Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL), a prominent public-sector entity, has finalised plans to construct a cutting-edge steel plant in Burnpur, West Bengal, with an investment of Rs 360 billion . This project, set near the existing IISCO Steel plant, has received initial board approval and is currently in the vendor selection phase, expected to conclude by end-October. The new facility, projected to begin operations by 2029, will have a capacity of 4.08 million tonnes (mt) and will focus on manufacturing flat products such as hot and cold rolled coils, essential for automotive and consumer durable industries.

The upcoming IISCO plant forms a key part of SAIL’s ambitious goal to increase its overall capacity to 35mt by 2031, necessitating an estimated total investment of Rs 1100 billion. This expansion initiative includes plans for capacity additions across SAIL’s existing sites in Durgapur, Bokaro, Rourkela, and Bhilai, with pre-feasibility reports already prepared for Durgapur and Bokaro.

Established in 1918, The Indian Iron & Steel Company Ltd (IISCO) has played a pivotal role in India’s steel industry. After facing challenges in the mid-1960s, IISCO was nationalised in 1972 and subsequently merged with SAIL in 2006. The modernisation efforts culminated in the commissioning of a new plant at Burnpur in 2015, underscoring its historical significance and economic impact on the Asansol-Durgapur region.

Industry experts emphasise the need for coordinated efforts between state and central authorities to facilitate the smooth execution of SAIL’s ambitious project, which promises to create substantial employment opportunities and foster economic growth in West Bengal.

(Source: Telegraph India)