Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy Visits Historic Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant in Karnataka

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, HD Kumaraswamy, visited the Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant in Bhadravati, Karnataka. He conducted a thorough inspection of the plant’s machinery, management system, and workers’ conditions.

Accompanied by Steel Authority of India Chairman Amarendu Prakash and other senior officials, Kumaraswamy received detailed information about the plant’s current state. He highlighted the plant’s historical significance, established in 1923 by Sir M Visvesvaraya under the guidance of Mysore Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar, and its importance to the local community.

Kumaraswamy emphasized the need to preserve the plant, which has provided livelihoods to thousands and remains a source of pride for Shimoga and Karnataka. He mentioned the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat initiative as crucial for the industry and promised to announce a decision soon regarding the plant’s future.

During his visit, Kumaraswamy listened to workers’ demands, administration reports, and local requests. He instructed officials to submit a comprehensive report and assured that efforts would be made to save the plant. He acknowledged the ongoing efforts of MP BY Raghavendra and the late MLA Appaji Gowda in this regard.

Kumaraswamy also noted that the plant is currently managed by the Steel Authority of India and that future measures would consider the Prime Minister’s Aatma Nirbhar Bharat and Make in India concepts, as well as the 2017 Steel Policy. The goal is to produce 300 million tonnes of steel annually, with many programs already launched to achieve this target.

MP BY Raghavendra, MLA Sharada Poorya Naik, JDS leader Sharada Appaji Gowda, and others were present during the visit.