SAIL starts revival of Jagdishpur unit, foundation stone of bar mill laid

Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Govt. of India Mr. Atul Chaturvedi and Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) Chairman Mr. C.S. Verma laid the foundation stone of a TMT Bar Mill of 1.5 lakh tonne per annum (TPA) capacity here today as part of the SAIL's plan to revive and develop the steel plant of erstwhile Malvika Steel Ltd (MSL). The assets of MSL were purchased by SAIL through Debt Recovery Tribunal-I, New Delhi in February 2009 and the unit was rechristened Jagdishpur SAIL Unit (JSU). “The entire team of JSU has to work with exemplary dedication, zeal and commitment to fulfill the objectives of acquiring the unit,” said Secretary (Steel) Mr. Atul Chaturvedi on the occasion.

The TMT Bar Mill is being set up by SAIL at a cost of Rs. 46 crore in phase-1 of JSU’s revival plan. The proposed facilities and product-mix envisaged in phase-1 also include a 10,000 TPA cold forming line and a 13,000 TPA corrugation line. The total cost of JSU’s phase-1 revival has been estimated to be Rs. 100 crore.

Implementation of phase-1 has been divided into 8 packages. Following soil investigation and geo-technical survey work, the major packages have been tendered out and orders placed for main technical packages of the TMT Bar Mill, corrugation machine, power supply for units within the plant, civil work, etc. Tendering is in progress for other packages. Orders have also been placed for erecting a warehouse which will initially be able to cater to around 1,000 tonnes of various types of steel products like TMT bars, galvanised corrugated sheets, light structurals, etc., per month.

SAIL has also planned to revive iron & steel making at JSU in the second phase for which feasibility report has been prepared. “A team of senior officials is being constituted to look into the mudflats of phase-2 revival of JSU. The team will be submitting its report in 3 months,” said SAIL Chairman Mr. C.S. Verma at the foundation stone-laying ceremony.

Besides the above, SAIL has also planned to set up a gas-based 475 MW power plant at Jagdishpur as a joint venture. The process for identification of a suitable partner has started.

The revival plan of JSU has taken into account peripheral development and welfare of local residents as well. The existing school here has been renovated and more than 200 students have been registered. Necessary facilities and study materials being provided. A health centre has also been made functional at Jagdishpur with one doctor, a pharmacist and a mobile van. About 8,000 patients in and around JSU have been provided medical services till date.