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Odisha is moving forward with the expansion of the Rourkela Steel Plant, with the state government forming a high-level committee to address land acquisition challenges affecting around 300 families. SAIL plans to double the plant's capacity from 4.5 MTPA with an investment of over INR 30,000 crore, alongside a INR 9,000 crore modernization effort. Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy emphasized state support, rehabilitation measures, and strengthening raw material security, while discussions also focused on establishing a Rourkela Airport to support regional development and future steel growth.
The Odisha government has decided to form a high-level committee to address land acquisition challenges for the proposed expansion of the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), following discussions between Union Heavy Industries and Steel Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. During his two-day visit to the state, Kumaraswamy visited Rourkela and highlighted the factors delaying the start of RSP's expansion programme. Advertisement
SAIL, the public sector company managing RSP, plans to double the plant's capacity from 4.5 MTPA with an estimated investment of over INR 30,000 crore. However, land acquisition has become a major hurdle. The plant is simultaneously undergoing a modernization project worth INR 9,000 crore to maintain global competitiveness, the Union minister noted.
Kumaraswamy requested the state's support in resolving the land acquisition challenges, emphasizing that SAIL would offer an attractive rehabilitation package to the approximately 300 families affected by the expansion. The Chief Minister underlined the importance of RSP's expansion for the state's economic growth and local employment generation.
He stated that the concerns of local residents would be addressed and land would be acquired consensually. The committee, chaired by a senior officer of the rank of additional chief secretary, will engage with stakeholders to resolve issues through dialogue.
The discussions also touched upon the need for land to establish an airport in Rourkela. Kumaraswamy described Rourkela as an emerging premier steel hub, saying that its growth would benefit the city, the state, and the country. On social media, he noted that the meeting also included discussions on RSP's operations, planned expansion, and ways to enhance steel and mining production in Odisha.
The minister mentioned that the Chief Minister assured full state support to help RSP contribute to the national target of achieving 300 MT steel capacity by 2030. Kumaraswamy highlighted positive trends in raw material production, noting that the Odisha Group of Mines increased output by over 5 per cent this year, expected to reach nearly 15 million tons in FY 2025-26, strengthening RSP's raw material security.
The meeting included Union Tribal Affairs Minister and Sundergarh MP Jual Oram, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Union Steel Secretary Sandeep Pundrik, SAIL Chairman Amerendu Prakash, and other senior officials.
Kumaraswamy also pointed out that the proposed Rourkela Airport remains a pending issue, as the required land, around 200 acres, has not yet been handed over. He stated that SAIL's chairman would coordinate with civil aviation officials to resolve the matter, and that the department is interested in utilizing the airport for public benefit, with developments expected soon.
Source PTI
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