city, Rostov oblast (province), southwestern Russia, just south of Rostov-na-Donu. It is a transport centre in the northern Caucasus and a main rail junction, with railway shops and freight yards: much of the labour force is in transportation. Other important industries are metalworking and aircraft manufacture, and Bataysk is also a grain, livestock, and food centre. It became a city in 1938. Pop. (2006 est.) 104,045.