{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}} {{Infobox settlement | name = Bapatla | other_name = Bhavapattam, Bhavapattu, Bhavapattanam, Bhavapuri | nickname = | settlement_type = District Headquarter<br>Municipal City | image_skyline = Bapatla junction at night.jpg | image_alt = beach at sunset view | image_caption = Bapatla town at night | pushpin_map = India Andhra Pradesh | pushpin_label_position = right | pushpin_map_alt = | pushpin_map_caption = Location in Andhra Pradesh, India | coordinates = {{coord|15|54|16|N|80|28|3|E|display=inline,title}} | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = India | subdivision_type1 = State | subdivision_name1 = Andhra Pradesh | subdivision_type2 = District | subdivision_name2 = Bapatla | subdivision_type3 = Mandal | subdivision_name3 = Bapatla | established_title = <!-- Established --> | established_date = | founder = | named_for = Bhavanarayana Swamy | government_footnotes = <ref name="civicbody" /> | government_type = Municipal council | governing_body = Bapatla Municipality | leader_title = MLA | leader_name = Vegesana Narendra Varma | unit_pref = Metric | area_footnotes = <ref name="census" /> | area_rank = | area_total_km2 = 17.92 | elevation_footnotes = <ref name="geo" /> | elevation_m = 6 | population_total = 107,000 | population_as_of = 2011 | population_rank = | population_density_km2 = auto | population_demonym = | population_footnotes = <ref name="population">{{cite web |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=631592|title=Census 2011 |publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|access-date=23 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Statistical Abstract of Andhra Pradesh, 2015 |url=https://desap.cgg.gov.in/jsp/website/gallery/Statistical%20Abstract%202015.pdf |website=Directorate of Economics & Statistics |publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh |access-date=26 April 2019 |pages=43 |archive-date=14 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714020914/https://desap.cgg.gov.in/jsp/website/gallery/Statistical%20Abstract%202015.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> | demographics_type1 = Languages | demographics1_title1 = Official | demographics1_info1 = Telugu | timezone1 = IST | utc_offset1 = +5:30 | postal_code_type = PIN | postal_code = 522 101 | registration_plate = AP–07 | blank_name_sec1 = Lok Sabha constituency | blank_info_sec1 = Bapatla (SC) | blank1_name_sec1 = Assembly constituency | blank1_info_sec1 = Bapatla | website = {{URL|https://bapatla.ap.gov.in/}}, {{URL|http://bapatla.cdma.ap.gov.in/en}}, {{URL|http://manabapatla.info}} | footnotes = }}
'''Bapatla''' is a town and district headquarters of Bapatla district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is a municipality and the mandal headquarters of Bapatla mandal of Bapatla revenue division. The nearest towns and cities to Bapatla are Chirala, Ponnur, Tenali and Bapatla district of 17 km, 22 km, 50 km and 53 km respectively.<ref>{{cite web|title=Guntur District Mandals|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/maps/atlas/28part32.pdf|publisher=Census of India|access-date=19 January 2015|pages=102, 112}}</ref><ref name=census>{{cite web|title=District Census Handbook – Guntur |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/2817_PART_B_DCHB_GUNTUR.pdf|website=Census of India|access-date=24 August 2015|pages=14, 46}}</ref>
== Etymology ==
The name Bapatla is derived from the presiding deity of the Bhavanarayana Temple, which is believed to date back to the Mauryan period. Historically, the town was known as Bhavapuri during the time of the Mauryan Empire, reflecting its connection to the temple and the deity worshipped there.<ref name="Bhavanapuri">{{Cite book| last1=Rao| first1=Dr. P. Purnachandra | title=Chronicle of Guntur District Tourism| year=2023| publisher=Acharya Nagarjuna University| edition= 1| location=Guntur| page=26}}</ref> The town has also been referred to as Bhavapattana,<ref name="etymology">{{cite news|title=Stories of Bapatla, a Seacoast Town|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Hans/2017-01-08/Stories-of-Bapatla-a-Seacoast-Town/272545|access-date=28 May 2017|work=The Hans India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322070042/https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Hans/2017-01-08/Stories-of-Bapatla-a-Seacoast-Town/272545|archive-date=22 March 2020}}</ref> Bhavapattu<ref>{{cite book|last1=Kumari|first1=M. Krishna|title=Rule of the Chalukya-Cholas in Andhradesa|publisher=B.R. Pub. Corp.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mUNuAAAAMAAJ&q=bhavapattu|date=1985-09-01|isbn=9788170182542}}</ref> and Bhavapatta.