The discussions, which took place at the residence of HD Deve Gowda, centered around the implementation and long-term growth prospects of the steel plant, a crucial industry for Andhra Pradesh’s economy
Published Feb 05, 2025 | 6:47 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 05, 2025 | 6:47 PM
Future Plans for Vizag Steel: Nara Lokesh meets HD Kumaraswamy to discuss ₹11,440 crore revival package
Synopsis: In a meeting in New Delhi, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy discussed the ₹11,440 crore revival package for the Vizag Steel Plant (RINL). Lokesh thanked Kumaraswamy for the initiative, which is vital for Andhra’s economy. The talks focused on implementing the package and ensuring the plant’s long-term growth and sustainability.
A meeting was held in New Delhi between Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh and Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, HD Kumaraswamy, to discuss the future of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) – the Vizag Steel Plant – following the announcement of a ₹11,440 crore revival package by the Central Government.
The discussions, which took place at the residence of HD Deve Gowda, centered around the implementation and long-term growth prospects of the steel plant, a crucial industry for Andhra Pradesh’s economy.
Lokesh expressed his sincere gratitude to Kumaraswamy for the revival package, acknowledging its significance for both the steel sector and the people of the state.
Lokesh was accompanied by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of State for Steel Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, and Visakhapatnam MP M Bharath.
The group held extensive talks with Kumaraswamy on the roadmap for the plant’s revival, emphasising the need for a sustainable and thriving steel industry.
Minister Kumaraswamy provided insight into the government’s broader vision for the steel sector, stating, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set an ambitious target of producing 300 million tonnes of steel annually. To meet this goal, India must become self-reliant, particularly in producing green and specialty steel. In this context, strengthening Vizag Steel is a key part of the plan.”
Kumaraswamy outlined the goal of ensuring the full operation of the plant’s three blast furnaces, with a target production of 7.3 million tonnes of steel per year.
He emphasised that the success of the revival plan would depend on the cooperation of both the Andhra Pradesh government and the workforce at Vizag Steel.
In response, Lokesh pledged the full support of the Andhra Pradesh government, reaffirming the state’s commitment to facilitating the revival process and ensuring its success.
He also highlighted the leadership of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in advocating for the plant’s future.
Minister Kumaraswamy also praised Chief Minister Naidu’s proactive role in securing the revival package, thanking him for his tireless efforts to safeguard the plant’s future.
He assured that the Ministry of Steel and Heavy Industries would continue to offer all possible assistance for the development of the steel industry in Andhra Pradesh.
The meeting, which lasted over an hour, concluded with a formal lunch hosted by HD Deve Gowda.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
