The Union Minister of State for Steel, Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, announced on Monday that the central government is actively discussing a major brownfield expansion project for the Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL). This ambitious plan aims to significantly increase the plant's production capacity from its current 5.25 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to a robust 7.55 MTPA.
Minister's Visit and Firm Commitment
Minister Varma was in Bokaro to formally inaugurate the 25th Jantatiya Khel Mahotsav, a sports festival running from December 28 to 30. During his visit, he took the opportunity to reiterate the Centre's strong commitment to the growth of the public sector steel unit. "Discussion is on for the brownfield expansion project of BSL to enhance its production capacity. We will do it definitely," the minister asserted, leaving no doubt about the project's eventual realization.
His schedule also included a comprehensive review meeting with senior officials of BSL at the Bokaro Niwas. During this meeting, the minister was given a detailed presentation that covered the plant's production achievements, its ongoing and proposed projects, along with updates on medical services, material management, and other key operational areas.
Aligning with National Steel Vision and Economic Impact
This proposed expansion is a critical component of India's broader push for self-reliance, or 'Atmanirbharta', in steel production. It directly supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi's national vision of achieving a total steel production capacity of 300 MTPA by the year 2030. The project is expected to involve substantial capital investment and the integration of advanced, modern technologies, providing a fresh impetus to the entire steel sector.
The economic ripple effects of this expansion are projected to be substantial for the region of Jharkhand. The project is anticipated to generate a significant number of employment opportunities, including roughly 2,500 permanent jobs and nearly 10,000 indirect jobs across various supporting industries and services.
Major Investment Influx for Jharkhand
Furthermore, the brownfield expansion is expected to attract an estimated investment of about Rs 25,000 crore into the state. This massive infusion of capital is poised to contribute significantly to Jharkhand's overall economic and industrial growth, strengthening its position as a key hub for core sector manufacturing in India. The move underscores the government's focus on revitalizing and scaling up existing industrial assets to meet future demand and drive economic development.