<ref>{{cite book|title=Annual Report of the Department of Archaeology & Museums, Andhra Pradesh ..|publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EE9QAQAAMAAJ&q=Bhavapatta+bapatla|year=1981}}</ref> These names were derived from the temple, which was constructed in 1465 by a Chola king named Krimikantha Chola and later restored. Over time, these names evolved into the present name of Bapatla.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple|url=http://guntur.nic.in/bapatla_temple.html|website=Official website of Guntur District|publisher=National Informatics Centre|access-date=29 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602150101/http://guntur.nic.in/bapatla_temple.html|archive-date=2 June 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
== Geography ==
The coordinates of the town are {{Coord|15|54|16|N|80|28|3|E|}} and is located at an altitude of 8 mts from the coast of Bay of Bengal.<ref name=geo>{{cite web|url=https://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/02/Bapatla.html|title=Maps, Weather, and Airports for Bapatla, India|work=fallingrain.com}}</ref>
== Climate ==
The town experiences tropical climate with the average annual temperatures records at {{convert|28.4|C|F}}. Hot summers and cool winters are observed due to its proximity to the coast of Bay of Bengal. It receives both South west monsoon and North-east monsoon as well.<ref name="agri">{{cite news|title=Water woes bog down Bapatla ryots|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/water-woes-bog-down-bapatla-ryots/article7811730.ece|access-date=29 February 2016|date=28 October 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406123108/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/water-woes-bog-down-bapatla-ryots/article7811730.ece|archive-date=6 April 2021}}</ref> The precipitation is very high with an annual rainfall of about {{convert|854|mm|in|0}} and the month of October receives a maximum rainfall of {{convert|197|mm|in|0}}.<ref name= bapatla>{{cite web|url=https://en.climate-data.org/location/968394/|title=CLIMATE: BAPATLA|access-date=29 February 2016}}</ref> It is most affected by the cyclonic storms that occur on the east coast.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Cylcones and depressions over the north Indian Ocean during 2010|journal=MAUSAM|date=3 July 2011|volume=62|page=287|url=http://www.imdchennai.gov.in/Mausamcw/2010.pdf|access-date=29 February 2016}}</ref>
{{Weather box | location = Bapatla (1991–2020, extremes 1978–2020) | metric first = Yes | single line = Yes | Jan record high C = 35.0 | Feb record high C = 35.4 | Mar record high C = 39.3 | Apr record high C = 43.7 | May record high C = 47.4 | Jun record high C = 47.0 | Jul record high C = 40.8 | Aug record high C = 41.0 | Sep record high C = 38.7 | Oct record high C = 36.0 | Nov record high C = 35.5 | Dec record high C = 33.2 | year record high C = 47.4 | Jan record low C = 11.6 | Feb record low C = 11.8 | Mar record low C = 14.8 | Apr record low C = 19.6 | May record low C = 16.1 | Jun record low C = 21.7 | Jul record low C = 21.3 | Aug record low C = 20.4 | Sep record low C = 18.4 | Oct record low C = 17.9 | Nov record low C = 12.4 | Dec record low C = 11.1 | year record low C = 11.1 |Jan high C = 29.6 |Feb high C = 30.9 |Mar high C = 32.7 |Apr high C = 34.1 |May high C = 37.8 |Jun high C = 37.3 |Jul high C = 34.8 |Aug high C = 33.9 |Sep high C = 33.3 |Oct high C = 31.8 |Nov high C = 30.5 |Dec high C = 29.7 | year high C = 33.0 |Jan low C = 17.6 |Feb low C = 19.2 |Mar low C = 22.2 |Apr low C = 25.8 |May low C = 27.6 |Jun low C = 27.0 |Jul low C = 25.8 |Aug low C = 25.3 |Sep low C = 25.2 |Oct low C = 23.9 |Nov low C = 21.3 |Dec low C = 18.3 | year low C = 23.2 | rain colour = green | Jan rain mm = 16.2 | Feb rain mm = 10.6 | Mar rain mm = 0.3 | Apr rain mm = 18.2 | May rain mm = 43.8 | Jun rain mm = 107.2 | Jul rain mm = 133.6 | Aug rain mm = 176.7 | Sep rain mm = 205.3 | Oct rain mm = 192.4 | Nov rain mm = 99.2 | Dec rain mm = 25.1 | year rain mm = 1028.5 | Jan rain days = 0.6 | Feb rain days = 0.6 | Mar rain days = 0.1 | Apr rain days = 0.7 | May rain days = 2.0 | Jun rain days = 6.0 | Jul rain days = 8.2 | Aug rain days = 9.4 | Sep rain days = 8.5 | Oct rain days = 8.3 | Nov rain days = 3.8 | Dec rain days = 1.2 | year rain days = 49.4 |time day = 17:30 IST | Jan humidity = 66 | Feb humidity = 66 | Mar humidity = 68 | Apr humidity = 70 | May humidity = 62 | Jun humidity = 57 | Jul humidity = 61 | Aug humidity = 66 | Sep humidity = 73 | Oct humidity = 77 | Nov humidity = 75 | Dec humidity = 68 |year humidity = 67 |source 1 = India Meteorological Department<ref name=IMDnormals> {{cite web | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240408025145/https://www.imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf | archive-date = 8 April 2024 | url = https://www.imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf | title = Station: Bapatla Climatological Table 1991–2020 | work = Climatological Normals 1991–2020 | publisher = India Meteorological Department | access-date = 17 July 2024}}</ref><ref name=IMDextremes> {{cite web | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf | archive-date = 5 February 2020 | url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf | title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012) | publisher = India Meteorological Department | date = December 2016 | page = M6 | access-date = 15 February 2020}}</ref> }}
== Demographics ==
{{As of|2011}} Census of India, the town had a population of 100300 with 98,216 households. The total population constituted 54,385 males and 56,392 females —a sex ratio of 1058 females per 1000 males, higher than the national average of 940 per 1000. Bapatla is second largest populated town in Bapatla District, Chirala Town is the largest populated Town in newly formed Bapatla District.
<ref>{{cite web|title=Sex Ratio|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/indiaatglance.html|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|access-date=29 August 2014}}</ref> 6,182 children were in the age group of 0–6 years, of which 3,156 were boys and 3,026 were girls—a ratio of 959 per 1000. The average literacy rate stood at 80.67% with 52,106 literates, significantly higher than the national average of 73.00%.<ref name=census /><ref>{{cite web |title=Chapter–3 (Literates and Literacy rate) |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/PCA_Highlights/pca_highlights_file/India/Chapter-3.pdf|publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India|access-date=29 August 2014 }}</ref>
== Governance ==
=== Bapatla district collectorate ===
The very first Bapatla district Collector is K.Vijaya krishnan IAS.
* 2022-
=== Civic administration ===
Bapatla Municipality was established in 1951. It oversees the civic needs of the town like, water supply, sewage, and garbage collection. It is a Grade–I municipality which has an extent of {{convert|17.92|km2|mi2|abbr=on}} with 34 wards.<ref name=civicbody>{{cite web|title=Municipalities, Municipal Corporations & UDAs|url=http://dtcp.ap.gov.in:9090/webdtcp/Municipalities%20List-110.pdf|website=Directorate of Town and Country Planning|publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh|access-date=29 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128175528/http://dtcp.ap.gov.in:9090/webdtcp/Municipalities%20List-110.pdf|archive-date=28 January 2016}}</ref>
=== Utility services ===
Kommamuru and Poondla channels of the Krishna Western Delta system provide irrigation water to Bapatla and the surrounding areas.<ref>{{cite news|title=Water woes bog down Bapatla ryots|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/water-woes-bog-down-bapatla-ryots/article7811730.ece|access-date=29 February 2016|work=The Hindu|date=28 October 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406123108/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/water-woes-bog-down-bapatla-ryots/article7811730.ece|archive-date=6 April 2021}}</ref>
=== Politics ===
Bapatla, being a part of Bapatla mandal, falls under Bapatla assembly constituency of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly. Vegesana Narendra Varma Raju of Telugu Desam Party is the present MLA of the constituency.<ref>{{cite web|title=MLA|url=http://www.ap.gov.in/government/mla/|publisher=AP State Portal|access-date=13 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008071101/http://www.ap.gov.in/government/mla/|archive-date=8 October 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The assembly segment is in turn a part of Bapatla (SC) lok sabha constituency and the present MP is Tenneti Krishna Prasad of the Telugu Desam Party.<ref>{{cite web|title=Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order, 2008 |url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/CurrentElections/CONSOLIDATED_ORDER%20_ECI%20.pdf |publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=11 October 2014|page=22,31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=MP (Lok Sabha)|url=http://www.ap.gov.in/government/mp-lok-sabha/|publisher=Government of AP|access-date=4 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121175516/http://www.ap.gov.in/government/mp-lok-sabha/|archive-date=21 November 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
=== Key points ===
Bapatla district collectorate – Mr. J. Venkata Murali IAS.
