Kumaraswamy reviews IISCO Steel Plant, stresses timely expansion and modernisation
Burnpur (West Bengal), July 12 (TNT) : Union Steel and Heavy Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Sunday reviewed operations and expansion projects at the IISCO Steel Plant (ISP) in Burnpur and stressed the need for timely completion of capacity augmentation projects to strengthen India’s steel manufacturing capabilities.
During his three-day visit to West Bengal, the Union Minister inspected the COB-12 (Stamp Charge Coke Oven Battery) project, where officials briefed him on the progress of the coke oven battery, coke dry cooling plant, by-product plant and environmental protection systems aimed at improving operational efficiency and sustainable steel production.
Kumaraswamy also inaugurated an 84,000-cubic metre reinforced cement concrete (RCC) water reservoir developed to meet the requirements of COB-10 and support the proposed 4.08 million tonne per annum expansion project.
Officials said the integrated water management system would help improve water conservation and operational efficiency through a closed-loop circulation mechanism.
The Union Minister later inspected the blast furnace and reviewed production performance and modernisation initiatives. Officials informed him that the plant produced 2.9 million tonnes of hot metal during 2025-26.
Chairing a review meeting, Kumaraswamy assessed the plant’s production, capacity expansion, sustainability initiatives, technology adoption and capital expenditure.
He noted that IISCO had achieved 108 per cent of its rated hot metal and crude steel capacities and 109 per cent of its saleable steel capacity during 2025-26.
He also appreciated improvements in inventory management, procurement transparency and increased participation of MSMEs, SC/ST entrepreneurs and women entrepreneurs in procurement.
The Union Minister noted that the plant’s capital expenditure had increased to ₹1,860 crore during 2025-26 from ₹689 crore in the previous financial year.
Emphasising worker safety, Kumaraswamy said digital technologies and AI-enabled safety interventions were helping transform IISCO into a safer and more efficient steel plant.
He also interacted with labour union representatives and assured them that their genuine concerns relating to employee welfare and working conditions would be addressed through appropriate mechanisms.
During the visit, West Bengal Minister for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Agnimitra Paul met the Union Minister.
The two leaders discussed Centre-State cooperation to strengthen the steel sector, attract investments and generate employment.
Kumaraswamy reiterated the Centre’s commitment to modernising public sector steel plants, strengthening domestic manufacturing and building globally competitive steel infrastructure.
TNT KM
