ArcelorMittal-Nippon Steel Moves Ahead with ₹1.47 Lakh Crore Vizag Steel Plant, Completion by 2033

The decks have been cleared for the ambitious ₹1.47 lakh crore steel plant by ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel India Limited near Visakhapatnam. Following a recent public hearing, the project has gained fresh momentum, with construction set to be rolled out in two phases.

The first phase, scheduled for completion by January 2029, will deliver an annual production capacity of 7.3 million tonnes. Once the second phase is completed by 2033, the facility will reach its full capacity of 10.5 million tonnes per annum. Spread across Bucchirajupeta, Chandanada, DL Puram, Rajayyapeta, and Vempadu lands, the plant is expected to be one of India’s largest steel-making hubs.

A significant highlight of the project is the proposed captive port, designed to handle raw material imports and steel exports. With a total planned investment of ₹11,199 crore, the port will be developed in two stages — five berths in the first phase and 12 additional berths in the second. Apart from boosting efficiency, the captive port alone is expected to create 8,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Overall, the steel plant promises massive employment generation. According to government estimates, around 61,000 jobs will be created, providing a major boost to Andhra Pradesh’s economy and industrial growth. Land acquisition for the second phase, requiring nearly 4,000 acres, has also been initiated by the state authorities.

During the public consultation, local residents expressed strong support for the project but also raised concerns. While they welcomed the industrial development, they demanded fair compensation for displaced families, along with assured employment opportunities and better infrastructure facilities in the region.

The ArcelorMittal-Nippon Steel plant, once operational, will not only strengthen India’s steel-making capacity but also transform Visakhapatnam into a strategic hub for global steel exports. With its scale, infrastructure investment, and employment potential, the project is being seen as a game-changer for Andhra Pradesh’s industrial landscape.