Rourkela, Nov 19 (NationPress) Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy revealed plans on Wednesday to enhance the capacity of the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) to 9.8 million tonnes by the year 2030, backed by an investment of approximately Rs 30,000 crore.

“We are also embarking on the modernization of the plant for around Rs 9,000 crore to ensure that RSP remains internationally competitive and ready for the future,” stated the minister.

Addressing the wider regional implications, Kumaraswamy remarked, “This expansion will create more job opportunities for local youth, foster greater prospects for MSMEs, and enhance community development. The boosted capacity would establish RSP as a leading producer of high-quality and specialty steel.”

During his visit to the steel plant, the minister inaugurated a new 1 million tonnes per annum Slab Caster at Steel Melting Shop-2, built at a capital expenditure of around Rs 1,100 crore, and inspected the developments at the Coke Oven Battery 7 and the ongoing construction of the new Pellet Plant.

Kumaraswamy emphasized that the Ministry was collaborating closely with the Odisha Government.

“We are actively working with the State Government to ensure that the expansion moves forward smoothly and in a friendly, cooperative atmosphere,” he commented.

The minister highlighted RSP’s pivotal role in India’s industrial advancement and laid out an ambitious expansion plan.

Labeling RSP as a cornerstone of India’s steel journey, the Minister expressed pride in visiting the nation’s inaugural public sector integrated steel plant. “For over sixty years, RSP has not only functioned but prospered. It has become a significant player and a foundational element of our domestic steel industry,” he remarked.

He commended the commitment of the RSP workforce. “I congratulate the RSP team for the significant advancements made in production, productivity, and techno-economics,” he noted.

Pointing out the positive growth in raw materials, the Minister indicated that the Odisha Group of Mines had boosted production by over 5 percent this year and was anticipated to reach nearly 15 million tonnes in FY 2025-26, ensuring enhanced raw material security for RSP.

“Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the National Steel Policy aims to elevate India’s steel capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030-31. Reducing import reliance and enhancing specialty steel production through the PLI Scheme are vital to achieving this goal,” the minister pointed out.

Reiterating his confidence in Rourkela’s industrial prospects, Kumaraswamy asserted, “Rourkela is set to become a leading steel hub in the country shortly. The advancements here will benefit not just the city but the entire state and the nation.”