Union Steel Minister Unveils New Facility at SAIL’s Rourkela Steel Plant!
By Ashutosh Arora
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy inaugurated a state-of-the-art steel-making facility at the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) of the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), marking a major step forward in the plant’s expansion and modernisation journey. The inauguration took place during his two-day visit to Rourkela, where he was joined by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram. The visit underscored the central government’s commitment to strengthening India’s steel sector and accelerating industrial development in Odisha.
During the tour, Mr Kumaraswamy formally commissioned the newly constructed ‘Caster-4’ unit at Steel Melting Shop-2. This advanced casting facility represents a crucial milestone in RSP’s long-term capacity expansion and technological upgrade programmes. According to officials, the addition of Caster-4 enhances RSP’s ability to produce high-quality steel grades required by critical industries. It also supports the plant’s transition toward more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.
SAIL has recently outlined an ambitious plan to increase the Rourkela plant’s production capacity to nearly 9 million tonnes per annum, more than doubling its current output. With an estimated investment of ₹30,000 crore, the expansion project aims to strengthen supply chains for essential sectors such as defence manufacturing, oil and gas infrastructure, heavy engineering, and the rapidly expanding Indian automotive industry. The commissioning of Caster-4 is one of the early steps in this wider transformation that will enable RSP to contribute more significantly to national industrial growth.
During the visit, Minister Kumaraswamy reaffirmed the Centre’s full support for RSP’s ongoing development. He highlighted the importance of modern steel plants in driving employment, regional infrastructure growth, and India’s broader economic progress. Minister Jual Oram, who represents the Sundergarh district in Parliament, also praised RSP’s achievements and expressed confidence that the plant’s expansion would bring long-term benefits to the region. He assured continued cooperation to help the plant reach its upgraded production targets and fulfill its strategic objectives.
As one of the largest state-owned steel manufacturers in the country, SAIL plays a pivotal role in India’s industrial framework. With integrated steel plants located in Rourkela, Bhilai, Bokaro, Durgapur, and Burnpur, SAIL produces a diverse range of steel products used extensively across infrastructure, railways, defence, power, energy, and manufacturing sectors. Over the years, the organisation has consistently invested in capacity enhancement, modern equipment, and green technologies to strengthen its competitiveness and align with global standards.
The latest developments at RSP highlight SAIL’s continued focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. By adopting advanced steel-making technologies and expanding capacity, SAIL is positioning itself to meet the rising domestic demand for high-grade steel while also supporting India’s goals of self-reliance in strategic sectors. The commissioning of Caster-4 marks a significant advancement in this journey and reinforces Rourkela Steel Plant’s status as a cornerstone of India’s industrial progress.
