During July, the order-versus-dispatch fulfilment for critical sections and special steel components from the Plate Mill stood at 91.7%, while the New Plate Mill achieved 91.6% fulfilment. Similarly, HR Plate from the Hot Strip Mill recorded 91.6% fulfilment, whereas HR Coil for sale achieved nearly 92%.

RSP also achieved 100% fulfilment in the case of PET products and plates produced by the Special Plate Plant. Overall, against an order of 1,49,094 tonnes of special steel components during July, the plant dispatched 1,37,397 tonnes, registering 92.2% fulfilment.

During the April–July period of the current financial year, RSP received orders for 6,02,271 tonnes of special and critical sections and dispatched 5,54,818 tonnes, thereby achieving 92.1% fulfilment.

The share of special steel components in RSP’s total saleable steel production also increased significantly. During July, special steel accounted for 39.9% of total saleable steel production. For the April–July period, the share stood at 39.8%, registering significant improvement over the corresponding period last year.

With a clearly defined strategy, RSP is continuously moderating and optimising its product basket to increase the share of special and value-added steel. This focused approach is aimed at creating greater value from its products, improving market responsiveness and strengthening the plant’s bottom line.

The Shivir was formally inaugurated by Mr. Tarun Misra, Executive Director–HR, Rourkela Steel Plant, at the Indo-German Club on 10 August 2026. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Misra said that the programme would provide an opportunity for participants from across SAIL to reflect, learn and exchange ideas on strengthening performance assessment and nurturing talent within the organisation.

Mr. Sanjay Virmani, former Chief Human Resources Officer, Tata Steel, and Mr. Atish Chandra Sarkar, CGM I/c–Services, Rourkela Steel Plant, along with senior officers of Rourkela Steel Plant and officials from BCG, were present on the occasion.

The inaugural session featured addresses by Mr. Atish Chandra Sarkar and Mr. Sanjay Virmani, who shared their valuable thoughts, insights and perspectives on performance management, organisational growth and people development.

It is noteworthy that, DARPAN stands for ‘Driving Advancement by Reimagining Performance Assessment and Nurturing’. The initiative aims to make performance management clearer, more transparent and objective through well-defined roles, SMART Key Performance Areas (KPAs) and measurable targets. It also seeks to strengthen accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement while nurturing employees and fostering a culture of excellence.

The visit commenced from CPTI Building, followed by the Pellet Plant Project Site, Stamp Charge Battery Project site and the Expansion Site of RSP. During the visit to the expansion projects, Mr.  M P Singh, Executive Director (Mines), and Mr. S Pal Chowdhury, Executive Director (Projects), were also present along with other senior officials, who briefed him on the progress of the ongoing works and the implementation schedule.

Later, Mr.  Gupta held a detailed review meeting of the new expansion units with RSP officials at the Manthan Conference Hall of DIC Secretariat, where various project milestones, execution strategies and future course of action were deliberated.

In the evening, Mr. Gupta met officials of the Odisha Group of Mines (OGOM) and reviewed mining operations, raw material availability and other strategic issues related to SAIL’s mining activities in the region. Senior officials from RSP, Project Department, Mines Department and Odisha Group of Mines were present during the review meetings.

Notably, Mr. Gupta reached Rourkela on 29th July evening and is scheduled to visit various mines of SAIL on 31st July.

Notably, Blast Furnace – 4 had commenced its sixth campaign after relining on 8 September 2020 and was subsequently blown down on 5th July 2024. Following an extended shutdown, the furnace underwent shotcreting and associated repair activities, and was readied for restart in July 2026. The successful blowing-in marks the culmination of meticulous planning, coordinated execution, and dedicated efforts by the Blast Furnace collective, with valuable support from various associated departments.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Alok Verma, conveyed his best wishes to the Blast Furnace team for the safe, stable, and successful commencement of operation of BF–4. He emphasised the need to reduce the cost of hot metal by improving operational efficiency and optimising key techno-economic parameters, specifically highlighting the importance of lowering the coke rate, increasing the pulverised coal injection (PCI) rate, and achieving higher hot-blast temperatures to enhance the overall performance and competitiveness of the furnace.

Mr. Palai, congratulated the Blast Furnace team and all supporting departments on the timely completion of the repair and restart activities. He appreciated the collective commitment demonstrated by the teams and stressed the need for sustained efforts to improve the techno-economic performance of BF–4.

Mr. Sumeet Kumar, Chief General Manager, Blast Furnaces, expressed gratitude to the DIC, EDs and other senior officers for their guidance, encouragement, and good wishes. He congratulated the entire Blast Furnace collective and acknowledged the invaluable contribution of all associated departments in achieving this important milestone.

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.