Jharsuguda

Jharsuguda is a town and the administrative headquarters of Jharsuguda district in western Odisha, India. It sits in the Ib River valley and functions as a major industrial and transportation hub for the region.

The economy is dominated by heavy industry. The Vedanta Aluminium complex at Jharsuguda is among India's largest aluminum smelters, supported by associated power plants and downstream facilities. The presence of coal resources and related infrastructure has spurred ancillary manufacturing, metallurgy, and service industries, making Jharsuguda one of the leading industrial centers in Odisha.

Transport in Jharsuguda is well developed by rail, road, and air. Jharsuguda Junction railway station lies on the Howrah-Nagpur-Mumbai line, serving as a regional rail hub. The town is served by Jharsuguda Airport, a domestic airstrip with scheduled flights to select cities. Road connectivity is provided by national and state highways linking to major towns in western Odisha and beyond.

History and geography: Historically, the area developed as a regional trade route and later expanded with mineral-based industries in the late 20th century. Geographically, it lies in the Ib River valley and experiences a tropical climate with hot summers and a monsoon season.