Kumaraswamy Reviews Vizag Steel, Pushes Revival

Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H. D. Kumaraswamy on Monday reviewed operations at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, underlining the Centre’s focus on reviving the unit and strengthening its long-term prospects. He was accompanied by Union Minister of State for Steel Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma.

During the visit, the Ministers inspected key facilities, including the Coke Oven Batteries, Wire Rod Mill and Blast Furnace-3. In his remarks recorded in the visitors’ book, Kumaraswamy said the plant has drawn up a strategic roadmap in line with the national goal of achieving 300 million tonnes of steel capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070.

At a meeting with the top management led by Chairman and Managing Director Manish Raj Gupta, the Minister described Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) as a key pillar of the country’s industrial base and called for time-bound steps to improve production and techno-economic efficiency.

Issues such as securing raw material linkages and streamlining operations were discussed, with Kumaraswamy stressing the need to sustain production despite existing challenges. He also emphasised closer monitoring and accountability to align operations with the Centre’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision of a self-reliant steel sector.

The Ministers later interacted with representatives of trade unions, SC, ST and OBC associations, and the Steel Executives’ Association at the Management Development Centre in Ukkunagaram.

Responding to concerns over pending dues and operational stability, Kumaraswamy assured employees that the issues would be addressed. Srinivasa Varma urged the workforce to work with renewed commitment to restore the plant’s past performance.