Venue - IIT ISM Dhanbad

Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, is one of India’s oldest and most prestigious technical institutions, established in 1926 and elevated to IIT status in 2016. Located in the heart of India’s coal capital, the 218-acre lush green campus blends rich heritage with cutting-edge infrastructure. The institute has evolved into a multidisciplinary hub, offering top-tier education and research across engineering, sciences, management, and humanities. With advanced laboratories, a well-stocked central library, modern hostels, and vibrant student activities, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad fosters a dynamic academic environment. The campus regularly hosts national and international conferences, workshops, and student-led initiatives that inspire innovation and collaboration among young researchers.

At the core of its scientific excellence is the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, which plays a pivotal role in promoting advanced research and education in chemical sciences. The department offers UG, PG, and Ph.D. programs and is actively involved in frontier research areas such as organic synthesis, green chemistry, medicinal chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, materials chemistry, and computational chemistry. With state-of-the-art instrumentation facilities— including NMR, GC-MS, UV-Vis, FTIR, and HPLC systems—the department provides an ideal environment for hands-on research and interdisciplinary collaboration. It is particularly committed to nurturing young researchers, making it an ideal host for initiatives like the J-NOST Conference the National Organic Symposium Trust (NOST), which aims to connect emerging scientists with leaders in organic chemistry.

Reaching the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad (IIT ISM Dhanbad), is convenient due to its strong connectivity via rail, road, and air. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan your journey:​

🛤️ By Train (Most Convenient)

Dhanbad Junction (Station Code: DHN) is the nearest railway station, situated approximately 2.8 km from the IIT ISM campus. It is a major railway hub in Jharkhand, with extensive connectivity to cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ranchi and others.

From Kolkata: Trains from Howrah Junction to Dhanbad Junction operate frequently, with a journey time of about 3-6 hours. Ticket prices range from ₹200 to ₹3,100, depending on the class of travel.

From Ranchi: Trains from Ranchi Junction (RNC) to Dhanbad with a journey time of 3-6 hours are also available. Ticket prices range from ₹200 to ₹3,100, depending on the class of travel.

Local Transport: Upon arrival at Dhanbad Junction, taxis and autorickshaw’s are readily available for a short ride to the campus.​

🚌 By Road

Highways: Dhanbad is well-connected by National Highways 19 and 18, linking it to major cities such as Kolkata, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, and Bokaro.

Bus Services: Regular bus services operate between Dhanbad and nearby cities. Booking platforms like redBus can be used for reservations.

✈️ By Air

While Dhanbad does not have a commercial airport, several nearby airports provide access to the city:​

Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport, Durgapur (RDP): Approximately 85 km from Dhanbad; about 1.5 hours by taxi. Trains are also available from Durgapur station to Dhanbad.

Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi (IXR): Around 140 km away; approximately 3 hours by taxi. Trains are also available from Ranchi to Dhanbad (RNC DUMK EXP (13320), 12:55 PM; SHATABDI EXP (12020), 01:45 PM; INTERCITY EXP (13304), 05:05 PM; etc.).

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (CCU): Approximately 269 km away; around 4.5 hours by taxi. ​ Trains are also available from Howrah station to Dhanbad (SHATABDI EXP (12019), 06:05 AM; BLACKDIAMOND EX (22387), 06:15 AM; VANDE BHARAT EXP (22303), 06:45 AM; RAJDHANI EXPRES (12301), 04:50 PM; COALFIELD EXP (12339), 05:20 PM; etc.).

From these airports, you can hire a taxi or take a train to Dhanbad.​

Weather in Dhanbad from late October to early November:

Temperatures

Late October: The average temperature typically ranges from 20°C (night) to 30°C (day).

Early November: Expect a slight decrease in temperature, with averages ranging from a low of 16°C to a high of 28°C. 

Rainfall

Late October: October marks the end of the monsoon season, so while occasional showers are still possible, they are less frequent and intense compared to previous months. On average, Dhanbad experiences around 30-50mm of rainfall over 4-5 rainy days during October.

Early November: November is generally a drier month in Dhanbad, with minimal rainfall. The average rainfall is around 10-20mm throughout the month. 

Other weather conditions

Humidity: Humidity levels typically decrease as October progresses, bringing a more comfortable atmosphere. Expect humidity around 70-80% at the beginning of October, dropping to around 60% by the end of the month.

Winds: The wind in Dhanbad during October blows at an average speed of 7.9 mph (12.7 kph), making it the calmest month of the year in terms of wind speed. 

Conclusion

Late October and early November are considered an ideal time to visit Dhanbad as the weather is pleasant and comfortable, with warm days, cooler nights, and a decrease in humidity compared to the preceding months. You can still experience some light rainfall in October, but November marks a drier period.

Science Block

Central Library