03 February 1959 – Rourkela Steel Plant, Odisha
Date: 03 February 1959
Place: Rourkela, Odisha (then Orissa), India
Inaugurated by: Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru
Ownership: Government of India (Public Sector)
Technical Collaboration: Federal Republic of West Germany
Five-Year Plan: Second Five-Year Plan (1956–1961)
Background
After Independence, India prioritised heavy industry as the backbone of economic self-reliance. Steel was identified as a strategic sector essential for infrastructure, defence, railways, and manufacturing. The Rourkela Steel Plant was conceived as part of this national vision, alongside Bhilai and Durgapur, to create a strong indigenous steel base.
Rourkela was chosen due to its proximity to raw materials such as iron ore, coal, limestone, and water resources from the Brahmani river system.
Inauguration & Vision
On 03 February 1959, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru inaugurated the plant, describing large industrial projects as the “temples of modern India.” The inauguration symbolised India’s transition from a colonial economy to a modern industrial nation.
At the time, it was among the largest industrial complexes in Asia.
Technical & Industrial Importance
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First integrated steel plant in the public sector
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Introduced modern steel-making technology with German expertise
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Initial capacity of about 1 million tonnes per annum, later expanded multiple times
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Played a key role in producing:
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Rails and structural steel
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Plates and sheets for infrastructure and defence
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Steel for dams, bridges, and power projects
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Socio-Economic Impact
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Led to the development of Rourkela city as a major industrial and urban centre
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Generated large-scale employment
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Stimulated ancillary industries, education, healthcare, and transport in western Odisha
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Became a model for public-sector-led regional development
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