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.

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.

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.

During the year 2025-26, the Oxygen Plant achieved substantial revenue generation through the sale of liquid gases to outside agencies. A total of 712 tons of Liquid Argon was sold, generating revenue of Rs. 3.62 crore. Additionally, the sale of 419 tons of Liquid Nitrogen earned Rs. 11.75 lakh.

In a significant technical accomplishment, the Wet Air Inlet Valve of Molecular Sieve Bed-A in ASU-III was replaced for the first time using in-house resources ensuring quicker turnaround time for critical maintenance.

The Oxygen Plant played a key role in facilitating the commissioning of Caster-4 at SMS-II, by successfully executing interconnection jobs for supply lines of essential gases and utilities. Interconnections were established for Oxygen, Nitrogen, Argon, Propane and Compressed Air, ensuring seamless integration and readiness of the new caster unit.

Strengthening statutory compliance and safety preparedness, the Oxygen Plant achieved another landmark by obtaining three Fire Safety Certificates from the Odisha Fire Services for the first time. The certifications were secured for Propane Plant-2, Propane Plant-3 and ASU-I, ASU-II & ASU-III, reflecting the department’s proactive approach towards safety systems and regulatory adherence.

Oxygen and other industrial gases form the lifeline of modern steelmaking, playing a crucial role in converters, continuous casting, cutting operations and various utility services. With its impressive performance in revenue generation, technical maintenance excellence, strategic project facilitation and safety certification, the Oxygen Plant of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant has made a strong contribution towards improved efficiency and sustainable operations during FY 2025-26.