The Union Steel and Mines Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar, on Tuesday visited the Visakhapatnam steel plant, RINL, and reviewed its performance with senior officials.

According to a press release, the minister commended the efforts made by workers and officers of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd in reviving the plant in a record time after Hudhud cyclone last year.

While reviewing the progress of modernisation and expansion, the minister expressed concern over time and cost overruns and advised the officials to conduct a rootcause analysis to avoid lapses in future. The loss of time and money would be more damaging if the units are not stabilised after commissioning at the earliest, he added.

Tomar said that modernisation, expansion, cost-reduction and energy savings must be reflected in profitability. He added that the visit of the Prime Minister would be a proud occasion for RINL.

P Madhusudan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, thanked the minister for providing guidance and support. He assured the minister that quick action would be initiated on his observations. He also shared the details of RINL's vision plan.

The Steel Minister, accompanied by K. Haribabu, MP of Visakhapatnam, and Urvilla Khati, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Steel, planted saplings at the dedication park. Tomar later visited the units.

He was also apprised of the arrangements being made for the Prime Minister’s visit to RINL to dedicate the 6.3 mtpa expansion to the nation in July.

sarma.rs@thehindu.co.in

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