Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to establish a high-level committee to address land acquisition challenges related to the planned expansion of the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) following a meeting between Union Heavy Industries and Steel Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. During his two-day visit to the State, Kumaraswamy visited Rourkela and highlighted the issues hindering the commencement of RSP’s expansion project. The public sector company under SAIL aims to double its capacity from 4.5 MTPA with an estimated investment exceeding Rs 30,000 crore, but land acquisition concerns have arisen.
Additionally, the RSP is engaged in a Rs 9,000 crore modernization initiative to ensure the Rourkela plant remains competitive and prepared for the future, as stated by the Union minister. In the meeting, Kumaraswamy requested the State government’s assistance in resolving the land acquisition challenges and assured that SAIL would offer a comprehensive rehabilitation package for those affected. Approximately 300 families are expected to be impacted by the expansion plans. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of the RSP’s expansion for the State’s economic growth and job creation for local youth. “We will address the local people’s concerns, and land acquisition will proceed on a consensual basis.
A committee will be established, chaired by a senior officer of Additional Chief Secretary rank, to resolve these issues through discussions with the community,” Majhi stated, as per a CMO release. Kumaraswamy also mentioned the need for land to establish an airport in Rourkela and other matters. He remarked, “Rourkela is poised to become a major steel hub in the country soon. The advancements here will benefit the city, the State, and the nation.” He further acknowledged the Chief Minister’s commitment to support RSP in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of achieving a steel capacity of 300 MT by 2030. “Together, we are dedicated to enhancing Odisha’s leadership in the steel sector,” he added.
Kumaraswamy pointed out the encouraging growth in raw materials, noting that the Odisha Group of Mines had increased production by over 5 percent this year and is projected to reach nearly 15 million tonnes in FY 2025–26, ensuring robust raw material security for RSP. The meeting was attended by Union Tribal Affairs Minister and Sundargarh MP Jual Oram, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Union Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik, SAIL Chairman Amarendu Prakash, and other senior officials. In a briefing for reporters, Kumaraswamy highlighted the urgent need for attention to the Rourkela airport issue. Despite multiple surveys, progress remains stalled, particularly regarding land acquisition for the airport, for which RSP is expected to provide 200 acres.
“I have instructed our SAIL Chairman to engage with the Civil Aviation Ministry officials to resolve these issues. The Civil Aviation department is also interested in utilizing this airport for public benefit, so developments are imminent as discussions continue,” he stated.