Bapatla Sub-Division of police – A.Srinivas.
Member of Parliament – Krishna Prasad Tenneti
Member of the Legislative Assembly – Vegesana Narendra Varma
== Economy ==
Aquaculture and agriculture are the main occupations of the coastal areas of the town. Aquaculture involves pisciculture and the farming is dominant with paddy cultivation.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Avadhani|first1=R|title=Floating sensor buoy saves aqua farmers from 'drowning'|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/floating-sensor-buoy-saves-aqua-farmers-from-drowning/article6367071.ece|access-date=10 June 2013|work=The Hindu|date=31 August 2014|location=Sangareddy}}</ref><ref name="agri" /> The Cairn India have conducted oil drilling onshore of Bapatla which is a part of KG basin stretch.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sudhakar Reddy|first1=U|title=Oil search moves to Guntur|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150916/nation-current-affairs/article/oil-search-moves-guntur|access-date=28 February 2016|work=Deccan Chronicle|date=16 September 2015|location=Hyderabad|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312081756/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150916/nation-current-affairs/article/oil-search-moves-guntur|archive-date=12 March 2016}}</ref>
Tourism also plays a role in generating revenue with the presence of Suryalanka Beach near the town, operated by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation.<ref name="festival">{{cite news|last1=Sujatha Varma|first1=P|title=Plans apace for Bhavapuri Beach Festival|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/plans-apace-for-bhavapuri-beach-festival/article4799971.ece|access-date=10 June 2013|work=The Hindu|date=23 December 2015|location=Guntur|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816053955/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/plans-apace-for-bhavapuri-beach-festival/article4799971.ece|archive-date=16 August 2013}}</ref>
== Cityscape ==
Bapatla is characterized by its rich history and unique architecture, prominently showcased in the Bhavanarayanaswami Temple and Centenary Baptist Zion Church.<ref>{{cite news|title=115-year-old Baptist Zion Church dedicated|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/115yearold-baptist-zion-church-dedicated/article7932429.ece|access-date=29 February 2016|work=The Hindu|date=30 November 2015|location=Bapatla|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406124747/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/115yearold-baptist-zion-church-dedicated/article7932429.ece|archive-date=6 April 2021}}</ref> Bhavanarayanaswami temple exemplifies the Dravidian style of art and architecture, a distinctive feature of South Indian temples. The city's landscape is marked by a blend of ancient structures and modern development, reflecting the evolution of Bapatla over the centuries.<ref name="Bhavapuri" /> The Clock Tower, built in 1948, was demolished for road extension and was rebuilt in December 2017.<ref name="landmarks">{{cite news|title=Clock Tower to be built again at Bapatla|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/clock-tower-to-be-built-again-at-bapatla/article6530960.ece|access-date=28 February 2016|work=The Hindu|date=25 October 2014|location=Bapatla|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204091436/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/clock-tower-to-be-built-again-at-bapatla/article6530960.ece|archive-date=4 December 2014}}</ref> The Suryalanka Beach connected by the Beach Road of the town hosts the Bhavapuri Beach Festival every year.<ref name="festival" />
== Memorials ==
'''The Edward Coronation Memorial Town Hall was built in 1905 in coronation of the then Emperor of India, Edward VII.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jonathan |first1=P. Samuel |date=18 July 2018 |title=A piece of history in Bapatla|work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/a-piece-of-history-in-bapatla/article24446513.ece |url-status=live |access-date=9 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204170602/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/a-piece-of-history-in-bapatla/article24446513.ece |archive-date=4 December 2020}}</ref>''' * On the road leading to the Suryalanka beach is a Town Hall in this coastal town. Constructed to commemorate the coronation of Edward VII, Emperor of India, the Town Hall which still retains its shape after 113 years, continues to hold the centre stage in the town and is a place of recreation. The Hall was constructed with public donations without any assistance from the government or local funds. The Edward Coronation Memorial Town Hall was inaugurated by Broodie, then Guntur district Collector on 17 July 1905. The Hall witnessed many historic moments including the first Andhra Conference in 1913 which paved the way for the creation of a movement for linguistic States. It hosted the First Andhra Provincial Conference in 1913 where a clarion call was given for a separate Telugu State, under the presidentship of Bayya Narasimheswara Sarma. All important meetings of public nature were held in the compound and it had become a hub for all cultural, literary and political activities. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Babu Rajendra Prasad, Jayaprakash Narayan, Dange and many other Andhra leaders visited it and addressed people. The Victoria Diamond Jubilee Club and News Paper Club started in 1896 in Bapatla were merged with the Town Hall in 1905.
