Steel minister inaugurates 84000 m³ water reservoir to power IISCO’s expansion and sustainable growth
The new reservoir and closed-loop water management system will strengthen water security, support IISCO's 4.08 MTPA expansion, improve resource efficiency and reinforce India's vision of sustainable, technology-driven steel manufacturing.
Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy inaugurates the 84,000 cubic metre Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) Water Reservoir at the IISCO Steel Plant (ISP) in Burnpur, West Bengal, on Sunday.
KOLKATA: Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy has inaugurated an 84,000 cubic metre Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) Water Reservoir at the IISCO Steel Plant (ISP) in Burnpur, West Bengal, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the plant’s expansion programme while advancing sustainable industrial infrastructure and water security.
The inauguration formed part of the minister’s three-day visit to West Bengal, during which he reviewed IISCO’s ongoing expansion projects, production performance, technology adoption, sustainability initiatives and future growth strategy. One of the country’s oldest integrated steel plants under the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), IISCO is undergoing a major transformation aimed at enhancing capacity, operational efficiency and environmental performance.
The newly commissioned water reservoir has been developed to meet the operational requirements of the COB-10 facility while supporting IISCO’s upcoming 4.08 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) expansion project. Officials informed the Minister that the project also includes a Booster Pump House, a dedicated Pump House for COB-10 and a Process Water Pump House currently under construction. Together, these facilities will establish a closed-loop water circulation system designed to maximise water conservation, minimise losses and improve operational efficiency.
Describing the project as a model of sustainable industrial development, Kumaraswamy said modern infrastructure must combine operational excellence with responsible natural resource management. He noted that investments in efficient water management are becoming increasingly important as India’s steel sector expands while pursuing environmental sustainability.
The Minister also inspected the flagship COB-12 Stamp Charge Coke Oven Battery Project, where officials briefed him on progress in key expansion works, including the Battery Proper, Coke Dry Cooling (CDQ) Plant, By-Product Plant and advanced environmental protection systems expected to enhance efficiency while promoting cleaner steel production.
During his visit to the Blast Furnace and Control Room, Kumaraswamy reviewed plant operations and interacted with engineers and workers overseeing one of IISCO’s most critical production facilities. He commended the workforce for its contribution to India’s industrial growth, observing that every tonne of steel reflects the dedication and technical expertise of thousands of professionals working across the plant.
Senior officials informed the Minister that IISCO delivered a strong operational performance during FY 2025-26, producing 2.9 million tonnes of hot metal while achieving 108% of its rated hot metal capacity, 108% of crude steel capacity and 109% of saleable steel capacity. The plant also recorded a sharp rise in capital expenditure to ₹1,860 crore, compared with ₹689 crore in the previous financial year, reflecting accelerated investments in expansion and modernisation.
Reviewing the plant’s future roadmap, Kumaraswamy emphasised that worker safety must remain the highest priority. He appreciated IISCO’s adoption of digital technologies and AI-enabled safety interventions that are helping create a safer, smarter and more efficient manufacturing environment. He also praised the plant’s efforts to improve procurement transparency and expand vendor participation, particularly among MSMEs, SC/ST entrepreneurs and women entrepreneurs.
The Minister held a detailed review meeting with SAIL Chairman and Managing Director Ashok Kumar Panda and senior officials to assess production performance, operational efficiency, technology adoption, capital expenditure and sustainability initiatives. The discussions also focused on strategies to strengthen India’s steel manufacturing capabilities and position IISCO as a leading centre of excellence supporting the country’s long-term industrial ambitions.
During the visit, Kumaraswamy also met West Bengal’s Minister for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Agnimitra Paul. The leaders discussed the importance of stronger Centre-State collaboration in accelerating industrial development, attracting investments and generating employment opportunities. The Minister said closer cooperation between governments would be critical for unlocking West Bengal’s manufacturing potential and contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The visit underscored the Government’s focus on modernising public sector steel plants through sustainable infrastructure, advanced technologies and efficient resource management. By integrating water conservation, capacity expansion and digital transformation, the IISCO Steel Plant is positioning itself as a key contributor to India’s journey towards becoming a globally competitive and environmentally responsible steel manufacturing hub.
