Argus News - Kumaraswamy Announces Rs30,000 Crore Expansion Plan for Rourkela Steel Plant

Rourkela, Nov 19: Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, H.D. Kumaraswamy on Wednesday announced a transformative expansion plan for the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), Odisha.  With an investment of Rs 30,000 crore, the plant’s capacity will be doubled to 9.8 million tonnes by 2030, positioning RSP as a key driver of India’s steel growth, officials said.

Modernisation Drive

Alongside expansion, the Narendra Modi government has sanctioned Rs9,000 crore for modernisation to ensure RSP remains globally competitive. Kumaraswamy inaugurated a new 1 million tonnes per annum Slab Caster at Steel Melting Shop-2, built with a Capex of Rs1,100 crore, and inspected progress at Coke Oven Battery 7 and the upcoming Pellet Plant.

Regional Impact

The Minister highlighted that the expansion will generate employment for local youth, create opportunities for MSMEs, and strengthen community development. “This will make RSP a major producer of high-quality and special steel,” Kumaraswamy said, underscoring the plant’s role in Odisha’s industrial future.

Collaboration with Odisha Govt

Kumaraswamy stressed close coordination with the Odisha Government to ensure smooth progress. He praised the RSP workforce for their dedication and achievements in productivity and techno-economics, calling RSP a “pillar of India’s steel journey” with over six decades of contribution.

Also Read: Odisha CM Names Rourkela Road After Birsa Munda, Inaugurates Developmental Projects Worth Rs1,345 Cr

Raw Material Security

The Odisha Group of Mines has increased production by over 5 per cent this year and is expected to cross 15 million tonnes in FY 2025-26, ensuring stronger raw material security for RSP’s expansion.

National Steel Policy Alignment

The expansion aligns with the National Steel Policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which targets 300 million tonnes of steel capacity by 2030-31. The minister emphasized reducing import dependence and boosting speciality steel production through the PLI Scheme.

Reaffirming confidence in Rourkela’s industrial future, Kumaraswamy said the city is set to become a premier steel hub, benefiting Odisha and the nation.