== Transport ==
The town has a total road length of {{Convert|165.50|km|mi|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Details of Roads in each ULB of Andhra Pradesh|url=http://centralapp.cdma.ap.gov.in:8080/CDMAAPTaxesInfo/RoadDetails.jsp|website=Commissioner and Directorate of Municipal Administration|publisher=Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department – Government of Andhra Pradesh|access-date=28 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801101300/http://centralapp.cdma.ap.gov.in:8080/CDMAAPTaxesInfo/RoadDetails.jsp|archive-date=1 August 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Until 1963, private Bus Services were the sole source of transport in Bapatla. APSRTC started operations in 1964 with its bus services to various parts of the state from Bapatla bus station.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bus Stations in Districts |url=http://www.apsrtc.gov.in/Bus%20Stations.aspx |website=Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation |access-date=8 March 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322233330/http://apsrtc.gov.in/Bus%20Stations.aspx |archive-date=22 March 2016 }}</ref> The town has frequent buses to Vijayawada, Guntur, Ponnur, Repalle and Chirala.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Samuel Jonathan|first1=P|title=Nizampatnam backwaters beckon adventure geeks|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/nizampatnam-backwaters-beckon-adventure-geeks/article7736196.ece|access-date=29 February 2016|work=The Hindu|date=8 October 2015|location=Guntur|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627190043/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/nizampatnam-backwaters-beckon-adventure-geeks/article7736196.ece|archive-date=27 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Narrow roads prove to be a bane at Ponnur|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/narrow-roads-prove-to-be-a-bane-at-ponnur/article3504433.ece|access-date=29 February 2016|work=The Hindu|date=8 June 2012|location=Ponnur (Guntur district|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701172116/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/narrow-roads-prove-to-be-a-bane-at-ponnur/article3504433.ece|archive-date=1 July 2018}}</ref>
* The National Highway 216 passes through the town, which connects Digamarru and Ongole.<ref>{{cite web|title=National Highways in A.P|url=http://www.aponline.gov.in/Quick%20Links/Departments/Transport,%20Roads%20and%20Buildings/CE%20(R&B),%20National%20Highways/About/index.html|publisher=AP Online Portal|access-date=4 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010072137/http://www.aponline.gov.in/Quick%20Links/Departments/Transport%2C%20Roads%20and%20Buildings/CE%20%28R%26B%29%2C%20National%20Highways/About/index.html|archive-date=10 October 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> State Highway 48 also known as Guntur-Bapatla-Chirala (G.B.C) Road passes through Ponnur and connects the town with the district headquarters, Bapatla district. * Bapatla railway station is located on the New Delhi-Chennai mainline & Howrah-Chennai main line of Indian Railways. It is a –A category station and was recognized as an Adarsh station in the Vijayawada railway division of South Central Railway zone.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vijayawada division – A Profile|url=http://www.scr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris/uploads/files/1448370249434-Division%20Profile.pdf|website=South Central Railway|access-date=29 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128163230/http://www.scr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris/uploads/files/1448370249434-Division%20Profile.pdf|archive-date=28 January 2016}}</ref>
== Education and research ==
thumb|Bapatla Engineering College
The primary and secondary school education is imparted by government, aided and private schools, under the School Education Department of the state.<ref>{{cite web|title=School Education Department |url=http://rmsaap.nic.in/Notification_TSG_2015.pdf |publisher=School Education Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh |access-date=7 November 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151227185018/http://rmsaap.nic.in/Notification_TSG_2015.pdf |archive-date=27 December 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Department of School Education – Official AP State Government Portal {{!}} AP State Portal |url=http://www.ap.gov.in/department/organizations/school-education/ |website=www.ap.gov.in |access-date=7 November 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107155331/http://www.ap.gov.in/department/organizations/school-education/ |archive-date= 7 November 2016 }}</ref> The mediums of instruction followed by different schools are English and Telugu.
