I lived in Aurangabad (now Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) for about fifteen years. Though I no longer stay there, I still carry vivid memories of the city, especially from the time I started my digital marketing firm. Because of the work, I travelled through many different areas and got to know the local character of each locality quite well. Today I want to share some of that on-ground experience, starting from Padegaon and moving inward.
Padegaon: A Developing Neighbourhood Beyond the Cantonment
Padegaon lies just beyond the Cantonment area. For a long time its development was slower than other parts of the city mainly because it did not receive municipal drinking water. Things have improved considerably in recent years. Roads are being widened, new shops have come up, and the area feels more connected. Most of the shops here are small and serve the local population — everyday retail rather than big brands.
One familiar name in Padegaon is Rashmi Packers and Movers. Their website is easily found if you search for them on Google, and they have been operating in the area for years.
Around Baba Petrol Pump: Offices, Travel & Daily Needs
A little further in, near Baba Petrol Pump, the character of the locality changes. This stretch has a strong concentration of government offices. You will find the headquarters of a government hospital (Aayuktalay), the Registrar’s office, the Social Welfare office, the Employment Office, and the Labour Commissioner’s office in the same vicinity.
Travel-related businesses also cluster here. Many travel booking offices operate around Baba Petrol Pump, and in the evenings a good number of private vehicles and travel services start from this point. Small hotels and eateries are scattered nearby, though travel services dominate the scene more than food outlets.
Samarth Nagar & Kartiki Hotel Area
Continuing ahead you reach the Kartiki Hotel stretch in Samarth Nagar. This pocket has a noticeable number of hotels. Behind the hotel area stands Swami Vivekananda College (earlier referred to as a school by many locals). Because of the college, the surrounding lanes see a steady flow of students throughout the day.
Nirala Bazaar: Brands, Food & Student Life
A short distance further brings you to Nirala Bazaar. Here the commercial scene becomes more upscale. You will find garment shops, footwear stores, and popular food outlets including Domino’s and other pizza places. Lifestyle brands such as Jockey also have a presence. A law college is located in this market, adding to the student footfall.
Nirala Bazaar functions as a lifestyle and retail hub for this part of the city.
Aurangpura Signal & the College Corridor
Just beyond Nirala Bazaar lies Aurangpura Signal. The road connecting these points is lined with colleges — SB College, the law college, and Vivekananda College all fall roughly along the same stretch. As a result, student traffic remains high and businesses that cater to students thrive: photocopy shops, stationery stores, account books, and similar services do steady business.
Near the signal and inside Aurangpura itself you will also notice book stalls, photo studios, a library, a Hanuman temple, photo-frame shops, kids’ toy stores, and ladies’ garment shops. The area turns especially lively during Diwali, when shopping crowds increase sharply. Aurangpura has long been known for its Diwali purchases.
Mondha Naka: The Wholesale Hub
Further ahead lies Mondha Naka (often called Munda Naka by locals). This is the wholesale zone. Kirana shops, oil dealers, grain traders, and other bulk suppliers operate here. If you need goods in larger quantities — groceries, edible oils, or related items — Mondha Naka is the place most locals head to.