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.

Mr. Alok Verma, Director In-Charge, RSP graced the occasion as the Chief Guest unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took the salute at an impressive march past to the tune of Gyan Jyoti Public School Band by 61 contingents. Scouts, Guides, Combat and Civilian troupes from various educational institutions of the City, troupes from CISF including RSP’s Fire Services, Nurses Training Institute and SAIL Hockey Academy added colour to the splendid march past. The team of students of Delhi Public School presented the national anthem. Mr. Ratan Kumar, DIG, CISF was present on the dais.

In his Republic Day address, the Director In-Charge said that the spirit of patriotism resonated across the Steel City on the occasion. He highlighted the 150^th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’, the iconic composition that inspired India’s freedom struggle, and underscored Odisha’s pioneering role in the movement including the historic Paika Rebellion of 1817, martyrs like Veer Baji Rout, as well as the legendary freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai.

Quoting the inspiring words of Odisha’s legendary freedom fighter, Ramadevi, that “Freedom is meaningful only when women stand equal to men,” the DIC highlighted that the Rourkela Half Marathon witnessed a remarkable participation of women, accounting for nearly 30% of the runners.

The DIC congratulated each and every employee of RSP and all other stakeholders for the outstanding achievements in calendar year 2025 which saw strings of records, new benchmarks and newer products enriching the product basket.

“Viksit Bharat – 2047 is the shared dream and responsibility of all 140 crore Indians. From this land of Rourkela, where steel is made to strengthen the Nation, let us give our absolute best through our energy, innovation, and integrity, so that our country touches the pinnacle of self-reliance,” the DIC added.

The DIC also presented Ati utkrishtha and Utkrishtha awards to CISF Personnel, Jawahar Awards, RSP Gaurab Awards, and the best performing contingents award on this occasion.

A similar function was held at Sector-22 Mini Stadium, in which Mr. Verma unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took the salute at the colourful march past presented by 36 contingents. He also presented awards to the best contingents of the Republic Day parade. The DIC also declared a special award of Rs. 10,000/- each to Junior Boys Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandir, Kainthabasa and Girls team of Birsa Munda Adarsha High School for their beautiful March past.  The Band platoon of SSRV Ispat English Medium School, Sector- 22 presented the band on this occasion.

Present on  the occasions were Mrs. Namrata Verma, President (Deepika Mahila Sanghati), Mr. B K Giri, ED (MD-CMLO), Mr. Biswaranjan Palai, ED (Works), Mr. Anil Kumar, ED (MM), Mr. M P Singh, ED (Mines), Mr. Sudip Pal Chowdhury ED (Projects), Mrs. Smita Giri, Dr. (Mrs.) Pratigna Palai, Mrs. Reeta Rani, Mrs. Bandana Singh, Mrs. Navaneeta Pal Chowdhury, all Vice President of Deepika Mahila Sanghati and other senior officers of RSP and  a large number of spectators. The programmes were organised by the Social Welfare wing of RSP in association with other departments of RSP.

A similar function was organized by Deepika Mahila Sanghati at Deepika Jagriti Sansthan, Sector-2 to celebrate Republic Day. Mrs. Namrata Verma hoisted the National Flag in the presence of the Vice Presidents, and  office bearers of the Sanghati.

Speaking further Mr. Verma said, “Safety should be our foremost priority and we have to ensure that every employee that comes to the plant goes home safely.” Mr. Verma also underscored the importance of taking small steps for achieving success. “Devise a roadmap and take a small step everyday towards your goal in order to bring transformational change in your life, plant’s productivity, and also towards safety” he added. The Director In- Charge reflected upon the growth of steel sector in the upcoming days and motivated the young workforce to give their best in the plant.

Mr. A K Behuria gave a detailed presentation on the ‘Present Steel Scenario and Way Forward’. In his presentation, he outlined the financial performances of all SAIL units and gave a detailed analysis of cost distribution. Through his presentation, he also motivated the RSP collective to be self driven and be cost champions in their own area so as to improve the financial conditions of RSP.

Earlier, the session commenced with the rendition of the National Anthem. This was followed by showcasing a film made by Public Relations Department comprising motivational video as well as the performance of RSP in current fiscal in various endeavours, targets, achievements and new facilities in the township. Later, during the interaction session, employees gave suggestions pertaining to production, productivity, maintenance and safety issues. Happy with the quality of suggestion given during the interaction, the DIC announced an instant ‘Best Suggestor’ award for three employees including an executive.

Mr. K K Jaiswal, DGM (HR-L&D)  coordinated the programme.

Under Mr. Bhowmick’s dynamic leadership, Rourkela Steel Plant has seen significant advancements in both operational excellence and sustainable initiatives, including important projects.

“HPCL Partners with Apollo Hospitals’ UR.Life to Enhance Employee Health and Wellness”

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has partnered with Apollo Hospitals Group’s innovative healthcare platform, UR.Life, to provide comprehensive health and wellness services for its employees and their families across India. The partnership was formalized at HPCL’s Corporate Headquarters in the presence of Ms. Upasana Kamineni Konidela, Vice Chairperson of CSR at Apollo Hospitals and Founder of UR.Life, along with HPCL’s Director – HR, Shri K S Shetty. This collaboration underscores HPCL’s commitment to employee wellness by offering a range of contemporary healthcare benefits, ensuring a healthier and stronger future for the HPCL workforce.

The dozer, procured in 2011, had been non-operational due to a defective engine assembly, hydraulic pump, worn-out undercarriage rollers, and a rusted cabin body. With the monsoon approaching, the need for a functional chain dozer at the coke ovens and Traffic & Raw Materials Yard became critical. Previously, dozer requirements in these areas were managed by shifting equipment from the CFO or CPP-I areas, leading to increased wear and tear on moving parts and road damage. The FM (M) team in the RMD zone took up the challenge to revamp the BD-155 dozer to address the issue.

The overhaul of the BEML chain dozer involved several key steps, including the overhauling of a Cummins engine of the same horsepower and modifications to the engine foundation base, coupled with the dozer’s power transmission system. A new hydraulic pump replaced the defective one. The undercarriage rollers were dismantled, reconditioned, and refitted along with the chain assembly. The dozer cabin was repaired, with all accessories and the electrical wiring system successfully installed. Finally, the dozer was painted and tested for optimal operation. These refurbishments are expected to extend the dozer’s life by another five years, ensuring reliable deployment at the operational site.

It is worth mentioning that the company would have to spend around Rs. 3 Crore to procure a new chain dozer. The in-house repair cost of the equipment was only Rs. 3.55 lakhs, which also resulted in a cost saving of around Rs. 40.00 lakhs due to the in-house reconditioning of the engine and track rollers. The revamped dozer was tested successfully and pressed into service on 26^th July 2024 in the presence of Mr. R N Rajendran, CGM(M) and Mr. Ravi Ranjan, CGM (Design & Shops).

The high performance FM (M) expert technicians comprising Mr. K B Sahoo, Mr. Sarat Parida, Mr. Manmohan Behera, Mr. Badri Maharana, Mr. K C Bandha, Mr. G N Murmu and Mr. Rajendra Sahoo, led by Mr. B K Nayak, Junior Officer, FM (M), executed the project under the supervision of Mr. Pritam Kujur, DGM, FM (M) and Mr. S S Paul, GM In-Charge, FM (M), and the guidance of Mr. Abaksh Mallick, GM In-Charge (FM (M) & Transport) executed the job