Union Steel and Heavy Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Sunday began his three-day visit to West Bengal with a comprehensive review of the IISCO Steel Plant (ISP) at Burnpur, focusing on expansion projects, production performance, sustainability initiatives and workforce welfare.
During the visit, the Minister inaugurated a new reinforced cement concrete (RCC) water reservoir with a storage capacity of 84,000 cubic metres, designed to support the plant’s ongoing operations and future expansion plans.
Kumaraswamy inspected the COB-12 Stamp Charge Coke Oven Battery project, one of IISCO’s major capacity expansion initiatives. Officials briefed him on the progress of the coke oven battery, coke dry cooling plant, by-product plant and environmental protection systems that are expected to improve operational efficiency while supporting sustainable steel production.
The newly inaugurated water reservoir will meet the requirements of the COB-10 facility and support the proposed 4.08 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) expansion project. The integrated system includes a booster pump house, a dedicated pump house for COB-10 and a process water pump house under construction, which will establish a closed-loop water circulation system aimed at improving water conservation and reducing operational losses.
Addressing officials during the inspection, Kumaraswamy said timely completion of strategic expansion projects would strengthen India’s steel manufacturing capabilities. He emphasised that modern, sustainable and technologically advanced steel plants are essential for achieving the country’s goal of becoming a global steel powerhouse.
The Minister also inspected the plant’s blast furnace and reviewed production performance and modernisation initiatives. Officials informed him that the plant produced 2.9 million tonnes of hot metal during the 2025-26 financial year. He later visited the blast furnace control room and interacted with engineers and workers managing the unit’s operations.
A review meeting chaired by Kumaraswamy assessed the plant’s production, operational efficiency, capital expenditure, technology adoption, sustainability measures and future growth plans. Senior officials informed the Minister that during FY 2025-26, IISCO achieved 108 per cent of its rated hot metal and crude steel production capacities, and 109 per cent of its saleable steel capacity.
The Minister also noted the increase in capital expenditure at the plant, which rose to ₹1,860 crore during FY 2025-26 from ₹689 crore in the previous financial year. He appreciated the plant’s efforts to improve procurement transparency, inventory management and vendor participation, including the involvement of MSMEs, SC/ST entrepreneurs and women entrepreneurs.
Highlighting the importance of workplace safety, Kumaraswamy said employee welfare remains a priority and welcomed the adoption of digital technologies and AI-enabled safety measures at the plant.
The Minister also held discussions with representatives of various labour unions, who raised issues related to employee welfare and working conditions. He assured them that genuine concerns would be examined and addressed through appropriate institutional mechanisms.
During the visit, West Bengal Minister for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Agnimitra Paul met Kumaraswamy to discuss industrial development in the state. The two leaders reviewed opportunities for greater Centre-State cooperation to strengthen the steel sector, attract investment and generate employment while leveraging the capabilities of the IISCO Steel Plant.
Concluding the visit, Kumaraswamy reiterated the Centre’s commitment to modernising public sector steel plants, expanding domestic manufacturing capacity and strengthening India’s steel infrastructure as part of the country’s long-term industrial growth strategy.
