New Delhi: Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy dedicated major infrastructure projects and flagged off defence and power equipment during the BHEL Haridwar visit on Thursday. The minister said the developments highlight India’s growing strength in heavy engineering, clean energy and strategic manufacturing.
Kumaraswamy visited the manufacturing complex of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) in Haridwar. He reviewed key industrial facilities and interacted with senior officials, engineers and workers.
He said institutions such as BHEL represent the foundation of India’s industrial capacity. According to the minister, public sector enterprises play a central role in building a self-reliant industrial ecosystem.
“Institutions such as BHEL are not merely manufacturing entities. They are repositories of national capability,” Kumaraswamy said while addressing employees.
He also stressed that the government is strengthening domestic manufacturing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The focus remains on energy security, strategic autonomy and globally competitive industries.
“When India speaks of energy security, industrial depth, strategic autonomy and self-reliant growth, institutions like BHEL convert those aspirations into concrete assets,” the minister said.
Solar project dedicated during BHEL Haridwar visit
During the BHEL Haridwar visit, Kumaraswamy dedicated a 5 MW ground-mounted solar power plant at the Haridwar facility to the nation. The project marks an important step in BHEL’s transition toward sustainable energy solutions.
The solar plant includes more than 11,000 modules installed within the factory complex. Officials said the facility will generate around 90 lakh units of electricity every year.
The project will reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency at the manufacturing complex. It will also deliver operational savings for the plant.
In a social media post after the event, the minister highlighted the importance of the initiative. He said the solar project supports India’s clean-energy expansion and the Net Zero 2070 goal.
“Privileged to dedicate the 5 MW Ground Mounted Solar Power Plant to the nation,” Kumaraswamy wrote. He added that the project advances the clean-energy vision of the Prime Minister.
Industrial expansion during BHEL Haridwar visit
The minister also inaugurated a 30-ton Electric Arc Furnace at BHEL’s Central Foundry and Forge Plant during the BHEL Haridwar visit. The new facility will strengthen India’s metallurgical and heavy engineering capabilities.
Officials said the furnace will improve domestic production of critical industrial components. These parts support sectors such as power generation, heavy engineering and strategic industries.
Kumaraswamy said the new furnace enhances India’s indigenous manufacturing capacity. The project also supports advanced industrial applications within the country.
“Inaugurated the 30T Electric Arc Furnace at the Central Foundry & Forge Plant of BHEL in Haridwar,” he said. “This facility marks a major step in strengthening India’s foundry and forging capability.”
Another key highlight of the BHEL Haridwar visit involved defence manufacturing. The minister flagged off an upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount for the Indian Navy.
The naval weapon system supports rapid firing operations. It can fire up to 120 rounds per minute.
The system also has a firing range of up to 35 kilometres. It supports both anti-aircraft and anti-surface missions.
Officials said the project demonstrates BHEL’s expanding role in India’s defence production ecosystem. The development aligns with the government’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Kumaraswamy said the milestone reflects the growth of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capability. He added that the initiative strengthens national security and industrial innovation.
“This milestone reflects the growing strength of India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem,” the minister said.
The minister also flagged off the dispatch of a large turbo generator from the Haridwar plant. The equipment was manufactured for a major power generation project.
Officials said the generator demonstrates the scale of India’s heavy electrical manufacturing capability. It also reflects BHEL’s expertise in producing high-capacity power equipment.
Industrial backbone of BHEL Haridwar
According to Kumaraswamy, domestic production of advanced power equipment strengthens India’s energy infrastructure. It also reduces dependence on imported technology.
He said BHEL Haridwar remains a critical pillar of India’s industrial ecosystem. The facility houses both the Heavy Electrical Equipment Plant and the Central Foundry and Forge Plant.
The Heavy Electrical Equipment Plant manufactures turbines and generators for thermal power stations. Meanwhile, the foundry and forge plant supplies large castings and forged components.
Kumaraswamy said such integrated industrial capabilities build long-term national resilience. Domestic manufacturing protects strategic technology and strengthens supply chains.
“When these capabilities remain within India, the nation gains resilience,” the minister said. He added that it reduces import dependence and supports future industrial growth.
The minister expressed confidence that BHEL will continue to support India’s development journey. He said the BHEL Haridwar visit demonstrated the convergence of clean energy, defence production and heavy engineering.
According to him, these sectors together form the backbone of India’s emerging industrial strength.
