Raurkela has come into prominence with the establishment of the first of the three public sector steel plants set up in India in 1955.

Location of Raurkela
Raurkela is situated in the mineral rich belt of Odisha. Raurkela marked a new era in the Steel Industry of India being the only steel plant devoted primarily to the production of flat products and sheets. Raurkela serves as the most convenient base for visiting the places of interest in the district of Sundargarh.

Geography of Rourkela
Rourkela is located at 84.54 degree East longitude and 22.12 degree North latitude in Sundargarh district of Odisha at an elevation of about 219 meters above mean sea level. The area of Rourkela is 200 square kilometres approximately. Being situated on Howrah-Mumbai rail track, Rourkela had an added advantage of the steel plant being set up there. Red and laterite soils are found here which are quite rich in minerals.

Climate of Rourkela
Rourkela has a tropical climate and receives high rainfall during Southwest monsoon and retreating Northeast monsoon. The average annual rainfall ranges between 160 and 200 cm. The minimum and maximum temperatures are in the range of 5 degree Celsius to 47 Celsius with a mean minimum and maximum temperature range of 9.8 degree Celsius to 39.2 degree Celsius during coldest and hottest months. Thirty six percent of the geographical area of the district has semi-evergreen or tropical dry deciduous forest.

Demography of Rourkela
Rourkela had a population of 536,450. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Rourkela has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. Male literacy rate is 81%, and female literacy is 69%. In Rourkela, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Economy of Rourkela
Rourkela is rich in iron-ore and hence a steel plant is situated in Rourkela. It is the special economic zone in India for 1950. Bolani and Barsuan are the two most prominent mines situated near the town. Rourkela is situated in a hilly region. A small hill range named Durgapur runs from the heart of the town dividing it into plant area and the steel township.

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