Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy Reviews IISCO Modernisation and 4.08 MTPA Expansion During West Bengal Visit

New Delhi, Jul 13 (KNN) Union Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy reviewed expansion projects and plant operations at the IISCO Steel Plant (ISP) in Burnpur during his three-day visit to West Bengal.

The Minister inaugurated an 84,000 cubic metre reinforced cement concrete (RCC) water reservoir, developed to meet the water requirements of the COB-10 project and support the proposed 4.08 MTPA expansion project. 

The facility is part of a water management system that includes a booster pump house and a process water pump house to improve water conservation and operational efficiency.

He also inspected the COB-12 Stamp Charge Coke Oven Battery project, where officials briefed him on the progress of the battery, coke dry cooling plant, by-product plant and environmental protection systems.

During the visit, Kumaraswamy reviewed the plant's blast furnace operations. Officials informed him that the plant produced 2.9 million tonnes of hot metal during FY 2025-26. 

At a review meeting, he assessed production performance, ongoing modernisation projects, capacity expansion, capital expenditure and sustainability initiatives.

According to the Ministry, IISCO achieved 108 per cent of its rated hot metal capacity, 108 per cent of crude steel capacity and 109 per cent of saleable steel capacity during FY 2025-26. 

The plant also recorded capital expenditure of Rs 1,860 crore, compared with Rs 689 crore in the previous financial year.

The Minister also met labour union representatives to discuss issues related to employee welfare and working conditions. 

During the visit, he held discussions with West Bengal Minister Agnimitra Paul on strengthening Centre-State cooperation for industrial development and the steel sector.

(KNN Bureau)