New Delhi: Union Steel and Heavy Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy inaugurated an RCC water reservoir with a storage capacity of 84,000 cubic metres at the IISCO Steel Plant in Burnpur during his three-day visit to West Bengal. He said the project would strengthen water security for existing operations and support the plant’s planned 4.08 MTPA expansion while improving resource efficiency.
The reservoir was built to meet the water requirements of COB-10 and future expansion activities. Officials informed the Minister that the integrated system includes a Booster Pump House, a dedicated Pump House for COB-10 and a Process Water Pump House under construction. The system will create a closed-loop water circulation network to reduce water losses and improve operational efficiency.
Kumaraswamy described the project as a major step towards sustainable industrial infrastructure. He said industrial growth must progress alongside environmental responsibility and efficient use of natural resources.
Before inaugurating the RCC water reservoir, the Minister inspected the COB-12 Stamp Charge Coke Oven Battery project. Officials briefed him on the progress of the Battery Proper, Coke Dry Cooling Plant, By-Product Plant and environmental protection systems designed to improve production efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
RCC water reservoir supports expansion plans
The Minister later reviewed operations at the Blast Furnace and visited its Control Room, where he interacted with engineers and workers. Officials informed him that the plant produced 2.9 million tonnes of hot metal during FY 2025-26. Kumaraswamy praised employees for their contribution to strengthening India’s steel manufacturing capacity.
During a review meeting with SAIL Chairman and Managing Director Ashok Kumar Panda and senior officials, the Minister assessed production, modernisation projects, capital expenditure, sustainability initiatives and technology adoption. He congratulated the IISCO team for achieving 108 per cent of rated Hot Metal capacity, 108 per cent of Crude Steel capacity and 109 per cent of Saleable Steel capacity during FY 2025-26.
He also appreciated improvements in inventory management, procurement transparency and increased participation of MSMEs, SC/ST entrepreneurs and women entrepreneurs. Kumaraswamy noted that capital expenditure at the plant increased to ₹1,860 crore in FY 2025-26 from ₹689 crore in the previous financial year.
The Minister stressed that worker safety remains the government’s highest priority. He welcomed the adoption of digital technologies and AI-enabled safety systems to improve workplace safety and operational efficiency.
Kumaraswamy also met labour union representatives, who raised concerns related to employee welfare and working conditions. He assured them that genuine issues would receive sympathetic consideration through institutional mechanisms.
During the visit, West Bengal Minister for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Agnimitra Paul met Kumaraswamy to discuss stronger Centre-State cooperation for industrial development, investment promotion and employment generation. The Minister said close coordination between the Centre and states would be essential for expanding India’s manufacturing capabilities and achieving the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047.
