Kumaraswamy Inspects Salem Steel Plant, Outlines Revival Strategy for Profitability and Green Development

Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy inspected the Salem Steel Plant, a SAIL unit, on Thursday reiterating the government’s resolve to develop a self-sustained, high-capacity steel industry consistent with India’s 300 million tonne production target by 2030.

The minister, officially welcomed in ceremonial style, visited the plant extensively from the scrapyard to the Cold Rolling Mill—seeing the entire process of raw scrap transforming into finished stainless steel products. “Steel is not a commodity, it is the pillar of national development. From infrastructure to innovation, our objective is growth with responsibility,” he declared.

Salem Steel Plant is a key producer of high-quality stainless steel utilized in industry sectors ranging from railways to defense, infrastructure to coinage, and home utilities. The plant manufacturing steel to be used in railway wagons, LPG cylinders, submersible pumps, bridges, and coin blanks places it at the center of India’s industrial support system.

Emphasizing the plant’s technological prowess, Kumaraswamy lauded the application of Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology, which facilitates low-emission steel production. “This plant embodies the essence of Make in India. Its commitment to sustainability through EAF aligns with our net zero emissions target by 2070,” he added.

One of the highlights of the visit was a top-level review meeting with top SAIL and Steel Ministry officials, where emphasis was laid on making the plant profitable and increasing capacity. The minister urged increased utilisation of renewable sources such as solar and wind power, effective product mix planning, and utilisation of full capacity.

“Specialty steel is crucial for industry segments like aerospace and defense. Salem can be a leader in this segment,” Kumaraswamy said, highlighting its position in the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

He also received representatives of labour unions and ensured his support in resolving their grievances.

The visit demonstrates a strategic effort to revive India’s public sector steel facilities, in line with the government’s overall agendas of accomplishing Aatmanirbhar Bharat, net-zero emissions, and leadership in the global steel sector.