H.D. Kumaraswamy Inaugurates 84,000 m³ Water Reservoir at IISCO, Reviews Expansion Projects and Industrial Growth Roadmap.

Burnpur, West Bengal:

Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy began his three-day visit to West Bengal with a comprehensive review of the IISCO Steel Plant (ISP) in Burnpur, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to strengthening India’s public sector steel sector through modernization, sustainability and capacity expansion.

The visit included inspections of major infrastructure projects, production facilities, modernization initiatives and employee welfare measures at the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)-run integrated steel plant, one of the country’s oldest and most significant steel manufacturing units.

Upon his arrival, Kumaraswamy was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour and was received by SAIL Chairman and Managing Director Ashok Kumar Panda, the Director In-Charge of IISCO Steel Plant and senior officials.

Major Expansion Projects Reviewed

The Union Minister first inspected the COB-12 (Stamp Charge Coke Oven Battery) Project, one of IISCO’s flagship expansion initiatives. Officials briefed him on the progress of the Battery Proper, Coke Dry Cooling (CDQ) Plant, By-Product Plant and advanced environmental protection systems designed to improve operational efficiency while promoting sustainable steel production.

Reviewing the project, Kumaraswamy stressed that timely completion of strategic expansion initiatives would significantly strengthen India’s steel manufacturing capacity.

“India’s journey towards becoming a global steel powerhouse depends not only on expanding capacity but also on building modern, sustainable and technologically advanced steel plants. Every strategic investment we make today strengthens the foundation of a self-reliant India,” he said.

84,000 Cubic Metre Water Reservoir Inaugurated

During the visit, Kumaraswamy inaugurated a newly constructed Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) Water Reservoir with a storage capacity of 84,000 cubic metres. The facility has been developed to meet the water requirements of COB-10 while supporting the future 4.08 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) expansion project at IISCO.

Officials informed the Minister that the integrated water management system includes a newly built Booster Pump House, a dedicated Pump House for COB-10 and a Process Water Pump House currently under construction. Together, these facilities will establish a closed-loop water circulation system aimed at maximizing water conservation, reducing losses and improving operational efficiency.

Calling the project a major step towards sustainable industrial infrastructure, Kumaraswamy said, “Resource efficiency and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand with industrial growth. Projects like these demonstrate how modern infrastructure can simultaneously improve operational performance and conserve precious natural resources.”

Strong Production Performance

The Minister later reviewed operations at the plant’s Blast Furnace and visited the Blast Furnace Control Room, where he interacted with engineers and technical staff overseeing live production.

Officials informed him that IISCO produced 2.9 million tonnes of hot metal during FY 2025-26, reflecting strong operational performance and continued productivity improvements.

Commending the workforce, Kumaraswamy said, “Behind every tonne of steel produced stands the dedication, skill and commitment of thousands of engineers, technicians and workers. Their contribution continues to strengthen India’s industrial capabilities.”

Operational Milestones and Capital Investment

Kumaraswamy chaired a comprehensive review meeting attended by SAIL Chairman and Managing Director Ashok Kumar Panda, senior executives and plant officials.

The discussions covered production performance, modernization projects, operational efficiency, sustainability initiatives, technology adoption, capital expenditure and future expansion plans.

Congratulating the IISCO team, the Minister highlighted that the plant achieved 108% of its rated Hot Metal capacity, 108% of Crude Steel capacity and 109% of Saleable Steel capacity during FY 2025-26, describing the achievements as milestones reflecting operational excellence.

He also praised the plant’s progress in inventory management, procurement transparency and expanding participation of MSMEs, SC/ST entrepreneurs and women entrepreneurs.

The Minister noted that IISCO’s capital expenditure increased significantly to ₹1,860 crore during FY 2025-26, compared to ₹689 crore in the previous financial year.

Focus on Worker Safety

Emphasizing employee welfare, Kumaraswamy said worker safety remains the government’s highest priority.

“Nothing is more important than the life and well-being of every worker. I am pleased to see IISCO embracing digital technologies and AI-enabled safety interventions that are transforming it into a safer, smarter and more efficient steel plant,” he said.

He added that IISCO’s achievements align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

“Every worker and every officer at IISCO should know that your hard work is recognised and deeply valued. India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation will be realised through the collective efforts of institutions like IISCO and the people who power them every day,” he said.

Labour Welfare and Centre-State Coordination

The Union Minister also met representatives of various labour unions, who raised concerns regarding employee welfare, working conditions and operational issues.

Kumaraswamy assured them that all genuine grievances would be examined sympathetically through appropriate institutional mechanisms.

“The welfare of our employees remains at the heart of the steel sector’s progress. A motivated and secure workforce is indispensable for achieving sustainable industrial growth,” he said.

During the visit, Agnimitra Paul, Minister for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Government of West Bengal, met Kumaraswamy to discuss stronger Centre-State cooperation for accelerating industrial development, boosting investments, strengthening the steel sector and creating employment opportunities.

The leaders also discussed leveraging the full potential of IISCO Steel Plant to contribute to West Bengal’s industrial growth and India’s expanding steel ecosystem.

Concluding his visit, Kumaraswamy reiterated the Centre’s commitment to modernising public sector steel plants, strengthening domestic manufacturing and building globally competitive steel infrastructure. He expressed confidence that IISCO Steel Plant would continue to emerge as one of India’s leading centres of excellence in steel production while contributing significantly to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.