The Micro Pellet Plant, the first of its kind in SAIL, has been established on a Construct, Operate and Maintain (COM) basis by M/s Shri Jagannath Steels & Power Ltd. The project has been set up with the objective of converting waste fines generated during the steelmaking process into value-added micro pellets for use in RSP’s sinter plants, thereby promoting circular economy and environmental sustainability and was commissioned ahead of targeted schedule.

Notably, the plant will process waste fines such as SMS and Blast Furnace sludges, ESP and bag filter dust, and other micron-sized iron-bearing materials that have accumulated over the years. Through a specialized agglomeration process, these materials will be converted into micro pellets of 1–6 mm size, making them suitable for utilization in the sinter making process.

The commissioning of the facility marks a major milestone in RSP’s journey towards cleaner, greener and more sustainable operations. Besides mitigating environmental concerns associated with waste disposal, the plant will enable recovery and reuse of valuable constituents such as iron (Fe), calcium oxide (CaO) and magnesium oxide (MgO), thereby reducing raw material consumption and enhancing overall process efficiency.

The Centre for Engineering & Technology (CET), Ranchi, served as the consultant for the project.

As part of its commitment to promoting quality education, construction of two additional classrooms at Barkani Primary School in Bisra Block is progressing steadily. Community Centres are being constructed at Birwal in Lathikata Block and at Kadamtola, Udusu in Bisra Block. During the quarter, a newly constructed Community Centre at Santospur in Bisra Block was inaugurated, creating a dedicated space for community gatherings, awareness programmes and social activities.

Borewells were successfully installed and commissioned at Lindra, Kadobahal and Jaidega villages, ensuring a reliable source of potable water for local residents.

Simultaneously, development works at Model Steel Villages (MSV) Centres at Baniguni and Chikatamati Health Centre are progressing, aimed at strengthening skill development and community welfare initiatives.

Development and strengthening of durable community assets and improving essential civic infrastructure in the region would help bringing about inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The department carried out extensive modification of LT power supply systems and service lines in Sector-22 residential quarters and laid copper power cables at the Tarapur Filter House and Booster Pump House to ensure smooth operation of motors. Several critical power distribution projects were also completed, including revival and commissioning of the Feeder-7 overhead line from Brahmani Water Works to Sector-8 substations, bus-bar modification at the Sector-17 Attending Substation, replacement and jointing of high-capacity underground cables and modification of Feeder-7 and Feeder-9 networks.

One of the major achievements during the year was the restoration of the 11 KV emergency power line from the Plant to the CISF Colony and CISF Barracks after nearly ten years, considerably enhancing emergency power reliability. The Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB) of Transformer-5 was also upgraded by replacing the Siemens make equipment with ABB make and successfully commissioned.

To further improve the reliability of the electrical network, the department overhauled three power transformers and 26 distribution transformers. In addition, repairs were carried out on three 630 KVA, five 500 KVA and five 250 KVA transformers installed across the Steel Township. Maintenance work, including repair and circuit modification of the crane main contactor at Intake Well-1, was also completed successfully.

In line with RSP’s sustainability initiatives, the department installed a 3 KW standalone solar power system at Lagoon Gate along with LT cable connectivity from Tarakera Pump House. It also installed 46 solar street lights at various locations in the peripheral and slum areas of Rourkela, promoting clean energy while improving public safety.

Through these initiatives, the Electrical Section has strengthened the township’s power infrastructure, enhanced system reliability, ensured uninterrupted power supply and advanced the use of renewable energy.

Speaking on the occasion Ms. Kartha encouraged the spouses to support the retiring employees in navigating the changes of post-retirement life and have a smooth and positive transition.

A session on “Mindset for smooth Transition to a new phase of life after Retirement” was conducted by Mr. Babula Nahak, AGM (CP-2) while Mr. K K Verma, DGM (F&A) deliberated on various aspects of Financial Security Planning.  Mr. T B Toppo, DGM (Horticulture) shared tips on Post Retirement Engagement while Dr. S Kumar, Additional CMO (OHSC) spoke about ‘Ensuring good health, well-being and holistic approach for a meaningful Life.’

Mr. S P Majhi, Assistant Manager (HR) welcomed the gathering and also proposed a formal vote of thanks. The workshop was co-ordinated by Mr. S K Nayak, Deputy Manager (HR) under the guidance of Mr. Avinash, AGM (HR) with the support of and HR- ER&C team.  It is noteworthy that the workshop is being held at regular intervals covering the spouses of the -to-be-retired employees.

NPM also registered its best first-quarter (Q1) performance for FY 2026–27 in both production and dispatch. Compared to the corresponding period last year (CPLY), production grew by 11.55% while dispatch increased by 5.29%.

Congratulating Team NPM, Mr. Alok Verma, Director In-Charge (RSP) has appreciated the outstanding achievement of the team, leadership and all supporting departments and commended their collective effort. He added that, at this critical juncture for Rourkela Steel Plant, performance must be raised further so that the plant can emerge stronger.

The achievement reflects coordinated efforts across operations, maintenance, quality, logistics and other supporting departments, and underscores NPM’s commitment to operational excellence and timely delivery to customers.

Finished-steel facilities delivered equally notable results. Both the Plate Mill and the New Plate Mill posted their best quarterly performances, and HR plate output from the Sheet Shearing Line of the Hot Strip Mill also achieved record quarterly production. The New Plate Mill produced 2,66,263 tonnes of plate in Q1, an 11.6% year-on-year growth,  while HR plate output from the Sheet Shearing Line rose by 14.9% to 82,514 tonnes, reflecting healthy growth in high-value product segments. Operational improvements helped maximize the road despatch coefficient, delivering a record June road despatch of 48,564 tonnes. RSP also achieved its highest April–June direct despatch figures of 8,27,871 tonnes, surpassing the previous best of 7,95,521 tonnes.

By prioritizing both road and direct despatch, RSP has also reinforced its focus on working capital optimization. High contributions from value-added segments such as Plate Mill and HR plate production have positively impacted the plant’s bottom line.

The event commences with lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Dr. Jayant Kumar Acharya, Chief Medical Officer (I/c), in the presence of Dr. Megharay Majhi, Additional Chief Medical Officer and Dr. P.K. Mohapatra, President, IMA–IGH Branch. Dr. Acharya delivered the keynote address on this year’s theme, “Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healers?”, underlining the importance of supporting healthcare professionals’ physical and mental well being while acknowledging their dedication and compassion.

A special felicitation of Dr. Rajyabardhan Pattnaik, former Head of the Intensive Care Unit and senior Anesthetist of IGH, was organized for his distinguished service and outstanding contribution to Critical Care Medicine.

The programme concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Megharay Majhi. The event was organised under the guidance of Dr. P.K. Mohapatra, President, IMA–IGH Branch, with active support from Dr. J.R. Sahoo, Chief Consultant, IGH and Dr. C.K. Kasi, Additional Chief Medical Officer, IGH. The proceedings were compeered by Dr. Snehal Parve.