Union Minister Vows to Revitalize Vizag Steel Plant under Atmanirbhar Bharat

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy inspected the Vizag Steel Plant, emphasizing efforts to rejuvenate the facility through Prime Minister's initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. A target of 300 million tons of steel production annually was announced. Officials and labor leaders discussed the plant's future and challenges.

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy conducted an inspection visit to the prestigious Vizag Steel Plant on Thursday, announcing efforts to rejuvenate the company through Prime Minister Narendra Modi's programs like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. Kumaraswamy highlighted a target to produce 300 million tons of steel annually.

The minister, arriving in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, visited the plant's departments to assess the current state. He was accompanied by senior officials, including Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Steel Bhupathiraju Verma, Company CMD Atul Bhatt, Visakhapatnam MP Sribharat, local MLA Palla Srinivas, and SAIL Director Kashi Vishwanath Raju.

Addressing labor leaders, Kumaraswamy said, 'Since assuming office, I have conducted several meetings regarding the Vizag Steel Company and engaged with senior officials and banks. This reflects the functioning of Prime Minister Modi's government.' He assured efforts to revitalize Vizag Steel through government programs, underscoring its crucial role in achieving the steel production target.

During the visit, Company President Atul Bhatt briefed the minister on operations, expansion plans, and department functions. Kumaraswamy collected information on capacity, staffing, and performance, visiting key departments and interacting with workers to understand their issues.

In a subsequent meeting, the minister gathered data on the plant's administration, finances, production capabilities, and operational challenges. Lok Sabha member Sribharat and others emphasized the significance of preserving Vizag Steel, calling for federal support or a merger with the Steel Authority of India.

The minister also met with labor union leaders, who insisted the company remain under government control and requested allocation of essential iron ore mines for the plant's operation.

(With inputs from agencies.)