Bhatinda is one of the oldest cities in Punjab and the current administrative headquarters of Bathinda District. It is situated in north-western India in the Malwa Region and as of 2001 has a population of 217,389 It is home to two modern thermal power plants a fertilizer plant a large oil refinery a Zoo and the Qila Mubarak fort. Bathinda is one of the biggest food grain and cotton markets in northern India, and the area around Bathinda has become a large grape growing area. Bathinda's railway junction is Asia's biggest and is currently undergoing a project for modernization. The Multinational Corporation Pepsi processes horticultural products grown in Bathinda.