Action plan on the anvil to strengthen Vizag Steel Plant

Unless the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant improves efficiency and enhances its operational capacity while reducing maintenance costs, the expected results may not be achieved, says Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
| Photo Credit: File photo

The Union and State governments are formulating a comprehensive action plan to strengthen the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP). As part of this initiative, a delegation from the Union Ministry of Steel held discussions with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday at his residence in Undavalli.

The discussions primarily revolved around the follow-up actions required after the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre sanctioned a package for the revitalisation of the steel plant.

Union Minister of State for Steel Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, who participated in the meeting, expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for deploying the State Special Protection Force (SPF) to ensure the security of the steel plant.

Additionally, the Chief Minister discussed key issues with the delegation, including regular reviews of the plant’s progress and the possibility of restarting the third blast furnace along with the existing two furnaces.

Mr. Naidu emphasised that the people of Andhra Pradesh have an emotional connection with Vizag Steel Plant (RINL) and that it is essential to safeguard its interests. 

He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union government for considering the State’s request and announcing financial assistance for the steel plant’s revival.

The Chief Minister stressed the need for both the Union and State governments to work in coordination to restore the plant to its original glory. He assured that the State government would continue to extend the necessary support for this purpose.

Furthermore, Mr. Naidu  pointed out that unless the plant improves efficiency and enhances its operational capacity while reducing maintenance costs, the expected results may not be achieved.

The meeting was attended by Union Steel Ministry Secretary Sandeep Poundrik, Joint Secretary Abhijit Narendra, NMDC CMD Amitava Mukherjee, RINL in-charge CMD Ajit Kumar Saxena, MECON CMD S.K. Verma and MSTC Limited CMD Manobendra Ghosal.