This was the minister’s second visit to the facility since taking office. The first inspection took place on 30 June 2024.
During his meeting with SAIL’s management, Kumaraswamy discussed the steps that could be implemented to restart operations, modernize the plant and restore it to its “former glory.” The Ministry of Steel has tasked Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd. (MIDHANI) with preparing a detailed project report for a comprehensive technical assessment, while the financial viability study has been assigned to another firm.
At the meeting, it was stated that a minimum investment of 10,000–15,000 crore rupees would be required to ensure the plant’s sustainable revival. BY Raghavendra, Shivamogga’s Lok Sabha member who attended the discussions, thanked the minister for his attention to the matter and highlighted the plant’s economic importance for the region.
As part of the visit, Minister Kumaraswamy also met with protesting workers and emphasized the government’s determination to bring the plant back to life. Kumaraswamy stated, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi places great importance on ensuring India’s self-reliance in the steel sector. We are working intensively in this direction.”
Founded in 1918 by Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, VISP began pig iron production in 1923. In early 2023, plans to shut down the facility were brought forward, but the decision was reversed following public opposition and intervention by local legislators. The plant currently continues operations at limited capacity.
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