Foundation stone laid for ₹1.36 lakh crore AMNS steel plant in Anakapalli of Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, along with ArcelorMittal executive chairman Lakshmi Niwas Mittal, Union Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and a host of dignitaries, laid the foundation stone for the ₹1.36 lakh crore ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AMNS) India steel plant at Rajayyapeta in Nakkapalli mandal of Anakapalli district on Monday. The State government has allocated over 5,000 acres for the plant.

Calling the groundbreaking ceremony a historic moment, Mr Naidu assured the management of all possible support to clear all hurdles in the project’s grounding and commencement of production. “This is not the laying of foundation for a steel plant but a steel city,” he said.

Addressing the gathering comprising business representatives and farmers, Mr. Naidu said while the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) symbolises the self-respect of the people, the AMNS India plant showcases the true industrial potential of the State.

“The AMNS is setting up its largest industrial facility in India at Rajayyapeta and the plant will transform the region into a major steel hub,” Mr. Naidu said and was all praises for IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh.

“The collaboration between Mr. Lokesh and ArcelorMittal CEO Aditya Mittal has played a key role in transforming the vision into a reality,” he said.

Plant in two phases

Mr. Naidu said the project will be constructed in two phases, with a production capacity of 17.8 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The first phase of the plant will be completed by December 2028, commencing production. By June 2028, the first blast furnace will be completed and the second one by December 2030, he said.

The production capacity of the plant for the first phase has been set at 7.3 million tonnes per annum, which will be increased to 10.5 million tonnes in the second phase.

A captive port will be constructed, with a cost of ₹11,198 crore, while the four-lane road connecting the plant with the national highway will be laid, he said.

“Apart from steel production, the project will change the region, with the increase in business transactions and development of medical, education, tourism and hospitality sectors,” the Chief Minister said and asserted that Andhra Pradesh is the only State which has completed the land acquisition and all permissions in a record time.

“Andhra Pradesh is the best destination for investments in the country. Our government is pro-industry. We have expertise and human resources,” Mr. Naidu said.

Mr. Naidu praised the farmers for parting with their lands for the project, without creating hurdles. He urged AMNS India to accord a priority to providing jobs to the youth of Anakapalli district.