Rourkela, Industrial city in Sundargarh district, India
Rourkela is a city in Sundargarh district in northern Odisha where three rivers meet: the Koel, the Sankha, and the Brahmani. The urban area sits at 216 meters (about 700 feet) above sea level and extends across residential and industrial zones.
The establishment of the steel plant in 1954 transformed a forested region into a major industrial area. German technology collaboration shaped the early setup of the facilities and the development of the town.
The name comes from Sadri, where "Rour" means "your" and "Kela," derived from "Kila," translates to "village." This reflects the local linguistic roots that predate industrial development.
Two separate administrative systems divide the city: SAIL manages the steel township, while Rourkela Municipal Corporation oversees the civil township. Visitors should keep this division in mind when navigating different parts of town.
The Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium and many other sports facilities have made the city a major center for hockey talent development. The facilities regularly attract young players from different parts of the country.
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