Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy inaugurated a new 84,000 cubic metre Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) Water Reservoir at the IISCO Steel Plant in Burnpur, marking an important milestone in the plant’s ongoing expansion and sustainability initiatives. The reservoir has been developed to support the water requirements of the COB-10 project and the proposed 4.08 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) expansion of the integrated steel plant.
The inauguration formed part of the Minister’s three-day visit to West Bengal, during which he conducted an extensive review of the Steel Authority of India Limited’s (SAIL) IISCO Steel Plant. The visit focused on capacity expansion, production performance, infrastructure development, technology adoption, environmental initiatives and employee welfare.
Mr Kumaraswamy also inspected the COB-12 Stamp Charge Coke Oven Battery project, where officials briefed him on progress across key facilities, including the Coke Dry Cooling Plant, By-Product Plant and advanced environmental systems designed to improve operational efficiency while reducing the plant’s environmental footprint.
Addressing officials, the Minister said timely execution of strategic projects is essential to strengthen India’s steel manufacturing capacity. He noted that modern, efficient and environmentally responsible steel plants would play a vital role in supporting the country’s long-term industrial growth.
The newly inaugurated water management system includes a Booster Pump House, a dedicated Pump House for COB-10 and a Process Water Pump House currently under construction. Once completed, the integrated system will enable closed-loop water circulation, reducing water losses, improving resource utilisation and supporting sustainable plant operations.
During his visit, Mr Kumaraswamy reviewed the performance of the Blast Furnace and visited its Control Room, where he interacted with engineers and plant personnel. Officials informed him that IISCO produced 2.9 million tonnes of hot metal during FY 2025-26, reflecting improved productivity and operational stability.
The Minister later chaired a high-level review meeting attended by SAIL Chairman and Managing Director Ashok Kumar Panda, senior executives and plant officials. Discussions covered production, expansion projects, capital expenditure, technology upgrades and future growth plans.
Mr Kumaraswamy congratulated the IISCO team for achieving 108 per cent of its rated Hot Metal and Crude Steel capacities and 109 per cent of its Saleable Steel capacity during FY 2025-26. He also appreciated the plant’s increased capital expenditure of ₹1,860 crore during the year, compared with ₹689 crore in the previous financial year, along with improvements in procurement transparency and vendor participation, including greater opportunities for MSMEs, SC/ST entrepreneurs and women-led enterprises.
Reiterating that employee safety remains a top priority, the Minister welcomed the adoption of digital and AI-enabled safety systems across the plant. He also interacted with labour union representatives, assuring them that employee welfare and workplace concerns would receive due attention. Kumaraswamy reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to modernising public sector steel plants and strengthening India’s manufacturing capabilities while positioning IISCO as a leading centre for sustainable steel production.
