Getting Around

One of the greatest problems in Durgapur, is actually public transport. Part of it general economics. Durgapur is a city of generally well-to-do upper middle class people. Earnings are higher than average and therefore, most people own their conveyance very unlike Calcutta. The culture is definitely more western in nature. Unfortunately, this has resulted in not so good public transport within the city.
Now getting around:
Once you are at the rail station your options are:

1. Get on a mini-bus to go where you are going. Generally quite frequent to most parts of the city. One thing to remember is that Durgapur is a sprawling city much bigger in area than Calcutta. So do not dream of walking. Generally, most mini-buses ply through the City Center region

2. Hire a taxi. Mind you, taxis do not ply on meters. The rates to various areas are fixed. and displayed on a big board. So know where you are going. Most of the taxis are in real bad battered shape.

3. Hire an auto-rickshaw (a little cheaper normally).
Also remember, the station has two sides. If you are planning to the Bidhan Nagar, ABL,FCI areas, it is better to take an autorickshaw from the Market side. Buses and taxis are not available on this side due to lack of space. This is the oldest region of the city.

Once at your destination, things are actually a lot better. Almost in all places, you have car-hire stands (no you dont get to drive - they have drivers). The general rates of hire I believe is Rs 50/hr or Rs5 /Km whichever is higher. This is your best bet - cheap and you get a car all day-that too cheuffeur driven!!!!
The other choice is min-buses. You can ask anyone for directions and bus-routes. People are extremely friendly and will help you out. Bus service used to be really bad; but nowadays, I hear it is pretty good.

As far as connectvity from the East and West goes, it is fantastic. You can travel the 120 miles from Calcutta in under two hours by road (Yes! and I have done it recently), or hop on one of the multitude of trains that leave Howrah and Sealdah. Same from the West side, all trains (except for a couple running on the Howrah Delhi line) stop at Durgapur. We do not have an airport - something I am fighting for with the state govt.

The statement above - "The culture is definitely more western in nature." Thats far far far away from the truth.