Ranchi

Ranchi is the capital city of Jharkhand, the state that was formed only in the year 2000. This city has the second-largest population in the state, and was earlier the center of the Jharkhand movement for creating a new state. The name Ranchi is derived from ‘Archi’, which is the previous name of an Oraon village. Archi changed to Rachi, which eventually became Ranchi. This city is geographically in the south area of the Chota Nagpur plateau.

Ranchi is also called the ‘City of Waterfalls’. Since this place came to be known as a hill station during the British times, Ranchi has seen a quick growth in population and industrialization. These factors influenced the change in weather patterns and increase in average temperature. The city has now lost its status of being a hill station, but is still a favorite choice for investments in the industrial sector.

After obtaining the status of a state, Jharkhand saw a sudden increase in population in Ranchi and other major places in the state. With more employment opportunities, and openings in offices and banks, many people have migrated to Ranchi.

Ranchi is now famous for being a Tier-III city with the highest employment generation, according to a study by ASSOCHAM.

Stats and Facts

• As per the census report of 2011, the population of Ranchi stands at 10,73,440. However, its urban agglomeration has a population of 11,26,741
• According to the same report, the sex ratio in Ranchi is 920 females per 1000 males, which is around the national average sex ratio of 940 per 1000 males. The sex ratio, however, has increased from what it was in 2001
• Ranchi’s literacy rate is 88.49%, according to the census 2011
• Ranchi has many waterfalls like Dassam Falls, Jonha Falls, Panchghagh Falls, Hundru Falls, and Hirni Falls
• The river Subarnarekha flows through the city. This river along with its tributaries forms the local river system in Ranchi
• The National Institute of Foundry and Forge is the only foundry institution in India is located in Ranchi
• Ranchi was under the rule of the Munda Rajas in the ancient times
• The 34th National Games took place in Ranchi in the year 2011

Mineral Industry

• • Ranchi is known as the ‘Manchester of the East’ because it’s abundant in mineral resources. This industry contributes to almost 18% of the national mineral production and contributes significantly to the economy of Ranchi
  • Ranchi is endowed with natural beauty and a scenic environment due to its hilly topography, which attracts tourists. In addition, the many beautiful waterfalls in this city are a major attraction, which also contributes to the city’s economy

–

• Ranchi is a city in the Ranchi district, which comes under the 250 most backward districts in India. Therefore, this city receives funds from the BRGF (Backward Regions Grant Fund) program

Connectivity

• Ranchi is connected with the major cities in India via railways. Apart from the main Ranchi Railway Station, there are other stations in this city like Hatia Station, Namkom Station, and Tatisilwai Station. Ranchi has trains connecting to cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, Jammu, Surat and many others
• Ranchi has its own airport namely, the Birsa Munda Airport. It has direct flights to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Jammu, Chennai, Goa and Kolkata. There is a new international terminal at Ranchi spreading over 19,676 sq. m., with a capacity to manage 200 international and 500 domestic passengers at a time. It has taken off the load from the Kolkata airport
• The road connectivity of Ranchi is excellent. National Highways NH-23 and NH-33 pass through Ranchi. Jharkhand State Road Transport Corporation buses ply from Ranchi, connecting it to other places in Jharkhand. There are Bihar Road Transport buses that run from Ranchi to important cities in Bihar like Patna and Gaya
• The intra-city travel occurs mainly through auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws. Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) runs around 150 city buses in Ranchi.

Lifestyle
Ranchi boasts of a number of tourist attractions, with the most popular ones being Rock Garden and Kanke Dam (Gonda Hills), Hundru Falls, Jonha Falls, Panchghagh Falls, Dassam Falls, Hirni Falls, Nakshatra Van, Jharkhand War Memorial, and Jagannathpur Temple. Several festivals are celebrated here with great enthusiasm, including Karma, Manasa Puja, Rath Yatra, Chhath Puja, Basant Panchami, and so on. Ranchi is the centre for numerous sport activities, with the prominent stadiums being Jaipal Singh Stadium, JSCA International Cricket Stadium, Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium, and Birsa Munda Football Stadium. The International Library and Cultural Centre is a major public library in the city. Ranchi also houses several higher educational institutions, some of which are Ranchi University, Birla Institute of Technology (Mesra), Indian Institute of Management Ranchi, National University of Study and Research in Law Ranchi, National Institute of Foundry and Forge Technology, Central University of Jharkhand, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Xavier Institute of Social Service, etc. The citizens also have plenty of recreational options, thanks to the shopping malls, theatres, and eateries.