This milestone eclipses the previous benchmark set on August 16, 2026, when 1,246 tonnes of plates were dispatched via 40 trolleys. By effectively loading an additional 280 tonnes across nine extra vehicles in a 24-hour window, the plant reflected a substantial jump in output capacity. Plant officials attributed the breakthrough to seamless synergy and meticulous planning among key stakeholders, including the Plate Mill Dispatch Section, Operations, Logistics, local transport partners, and the Crane & Handling teams.

Dr. Panda also reviewed the progress of the Rowghat Mines and interacted with senior plant officials on operational priorities. He inaugurated the Central Induction Programme for newly inducted SAIL Management Trainees, marking their formal entry into the organisation. The CMD further inaugurated Project Vihaan, SAIL’s ERP modernisation initiative aimed at strengthening digital systems and improving organisational efficiency. The visit underscored SAIL’s focus on expansion, technology-led modernisation, employee development and strengthening coordination with the State Government for future growth.

The steel supplied by SAIL includes special quality DMR 249A grade hot-rolled sheets and plates. This specialized, defense-grade steel was meticulously manufactured and supplied from SAIL’s flagship facilities at Bokaro, Bhilai, and Rourkela Steel Plants, underscoring the Maharatna’s robust technological capability in supporting India’s maritime defense infrastructure.

SAIL continues to propel the nation’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. By producing specialized steel for critical naval platforms, SAIL has become integral part to India’s defense indigenisation. To meet the emerging requirements of the defense sector, SAIL has taken extra measures well in advance to enhance the production of DMR Grade plates for defense requirements at its Plate-production facilities, specifically at the Special Plate Plant in the Rourkela Steel Plant. This strategic move is clearly reflected in India’s growing import substitution in the field of defense-grade steel. Its stellar track record includes provisioning the landmark indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, alongside the elite Project 17A stealth frigates-INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri, and INS Udaygiri. Furthermore, SAIL’s specialized steel forms the backbone of formidable vessels like INS Ajay, INS Nistar, and INS Anjadeep among others. The successful induction of these advanced warships marks a defining milestone in India’s maritime capabilities and sovereignty.

SAIL CMD Dr. Ashok Kumar Panda said, “As a key partner in India’s defense sector, SAIL remains deeply committed to national self-reliance. To stay ahead in the defense sector’s growing needs, the company boosted its manufacturing capacity for DMR Grade plates -focusing heavily on the Special Plate Plant at the Rourkela Steel Plant. Delivering these high-strength DMR 249A steel plates protects India’s strategic independence while highlighting SAIL’s cutting-edge technical expertise.”

SAIL Chairman and Managing Director Ashok Kumar Panda said SAIL will continue hiring at lower levels for expansion and operational requirements. SAIL has also launched a voluntary retirement scheme aimed at reducing employee numbers by another 500 to 1,000, Panda said

The steelmaker plans capital expenditure of about Rs 15,000 crore in FY27, up from around Rs 9,100 crore in FY26, as it expands plants at IISCO, Bokaro and Bhilai.

Panda said annual capital expenditure could rise further to Rs 20,000 crore-Rs 25,000 crore over the following years as expansion projects gather pace. The company said it will continue focusing on operational efficiency, cost reduction and higher capacity utilisation while managing future borrowing requirements.

The award was subsequently handed over to Shri Manish Raj Gupta, Director (Technical, Projects & Raw Materials) and Additional Charge of Director I/c of Bhilai Steel Plant, who expressed gratitude to the Greentech Foundation and reaffirmed BSP’s commitment to sustainability. He commended the collective efforts of the BSP team, stating that this recognition is a tribute to their ongoing pursuit of greener and responsible steelmaking. The summit featured panel discussions and technical sessions on themes such as Gender Equality, Sustainable Water Management, Environmental Sustainability, and Sustainable Cities & Communities, with distinguished speakers including Shri Dharam Pal, IAS (Retd.), Dr. N. Manika, Shri Atul Kumar Verma, Dr. Sabina Yasmin, Shri Parijat Sinha, Shri Anupam, Shri Pavan Bakshi, and Colonel Pradeep Misra. Organized by the Greentech Foundation, the awards celebrate excellence in environmental management and corporate sustainability, reaffirming SAIL-Bhilai Steel Plant’s leadership in sustainable industrial practices and environmental innovation.

During the  visit, Kumaraswamy participated in the Vishwakarma Puja ceremony at the plant. Kumaraswamy, alongside Amarendu Prakash, visited  key units of the plant, including the Modex Units, Coke Oven Battery 7 and 8, Blast Furnace-8, Steel Melting Shop-3, and the Universal Rail Mill, where he observed the production of hot metal, crude steel, and the rolling of the world’s longest 130-meter rail. Vijay Baghel, MP (Durg), was also present during the visit.

During a presentation at Ispat Bhawan, Kumaraswamy was briefed on BSP’s performance, production processes, and CSR initiatives. He expressed satisfaction with BSP’s contribution to the nation’s development and Chhattisgarh’s growth, urging the plant’s employees to continue their dedication to progress in education and healthcare.

Amarendu Prakash emphasized the significance of Bhilai Steel Plant as SAIL’s flagship unit and lauded the harmonious cosmopolitan culture of Bhilai. Anirban Dasgupta highlighted the efficiency of BSP’s Safety Circles, which focus on quality, safety, and employee motivation. Kumaraswamy also interacted with various workers’ unions and associations during the visit. They were welcomed by Anirban Dasgupta, Director I/c (SAIL-BSP), along with other senior officials