Shri Narendra Modi Dedicates Modernised and Expanded 4.5 MTPA Rourkela Steel Plant of Odisha to the Nation
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation, SAIL's 4.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) modernised and expanded with an investment of Rs 12,000 crore.Before arriving at the inauguration programme, Shri Modi along with other dignitaries witnessed the operation of the new Plate Mill at SAIL, RSP.
Addressing the gathering at Rourkela, Odisha Shri Modi said that he has come to Rourkela today to deliver 'Vikas' (development). He described Rourkela as the town which has given India the strength of steel. He said Rourkela Steel Plant plays a key role in the nation's defence as well. The Prime Minister said India had surpassed America in steel production, but was still far behind China, and therefore, a lot more still needed to be done. He said value addition was necessary in India's mineral wealth, in order to build a strong economy.
In his speech, Union Minister of Steel & Mines Shri Narendra Singh Tomar said that it was a matter of pride, privilege and pleasure that the Prime Minister dedicated the 4.5 mtpa steel plant, modernised and expanded with an investment of Rs 12,000 crore, for the benefit of the nation. Shri Tomar added, Presence of Shri Narendra Modi ji has inspired and enthused the people of Rourkela and has made RSP workforce proud. Under his able leadership, we will be able to steer India ahead in the league of developed nations. By September 2015, SAIL's production capacity will be enhanced to 23 MTPA, which will be further augmented to 50 MTPA by 2025 under Modiji's leadership. Besides increasing India's steel capacity to 300 MT, we are also trying to create a pride of place for Indian steel in the global market. For this, we are laying special emphasis on Research & Development work, and on ensuring availability of raw materials. By bringing in the MMDR Amendment Act 2015, we have brought in greater transparency and ease in the mining sector, which will attract investment, and will transform the standard of living of mines affected peoples and places.
Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik expressed gratitude to Hon'ble Prime Minister for choosing the auspicious and historic occasion of 'Utkala Dibasa' for marking the dedication ceremony of the steel plant. Describing Rourkela as the first modern city of Odisha, Shri Patnaik said that Rourkela is the pride of the state. He added that Rourkela has played a key role in the development of Odisha, and that its modernization will not only benefit the city, but also the state.
In his welcome speech Shri Jual Oram expressed his gratefulness to Shri Modi and other dignitaries for gracing the momentous occasion with their presence. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan specially thanked Hon'ble Prime Minister for his efforts in making Odisha one of the leading states in the country, by driving it to new heights.
The modernisation and expansion work at RSP has resulted in capacity augmentation from 2 mtpa of hot metal to 4.5 mtpa. Carried out on a mammoth scale, the modernisation aims to enhance the quality of products, decrease energy consumption and improve environmental performance. RSP has one of the largest Blast Furnaces in the country with a useful volume of 4060 cubic meter. Named 'Durga', the Blast Furnace has an annual capacity of 2.8 MTPA. The modernisation and expansion of RSP is part of SAIL's overall strategy to raise capacity from 13.8 mtpa to 23.46 mtpa. The entire package is being carried out with an investment of Rs 72,134 crore in SAIL's plants at Bokaro, Bhilai, Durgapur, Burnpur and Salem.
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