Jharkhand, January 27: In a significant move to bolster India’s steel sector, Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries Shri HD Kumaraswamy visited and inspected the iconic Bokaro Steel Plant in Jharkhand. Under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, this visit underscores the government’s commitment to achieving 300 million tonnes (MT) of steel production per annum by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2070, in line with India’s decarbonization goals.
Upon arrival, the Union Minister was accorded a Guard of Honour by the state. Accompanying him were the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma and SAIL CMD Shri Amarendu Prakash. Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, the Minister highlighted the plant’s critical role in India’s self-reliance journey.
“Bokaro Steel Plant is a shining example of India’s engineering and manufacturing excellence,” the Minister remarked. “Under PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s visionary leadership, we are transforming India into a global steel powerhouse while prioritizing sustainability, innovation, and the welfare of our workers.”
Focus on Defence and Green Steel
During his visit to the Bokaro Steel Plant’s administrative building, Shri Kumaraswamy was presented with a 3D map of the facility, offering a comprehensive overview of the plant’s operations. He was also briefed on the robust safety procedures in place.
The Minister proudly noted Bokaro’s contribution to national security through its production of high-quality DMR plates, which are extensively supplied to the Indian Navy and other defence sectors. “Bokaro’s role in manufacturing speciality steel for our defence forces, especially the Indian Navy, is a testament to our capability to support India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of green steel production and praised the plant’s efforts toward reducing its carbon footprint. “As we work toward achieving net zero emissions by 2070, plants like Bokaro are setting benchmarks with decarbonization initiatives such as coke moisture reduction, tar sludge blending, and carbon sink creation through steel plantations.”
Expansion Plans for Higher Production
The Union Minister reviewed the plant’s ambitious brownfield expansion plans, which include:
- Installation of a 3.2 MT per annum blast furnace
- New stamp charge batteries
- A modern sinter plant
These upgrades are expected to add 2.6 MT of liquid steel annually, increasing the total capacity of the Bokaro Steel Plant to 7.55 MT per annum. “This expansion will play a crucial role in achieving our target of 300 MT of steel production by 2030. It reflects PM Modi Ji’s vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047, where India leads the world in industrial and sustainable growth,” the Minister said.
Inspection of Advanced Facilities
The Minister toured key facilities, including the plant’s fully indigenous and automated blast furnaces, and visited the Steel Melting Shop, where he witnessed the steel melting process. Hot metal is cast into steel slabs here, which are then processed further in the Hot Strip Mill, consisting of a Reheating Furnace, Roughing Mill, and Finishing Mill.
H.D.Kumaraswamy praised the advanced digitalization initiatives at the plant, including radar-based oven identification systems, the installation of CCTV cameras, and efficient battery-pushing schedules. “Digitalization is not only enhancing operational efficiency but also ensuring the safety and welfare of our workers, which remains a top priority,” he said.
Worker Welfare and Future Goals
The Minister also interacted with workers at the blast furnace site, acknowledging their dedication and hard work. “Our workers are the backbone of the steel industry. Their safety and welfare are non-negotiable, and I am proud of the robust safety measures and facilities in place at Bokaro,” he stated.
He urged the workforce to remain committed to the vision of a sustainable and self-reliant India. “Together, we will achieve the ambitious targets set by PM Narendra Modi —300 MT steel production by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2070. Bokaro is leading the way, and I am confident that this plant will continue to set new benchmarks for innovation and sustainability.”
Union Minister H.D,Kumaraswamy’s visit to the Bokaro Steel Plant highlights the government’s focus on sustainability, innovation, and capacity expansion. Under the leadership of PM Modi, the steel industry is set to play a pivotal role in building a strong, self-reliant, and sustainable India, paving the way for Viksit Bharat 2047.
The Union Minister concluded by commending the collective efforts of SAIL, Bokaro Steel Plant, and the Ministry of Steel in driving India’s industrial growth. “Bokaro Steel Plant is not just a manufacturing hub; it is a symbol of India’s growing global stature in the steel industry,” he said.
Ends
