Visakhapatnam Steel Plant to Remain in Public Sector: Lokesh Reaffirms

Education and Information Technology Minister Nara Lokesh has firmly reiterated that the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant will not be privatised, stressing that it remains one of Andhra Pradesh’s most valuable industrial assets. Addressing the Legislative Council during a short-duration discussion on industrial development, investments, and job creation, the minister said that the plant’s future is secure under the current TDP-BJP government.

Lokesh highlighted that in the past, the TDP-BJP alliance had intervened with a financial package of ₹1,350 crore to prevent privatisation. Now, once again, the “double-engine government” has stepped in to protect Vizag Steel, with the Centre allocating ₹11,500 crore for its revival. He credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for safeguarding the plant and ensuring it continues to generate employment and economic growth.

The minister underlined the broader vision of the TDP government in positioning Andhra Pradesh as an attractive hub for industry and investment. Citing examples, he recalled how Kia Motors’ entry transformed Anantapur by boosting per capita income from ₹70,000 to ₹2.3 lakh. During the TDP’s earlier tenure, global giants such as TCL, HCL, Dixon, Apollo Tyres, and PepsiCo were drawn to the state, establishing Andhra as a preferred investment destination.

Lokesh did not shy away from criticizing the previous YSR Congress Party regime, accusing it of driving industries away through policy uncertainty, cancellation of power purchase agreements, and harassment of companies. According to him, such policies set the state back by nearly three decades, with key investors like Amara Raja and Franklin Templeton exiting the region.

Looking ahead, the minister emphasized Andhra Pradesh’s strong pipeline of investments, including 340 MoUs signed since 2024, amounting to ₹10.4 lakh crore. Major projects involve global names such as ArcelorMittal, Google, Tata, Cognizant, Reliance, and Lulu Group. Job creation remains a top priority, with commitments including 25,000 IT jobs from Cognizant, 2.5 lakh opportunities through Reliance’s Prakasam project, and a larger goal of five lakh IT jobs in Visakhapatnam.

By reaffirming Vizag Steel’s status as a public sector undertaking and unveiling a robust investment roadmap, Lokesh signaled the government’s commitment to industrial growth, employment generation, and safeguarding Andhra Pradesh’s economic future.