In the first eight months of the fiscal year 2024-25, the Rourkela Steel Plant of Steel Authority of India Limited has achieved remarkable production milestones, setting new records in hot metal and steel output. The plant, located in Odisha, India, has demonstrated significant advancements in its operational efficiency and capacity. According to an official statement, the Blast Furnace-5, one of the largest operating blast furnaces in the country, produced a total of 2,033,068 metric tons of hot metal between April and November 2024. This achievement surpassed its previous best output of 1,901,712 metric tons for the same period last year, marking a historic high for the plant.
The success of BF-5 is a testament to the continuous improvement and modernization efforts at RSP. The plant's significant production capacity, along with its upgraded technology and management strategies, have allowed it to push beyond its previous production limits. This growth aligns with the broader goals of SAIL to enhance its steelmaking capabilities and become more competitive in the global steel market. With a commitment to quality and efficiency, RSP has demonstrated its capacity to meet increasing demands for steel while optimizing operational output.
In addition to the outstanding performance of BF-5, Blast Furnace-1 also posted a record-breaking performance, producing 650,100 metric tons of hot metal in the same period. This represents the highest output ever recorded by BF-1, further highlighting the plant’s overall productivity. The combination of these two blast furnaces’ stellar performances has contributed to a substantial increase in the total hot metal production capacity at RSP, cementing its position as one of India’s leading steel plants.
The Hot Strip Mill-2 at RSP also reported a significant achievement, rolling 1,668,552 metric tons of Hot Rolled (HR) Coils during the April-November period. This is the highest output the mill has achieved during this period, reflecting the plant’s investment in state-of-the-art equipment and the streamlined production processes that have been put in place. Hot Rolled Coils are a key product for various industries, including automotive, construction, and manufacturing, and the mill’s ability to consistently produce high volumes demonstrates RSP’s ability to cater to a wide range of market needs.
RSP’s New Plate Mill also made impressive strides, producing 623,214 metric tons of plates in the same period, registering its best-ever performance. Steel plates are crucial for heavy industrial applications, and this achievement further strengthens RSP’s product portfolio and competitiveness in the steel market. The mill’s ability to meet customer demands while maintaining high production standards reflects its technological advancements and the skilled workforce at RSP.
One of the significant achievements of this period has been in the dispatching of HR Coils. The plant dispatched 1,409,459 metric tons of HR Coils, surpassing its previous dispatch records. This achievement highlights RSP’s ability to not only produce steel at a record pace but also efficiently manage logistics and distribution. The timely delivery of high-quality steel products is crucial for customer satisfaction, and RSP’s performance in this area underscores its commitment to meeting market demands.
These record-breaking performances across multiple production units at RSP are a clear indication of the plant's advanced capabilities and its strategic importance in India’s steel industry. The plant’s continuous focus on innovation, quality, and efficiency has allowed it to achieve impressive growth despite the challenges faced by the global steel market. With the ongoing efforts to enhance production capacity and streamline operations, RSP is poised to play a key role in meeting both domestic and international demand for steel.
