Quick Facts
Rourkela, the steel city of Odisha:
General Info:
- City Name: Rourkela
- Nickname: Steel City of Odisha
- State: Odisha
- Established: Developed post-independence, around 1955
- Planned City: One of India’s earliest planned cities after independence
Industrial Importance:
- Home to Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), the first integrated steel plant in the public sector (set up in collaboration with Germany).
- A major industrial and manufacturing hub in Eastern India.
Location & Geography:
- Located in northern Odisha, in the Sundargarh district.
- Surrounded by hills and forests, part of the Chotanagpur Plateau.
- Lies on the banks of the Brahmani River.
Climate:
- Tropical climate – hot summers, mild winters.
- Moderate to heavy rainfall during monsoon season.
People & Culture:
- A cosmopolitan city with people from across India due to industrial migration.
- Languages spoken: Odia, Hindi, English, Santhali, and Ho.
- Known for a mix of tribal culture and modern urban life.
Attractions & Landmarks:
- Hanuman Vatika – Giant Hanuman statue and beautiful gardens.
- Mandira Dam – Scenic reservoir near Rourkela.
- Vedvyas – Sacred spot where the rivers Sankha and Koel meet to form the Brahmani.
- Indira Gandhi Park, Deer Park, and Rani Sati Temple.
Education & Sports:
- Home to National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela – one of India’s top engineering colleges.
- Strong in sports, especially hockey – many Indian hockey players hail from this region.
- Hosted the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 along with Bhubaneswar.
Connectivity:
- Rourkela Railway Station is a major junction on the Howrah–Mumbai line.
- Nearest airport: Jharsuguda Airport (~130 km); Rourkela Airport now offers limited commercial flights.
Fun Facts:
- The Rourkela Steel Plant gave the city its identity and continues to be its economic backbone.
- Known for being clean, green, and well-organized.
- Surrounded by tribal villages and rich biodiversity, offering cultural and eco-tourism experiences.
