(MENAFN- KNN India) Bhubaneswar, Nov 20 (KNN) Steel and Heavy Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy announced plans to double the capacity of the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) to 9.8 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2030, outlining a major expansion and modernisation roadmap during his visit to the facility.

Highlighting the broader regional impact, the Minister stated that the expansion would create employment opportunities, support MSMEs, and bolster community development.

During the visit, he also inaugurated a new 1 MTPA slab caster at Steel Melting Shop-2, built at an estimated cost of Rs 1,100 crore.

He also reviewed progress at the under-construction Coke Oven Battery 7 and the new Pellet Plant.

He noted that the Odisha Group of Mines had registered more than 5 per cent growth in output this year and was projected to exceed 15 million tonnes in FY 2025–26, strengthening raw material availability for the plant.

The expansion plan includes a proposed investment of about Rs 30,000 crore to double RSP's capacity, along with an additional Rs 9,000 crore earmarked for modernisation to enhance competitiveness and technological readiness.

The Ministry, he said, was coordinating with the Odisha Government to ensure smooth implementation.

The enhanced capacity is expected to help RSP emerge as a major producer of high-quality and special steel.

He also linked the project to national objectives under the National Steel Policy, which targets a 300-million-tonne steelmaking capacity for India by 2030–31 and emphasises reducing import dependence through increased specialty steel production under the PLI scheme.

(KNN Bureau)

MENAFN20112025000155011030ID1110375205