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.

Notably, the ‘One Day’s Chairman’ competition was organised by SAIL Corporate Affairs Division to understand the potential of the employees as leaders and change agents. As part of the initiative 756 entries were received from all over SAIL and out of them 15 top entries were selected as winners. Each of the award winners will receive a Certificate of appreciation from the Chairman SAIL and a cash award of Rs. 5000/-.

The DIC presented the certificates to Mr. Allen. In the absence of Deepika, the certificate was received by Mr. Bisare.

Congratulating the young achievers, Mr. Verma said that the recognition reflects their innovative thinking and leadership potential. He added that such initiatives not only encourage employees to think strategically but also nurture a sense of ownership and belongingness towards the organization. All the Senior Officers present on the occasion also congratulated the winners of the competition.