single urban organism.
• Aashif Sheikh
  Professional athlete, cricketer
  A talented player for the Nepal national cricket team, hailing from this region. His international successes have made him an idol for local youth and a symbol of the province's sporting potential.
• Umakanta Chaudhary
  Minister, political leader
  An influential politician from Bara who has repeatedly held ministerial posts (including Minister of Water Supply and Labour). He played an important role in implementing projects to provide the region with clean drinking water.
• Rajan Paudel
  Public figure, current mayor
  Elected as the head of the city in 2022, he focuses on the development of the industrial corridor and the social sector, continuing to strengthen the city's status as the economic locomotive of the province.