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.

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.

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.”

This partnership will combine academic knowledge with real-world application through customized leadership programmes, strategy & innovation-driven learning interventions, action learning for measurable business impact, overseas learning programs, joint research & consulting and case studies tailored for SAIL executives. This collaboration aims to strengthen organizational capability while aligning with global best practices.

The MoU was signed by Shri Sanjay Dhar, ED (HR-L&D), MTI, SAIL and Prof Sumita Rai, Dean–Industry Connect, MDI, Gurgaon, in presence of Shri K. K. Singh, Director (Personnel) and other senior executives from SAIL and MDI.

The alliance highlights SAIL’s expanding emphasis on human capital development and organizational transformation as the global steel industry continues to adapt to rapid technological disruptions, strict sustainability goals, and evolving global competition. Under this framework, both institutions will engage in joint research projects, consulting assignments, and tailored case studies designed specifically for SAIL executives to generate measurable business impacts. Industry experts note that leadership-focused executive education initiatives are crucial for improving operational efficiency, fostering innovation capabilities, and securing long-term business resilience across large public sector enterprises.

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.