Tata's greenfield project construction to begin

"We will start construction work within one month for the steel plant proposed to be set up in Kalinga Nagar area," Tata Steel Managing Director D Muthuraman told reporters here after a meeting with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.     

The company has applied for mines to ensure uninterrupted supply of iron ore for the steel plant proposed to be set up with an investment of Rs 15,000 crore, he said.     

Though Tatas have been active in the state for quite a long time through mining activities and several other sectors, it would be their first greenfield project in Orissa.     

The project envisages setting up of a six mtpa plant in two phases in the Kalinga Nagar area, considered to be the steel hub of Orissa, sources said, adding the first phase would start with a capacity of three mtpa.     

On people facing displacement due to the project, Muthuraman said the process of rehabilitation of affected families was already in progress with appropriate steps being taken in this direction.     

Though the MoU for the project was signed on November 11 2004, its implementation was delayed following acts of violence at the proposed site which had led to the killing of 14 people in police firing.     

The project was targeted to be completed in 24 months, for which contract had already been given to a firm to undertake construction work for the first phase, involving an expenditure of Rs 167.76 crore, sources said.