Latur City

Latur, originally the native land of the Rashtrakutas, was developed under the reign of King Amoghavarsha of Avinash. Historically known as Lattalut, the city holds a rich legacy dating back to 753 A.D., when the Rashtrakutas succeeded the Chalukyas of Badami.

Located on the south-central border of Maharashtra and Karnataka, Latur has evolved into a prominent educational and industrial hub. On August 15, 1982, Latur was carved out from Osmanabad district to form an independent district. It gained the status of Mahanagarpalika (Municipal Corporation) in 2012.

The city's modern growth is closely tied to the visionary leadership of Hon. Vilasrao Deshmukh, a two-time Chief Minister of Maharashtra and former Union Cabinet Minister, who played a pivotal role in its development.

Education

Latur is especially known for the Latur Pattern of education and houses numerous prestigious institutions:

• Two medical colleges (including Vilasrao Deshmukh Government Medical College)
• One Ayurvedic and one Dental college
• One Engineering college
• Two Polytechnic colleges
• Several institutions offering Arts, Science, and Commerce programs

Industry and Tourism

Latur is also a fast-growing industrial center, with three major sugar factories and emerging business zones. Surrounded by historical sites and cultural landmarks like the Kharosa Caves and the Sri Satya Sai Baba Temple, Latur is gaining popularity as a tourism destination as well.

Climate

Latur experiences a semi-arid climate, with average annual rainfall between 600 to 800 mm during the monsoon season.

• Summer (March to July): Dry and hot, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 41°C
• Winter: Mild and pleasant, with temperatures between 13.9°C and 21.8°C

Connectivity

Roadways

Latur is well-connected via a network of national and state highways:

• NH 204: Ratnagiri – Kolhapur – Solapur – Latur – Nanded – Yavatmal – Wardha – Nagpur
• SH 77: Daund – Barsi – Osmanabad – Bantal – Ausa
• SH 02: Miraj – Pandharpur – Barshi – Latur
• Other Routes: Manjarsumba – Kaij – Lokhandi Savargaon

Railways

Latur is served by broad-gauge railway lines connecting it directly to:

• Mumbai (daily trains)
• Hyderabad and Pune (multiple times weekly)
• Nagpur and Kolhapur (thrice a week)

Air Travel

Latur has a small domestic airport developed by the state government. Though commercial operations are currently suspended due to low traffic, the airport remains active for VIP and government use.

Nearby airports: Nanded, Sambhajinagar, Hyderabad