Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Monday unveiled an ambitious Rs 20,000-crore expansion plan for Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)’s Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL), which will increase its production capacity to 7.55 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). Founded in 1965 and operational since 1972, the Bokaro Steel Plant began with a capacity of just 1.7 MTPA. With this new investment, the facility will boost its hot metal production from 5.25 MTPA to 7.55 MTPA, aligning with India’s vision for self-reliance in steel manufacturing.
“The Rs 20,000 crore brownfield expansion will not only ramp up production capacity but also create 2,500 permanent jobs and 10,000 indirect employment opportunities,” SAIL said in a statement. The expansion includes the installation of a new 4,500 cubic meter blast furnace, a thin slab casting and direct rolling facility, a calcining plant, a stamp-charge coke oven battery, and an expanded sinter plant.
Speaking about the project, Kumaraswamy highlighted its importance, saying, “This expansion demonstrates India’s commitment to becoming self-sufficient in steel production and is in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of reaching 300 MTPA by 2030. The technological upgrades and investments will significantly contribute to the growth of the steel sector and the Indian economy.”
Kumaraswamy also emphasized efforts to reduce carbon emissions, noting that the Bokaro Steel Plant aims to cut its carbon emissions from 2.67 tonnes per tonne of crude steel to under 2.2 tonnes by 2030. The plant is exploring renewable energy sources, including 30 MW floating solar power, 20 MW land-based solar power, and a 100 MW renewable energy purchase agreement with the Solar Energy Corporation of India. “These initiatives focus on maximizing capacity utilization while minimizing energy consumption, ensuring a sustainable future for India’s steel industry,” said Kumaraswamy.
The minister also visited the Tasra coal mine project, which is set to produce 3.5 MTPA of domestic coking coal by September 2025, helping reduce India’s reliance on imported coal. He also visited the Chasnala Washery, which is designed to lower coal ash content, improving efficiency in steel production. “The development of the Tasra and Chasnala projects will play a crucial role in making India self-reliant in coal supply, contributing to the vision of a Developed India by 2047,” Kumaraswamy added.
Bokaro Steel Plant, a unit of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), is one of India’s largest and most advanced steel manufacturing facilities. Located in Bokaro, Jharkhand, it was established with Soviet collaboration and became operational in 1972.
The plant is known for producing a wide range of high-quality flat steel products, including hot-rolled, cold-rolled, and galvanized sheets used in industries such as automotive, construction, and infrastructure. With a strong focus on modernization and sustainability, Bokaro Steel Plant has adopted advanced technologies to enhance production efficiency and reduce its environmental footprint. As a key contributor to India’s steel sector, it continues to play a vital role in supporting the country’s industrial and economic growth.