The town has many schools, colleges and universities. The Agricultural College was established on 11 July 1945 by Government of Composite Madras State. It is the oldest of all the colleges under Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University.<ref>{{cite web|title=Agricultural College, Bapatla|url=http://www.agcbapatla.in/|website=agcbapatla.in|access-date=28 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721135502/http://www.agcbapatla.in/|archive-date=21 July 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> College of Agricultural Engineering & College of Food Science and Technology under Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University,<ref>{{cite web|title=College of Food Science & Technology – Bapatla|url=http://www.angrau.ac.in/CollegeofFoodScienceTechnologyBapatla.php|website=angrau.ac.in|access-date=28 February 2016}}</ref> Bapatla Polytechnic College,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bpcbapatla.net/|title= Bapatla Polytechnic College |publisher=Bpcbapatla.net|access-date=29 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529202714/http://bpcbapatla.net/|archive-date=29 May 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> and Bapatla College of Arts & Sciences, Bapatla Engineering College, & Bapatla Women' Engineering College under Nagarjuna University<ref>{{cite web|title=The Bapatla College of Arts, Sciences|url=http://www.bcasbapatla.ac.in/|publisher=bcasbapatla.ac.in|access-date=23 July 2014}}</ref> are other prominent ones.
=== Research and defense establishments ===
An automatic weather station of India Meteorological Department is located in the town which records the temperatures.<ref>{{cite web|title=List of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS)|url=http://www.imdaws.com/125_AWS.PDF|website=Indian Meteorological Department, AWS Lab|access-date=29 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070520/http://www.imdaws.com/125_AWS.PDF|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> BPT 5204 (rice variety of Sona Masuri), BPT 2270 (Bhavapuri Sannalu) and BPT 2231 (Akshaya) were developed at this rice research unit.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sona Masuri variety rice|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/farmer-bodies-seek-fair-trade-of-sona-masuri-variety-rice-111113000036_1.html|access-date=28 February 2016|work=Business Standard|date=30 November 2011|location=Chennai/ Hyderabad|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614055146/http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/farmer-bodies-seek-fair-trade-of-sona-masuri-variety-rice-111113000036_1.html|archive-date=14 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Samuel Jonathan|first1=P|title=Two new rice varieties developed|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/Two-new-rice-varieties-developed/article16040451.ece|access-date=28 February 2016|date=25 May 2010|location=Guntur|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406125001/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/Two-new-rice-varieties-developed/article16040451.ece|archive-date=6 April 2021}}</ref> There are also a number of research institutes of this agricultural university, such as the AICRP on Betelvine, and a cashew research station.<ref>{{cite web|title=List of Research Stations in the Krishna Zone|url=http://www.angrau.ac.in/ResKrishnaZone.php|website=angrau.ac.in|access-date=28 February 2016}}</ref>
=== Air Force base ===
Suryalanka Indian Air Force base on the shore of the Bay of Bengal is located near Bapatla. The base carries out activities such as testing missiles and guided weapon firing range.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Samuel Jonathan|first1=P|title=Southern Air Command chief visits Suryalanka IAF station|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/Southern-Air-Command-chief-visits-Suryalanka-IAF-station/article10686317.ece|access-date=28 February 2016|date=19 February 2015|location=Bapatla}}</ref>
== Notable people ==
* Stanam Narasimha Rao, Indian Theatre Artist and Cinema actor, well known for his female roles in the first two decades of Indian cinema, and a Padmari awardee * Komaravolu Sivaprasad, whistle singer * kanuparthi Vara Lakshmamma, was a Freedom Fighter, writer & Social Activist. She established Stree Hitaishini Mandali. * Nori Gopala Krishna Murthy was a popular Civil Engineer known for his contributions to Koyna Hydro Electric Project and Bhakra Nangal Dam. He was honored with Padmasri and Padma Bhushan by the Government of India.
== See also ==
* List of urban local bodies in Andhra Pradesh
== References ==
{{Commons category|Bapatla}} {{Reflist}}
{{Bapatla district}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Towns in Bapatla district Category:Mandal headquarters in Bapatla district Category:District headquarters of Andhra Pradesh Category:Articles expanded in Collaboration with ANU, Guntur Category:Cities and towns in Andhra Pradesh