PM launches SAIL’s modernised & expanded IISCO Steel Plant

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation SAIL’s modernised and expanded IISCO Steel Plant (ISP) at Burnpur, West Bengal, at a glittering function attended by more than 1 lakh enthusiastic citizens of the region. The historic occasion was witnessed by West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Union Steel & Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of State for Steel & Mines Vishnu Deo Sai, Union Minister of State for Urban Development Babul Supriyo, Steel Secretary Rakesh Singh and SAIL Chairman C S Verma.

In his address, the Prime Minister acknowledged the contribution of SAIL in nation-building. He underlined the importance of the Indian steel industry, its vital role in the country’s industrial and economic development and the significance of the industry in the ‘Make in India’ campaign. He said that the economy of our country is poised for a take off, and the steel sector should be ready to fulfil the nation’s need for steel for rapid infrastructure development. The modernised and expanded ISP epitomises the spirit of the ‘Make in India’ campaign, added Modi. He also pointed out that the eastern India too should develop as fast as western India is developing and for that, the development of West Bengal is essential. 

ISP’s modernisation and expansion programme, implemented with an investment of over Rs 16,000 crore, would not only triple ISP’s hot metal capacity from 0.85 to 2.9 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) but also usher in a new era of green and high quality steel-making. The plant, which is one of the pioneers of modern steelmaking in the country, has now been completely transformed into a state-of-the-art integrated steel plant in all facets of steel making, right from raw material handling to finishing mills.