Tomar asks SAIL to monitor expansion projects

Steel Minister Narendra Singh Tomar today asked SAIL to ensure that its modernisation and expansion projects are not delayed any further.
At a performance review meeting of Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL), Tomar said investments in modernisation and expansion should be reflected in production and profits, according to an official statement.
"Performance of every plant must be monitored on a regular basis to prevent any further delay...Take concrete steps so that modernisation projects are concluded at the earliest," Tomar was quoted as saying in the release.
SAIL has embarked on Rs 72,000-crore modernisation and expansion programme to raise its hot metal capacity to 23.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) from the present 14 mtpa. This has missed several deadlines, but is now close to completion.

Quick decisions and corrective action must be taken in respect of non-performing agencies, Tomar said, adding that his ministry would expedite clearances from other centres and state government agencies.
"But competence and capabilities of professionals and executing agencies will have to be ensured by SAIL," he said.

Steel Secretary Rakesh Singh emphasised that proposed completion dates for different projects have to be sacrosanct and there must not be any extension of these dates.
"On-ground performance has to match the capital expenditure made," Singh said.
SAIL Chairman C S Verma sought support for controlling of steel dumping by China, resolution of mine allotment issues, strategic intervention by ministry of Heavy Industries and preferential consideration for coal mine allotment.