Pat from minister for Bhilai

"It is important that steel making capacities be increased in the country, and I am glad to note that the expansion programme of Bhilai is in full swing," the new minister noted on his maiden visit to Bhilai recently.

"I came to apprise myself of the steel-making capabilities in Bhilai and also the progress being made in expansion programme of Bhilai and SAIL."

The first stop for the minister was Ispat Bhavan, where he was welcomed by Bhilai Steel's managing director, R Ramaraju. The plant's top brass then made a presentation on the plant's performance on various fronts. The minister, who was accompanied by Devrat Singh, member of Parliament, also interacted with senior members of the management team.

He discussed areas of concern such as the application for environment clearance for the Rowghat Iron ore mines, rail connectivity to Rowghat and what help Bhilai Steel Plant required.

At SMS II, Shri Prasada inaugurated the hot metal desulphurisation unit, the first such unit to be installed in any of the SAIL plants.

The process of reducing suplhur content was so far being done in the blast furnaces, but this affects production of hot metal. The new unit will not only help in greatly reducing suplhur content in steel, but also help in increasing the production of blast furnaces.