city, southern West Bengal state, northeastern India, just north of the Damodar River. Connected by road and rail with Kolkata (Calcutta) (Calcutta), Burdwan, and Asansol, Durgapur is one of India's chief steel-producing centres. The main steel plant went into operation in 1962, and the population grew dramatically. Other major industries include a coal washery, an alloy and special steel plant, a coal-mining machinery plant, brick and tile manufacturing, and several large thermal power units. Coke gas produced in Durgapur is conveyed to Kolkata by pipeline. The Damodar provides canal irrigation and industrial power in the area. The city has an engineering college and a government college affiliated with the University of Burdwan and a school of music affiliated with Rabindra Bharati University at Kolkata. Pop. (2001) 493,405.