RINL bets on operational efficiency, foray into flat products for growth in phase II

Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) is a Navaratna Public Sector Entity under the Ministry of Steel.

VSP, fondly called Vizag Steel, is the first shore-based Integrated Steel Plant in the country and is known for its quality products. It is a market leader in Bars, Rods & Structurals market and it caters to the needs of diverse Infrastructure and Industrial sectors.

Shortly after taking over as Chairman and Managing Director of the plant, Pradosh Kumar Rath is spearheading the growth of the plant. PK Rath has over three decades of experience in steel-making, continuous casting process, and other areas, and played a key role in the 7.3 million tons (mt) expansion project.

RINL has recently been allotted a coal block in Jharkhand. After consolidating its 7.3 mt per annum expansion, the plant is aiming at venturing into flat products by taking its production capacity to 11 mt. RINL has a grand blueprint to touch 20 mt steel capacity by 2032 in line with the National Steel Policy of the government. RINL aspires to be the most efficient steel maker having the largest single location shore-based steel plant in the country

During an interaction with Tamajit Pain of Steel Insights in his sprawling office at the plant premises in Vishakhapatnam, Rath shared his plans regarding raw material securitization, cost optimization through technology, expansion and product development at a time when steel is faced with the most challenging market scenario.

Firstly, congratulations for getting the coal block. That’s a new development that has happened. How do you look at it?