Rourkela, November 19, 2025:
In a major announcement that signals India’s growing confidence in domestic steel production, Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy unveiled an ambitious plan to double the capacity of the iconic Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) to 9.8 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2030. The move is part of a larger national strategy to boost indigenous steel output, reduce import dependence, and strengthen India’s industrial foundation.
Calling RSP a “foundation stone of India’s industrial journey,” the Minister highlighted the plant’s historic role in shaping the country’s steel landscape. “For over six decades, Rourkela Steel Plant has not just operated, but flourished. It continues to stand as a pillar of our domestic steel sector,” he said during his visit to the facility.
The Minister’s visit included a review of RSP’s ongoing transformation projects. He inaugurated the new 1 MTPA Slab Caster at Steel Melting Shop-2, built with a capital expenditure of approximately ₹1,100 crore. The state-of-the-art facility is expected to significantly improve casting efficiency, quality, and production stability. He also examined construction progress at the upcoming Coke Oven Battery 7 and the new Pellet Plant, two critical projects aimed at improving productivity and energy efficiency.
A key highlight of his address was the performance of the Odisha Group of Mines, which has delivered over 5% growth in raw material production this year and is poised to cross 15 million tonnes in FY 2025–26. This ensures stable raw material security for RSP’s growing production needs.
Unveiling the expansion blueprint, Kumaraswamy announced:
“We are planning an RSP expansion worth around ₹30,000 crore to double its capacity. Alongside, we are undertaking a modernisation programme of about ₹9,000 crore to ensure the plant remains globally competitive and future-ready.”
He emphasised the Ministry’s strategic coordination with the Odisha government to ensure the expansion progresses smoothly. “We are working closely with the State Government so that every stage of development happens in a supportive and collaborative environment,” the Minister added.
Beyond production capacity, the expansion carries substantial socioeconomic benefits for the region. The Minister underlined that higher steel output will lead to increased employment opportunities for local youth, expanded business prospects for MSMEs, and enhanced development initiatives for the surrounding community. The upgraded RSP is also expected to emerge as a major producer of specialty and high-quality steel, strengthening India’s position in the global value chain.
Connecting the expansion to national priorities, Kumaraswamy reaffirmed that India is firmly on track to achieve the 300 million tonnes steel production target by 2030–31 under the National Steel Policy. The government is actively promoting specialty steel manufacturing through PLI schemes, encouraging innovation and value addition across the industry.
Expressing confidence in Rourkela’s future, he concluded:
“Rourkela is set to become a premier steel hub of India. The progress here will empower not only Odisha but the entire nation.”