Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu affirmed that the State Government is committed to the strengthening and protection of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. He noted that over the past year, with the support of the Central Government and the cooperation of the State Government, significant progress has been made in production, a welcome development.
He emphasized that the management, workers, employees, and both the Central and State Governments must continue working together to pull the plant out of losses and further strengthen it. He stated that the progress being seen is the result of measures taken, collective decision-making, and coordination over the past year.
The Chief Minister conducted a review meeting with State Government officials and senior officers of the Steel Plant, focusing on strengthening the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and driving it towards maximum production capacity. During the review, he assessed the steps taken in the past year and the outcomes achieved.
Following the formation of the coalition government, CM Chandrababu Naidu proactively sought financial support from the Centre for the protection of the plant. As a result of the coalition government’s efforts, the Centre sanctioned financial assistance of Rs. 11,440 crore for the plant. A major portion of these funds has already been released and is currently being used to bring the plant back on track.
Over the past year, with Central assistance and continued cooperation from various State Government departments, production capacity has increased significantly. In September last year, only 25% of the plant’s capacity was being utilized, whereas by this September, it had reached 79%. The CM described this as a highly positive development and instructed the Steel Plant authorities to push further.
CM Chandrababu directed that by the end of the third quarter, the plant should reach a production capacity of 92.5%. He stressed that all stakeholders must work in unison to achieve this goal. He assured that the State Government will extend full cooperation to protect and restore the Steel Plant to its former glory.
He also announced that the performance and progress of the plant will be reviewed every three months. Additionally, he directed that a monthly review should be conducted at the Chief Secretary’s level. Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand, RINL CMD Ajit Kumar Saxena, Ministry of Steel Joint Secretary Abhijit Narendra, and Director GVN Prasad participated in the review meeting.