Going ahead with its expansion plan, the SAIL Board of Directors sanctioned implementation of eight important projects at a total investment of around Rs 300 crore this morning. Out of eight, three projects have been cleared for Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL), two for Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) and one each for Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), Durgapur Steel Plant (DSP) and Visvesvaraya Iron & Steel Plant (VISL), Bhadravati.
The projects sanctioned today are in addition to the capital schemes valued at over Rs 3,000 crore, which are under various stages of implementation. The projects form a part of the company's growth plan that envisages enhancing hot metal capacity from 13 million tonne (MT) in 2003-04 to 20 MT by 2011-12.
Among the key projects that were granted approval today is 'The modification of Mae-west Block system at BSL's Hot Strip Mill'. The project is likely to improve the consistency in the quality of BSL's hot roiled products. The project is scheduled to be completed in two phases by 2007-08 at a cost of around Rs 92 crore.
Another important project for BSL that received in-principle approval included "Installation of Hydrochloric Acid Regeneration Plant for Pickling Line II " at a cost of around Rs 50 crore. The project on completion will improve the pickling process that essentially involves removal of oxide layers from the surface of colled rolled coils. Besides, this will ensure adequate absorption of HCL fumes, avoiding any pollution in the ambient air.
'Installation of power supply facilities for setting up new Oxygen Plant at Bokaro on build, own and operate (BOO) basis' was given in-principle approval. Simultaneously, VISL was given a final nod for setting up cryogenic air separation unit on BOO basis.
Besides, SAIL board cleared the proposal for procurement of two BOXN rakes under "Wagon Investment Scheme" of Indian Railways, for transporting limestone from Jaisalmer to steel plants at a total cost of Rs 26 crore. The companies investing in rail wagons are assured of supply of guaranteed number of rakes with 10% freight rebate.
'Implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) for Bhilai', valued at Rs 44 crore and 'Installation of hot metal desulphurisation unit at RSP's steel melting shop II', valued at Rs 49 crore are two other projects that were given in-principle approval.
The company is implementing its Corporate Plan 2011-12 in a steady manner.