Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Roorkee, located in the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand, India, is a city of historical significance and modern educational prominence. Known for housing the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, it has evolved from a small hamlet into a notable urban center. (Roorkee – History, Geography and Demographics of Uttarakhand's ...)

 Geography and Location

• Coordinates: 29.87°N latitude and 77.88°E longitude. (About Roorkee City | PPT - SlideShare)
• Elevation: Approximately 268 meters (879 feet) above sea level. (About Roorkee City | PPT - SlideShare)
• Location: Situated between the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, Roorkee lies close to the foothills of the Himalayas. It is approximately 165 kilometers north of New Delhi and 65 kilometers from Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand. (Roorkee - Wikipedia)

 Climate

Roorkee experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by three distinct seasons: (Roorkee – History, Geography and Demographics of Uttarakhand's ...)

• Hot Season: Mid-March to mid-June, with high temperatures and increasing humidity.
• Monsoon Season: Mid-June to September, receiving about 770 mm of rainfall, accounting for four-fifths of the annual total. (Roorkee - Wikipedia)
• Cool Season: October to March, featuring warm afternoons, cool mornings, and moderate humidity. (Roorkee - Wikipedia)

 Historical Significance

• Early Mentions: Roorkee is mentioned in Mughal records dating back to the 16th century. (Roorkee – History, Geography and Demographics of Uttarakhand's ...)
• Transformation: The construction of the Upper Ganges Canal in 1842 under British officer Proby Cautley marked the city's transformation from a small hamlet into a town. (Roorkee – History, Geography and Demographics of Uttarakhand's ...)
• Engineering Milestones: Roorkee was the site of Asia's first engineering college, established in 1847, and witnessed the development of India's first aqueduct and steam locomotive in the 1850s. (Roorkee – History, Geography and Demographics of Uttarakhand's ...)

 Educational Hub

• IIT Roorkee: Originally established as Thomason College of Civil Engineering in 1847, it became the University of Roorkee in 1949 and was designated as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee in 2001. It is the oldest technical institution in Asia. (Roorkee)

 Demographics

• Population: As of 2025, the metro area population is approximately 416,000, showing steady growth over recent years. (Roorkee, India Metro Area Population 1950-2025 - Macrotrends)
• Languages: Hindi and Urdu are the major languages spoken, with Punjabi and English also prevalent. (Roorkee – History, Geography and Demographics of Uttarakhand's ...)
• Religion: Predominantly Hindu, with significant Muslim and Sikh communities. (Roorkee)
• Literacy Rate: Approximately 89%, with male literacy at 93.16% and female literacy at 85.23%. (Roorkee)

 Economy and Industry

• Industrial Hub: Roorkee is one of Uttarakhand's most industrialized cities, with key industries including engineering, electronics, chemicals, paper, sugar, textiles, glass, and machine tools. (Roorkee – History, Geography and Demographics of Uttarakhand's ...)
• Public Sector Units: Notable establishments include Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL) and the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI). (Roorkee – History, Geography and Demographics of Uttarakhand's ...)
• Agriculture: The fertile plains support agriculture, contributing significantly to the local economy.

 Cultural and Recreational Aspects

• Festivals: Roorkee hosts various festivals, including the annual cultural festival "Thomso" organized by IIT Roorkee, featuring concerts, exhibitions, and competitions. (Roorkee)
• Military Significance: The city is home to the Bengal Engineer Group (Bengal Sappers), established in 1853, making it one of India's oldest cantonments. (Roorkee Cantonment)

Roorkee's blend of historical importance, educational excellence, and industrial development makes it a notable city in northern India.