NMDC steel plant in Bastar may start production next year

The steel plant of National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) at Nagarnar in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district is likely to become operational by next year.
Chattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh expressed hope that there was a strong possibility that production at the plant might start by the next year, an official said here today.
The issue was discussed during a meeting between Singh and Union Minister of State for Steel, Mining and Labour Vishnudeo Sai here yesterday, the official added.
The plant, when completed, would be the second public sector steel plant of the Union Government, after Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), in Chhattisgarh.

During the meeting, Chief Minister sought speedy completion of Nagarnar Steel Plant project. With the completion of the plant, the social and economic development of the tribal dominated Bastar region would get a boost, the Chief Minister said, according to the official.
Raman Singh also discussed other issues related to Chhattisgarh with the Union Minister.
Singh urged Sai to establish hospitals for workers in Raigarh, Korba, Rajnandgaon and other cities in the state under the welfare schemes of the Centre, the official said.
The Chief Minister also demanded that raw iron should be provided to steel units in the state from the iron-ore projects operated by NMDC in Bailadila on a priority basis.