AM/NS India to Proceed with Proposed Mega Steel Project in Odisha, Confirms Minister.

Odisha Industries Minister Sampad Swain confirmed recently that ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) is "not shifting" its proposed mega steel plant from the state, countering allegations from the opposition BJD that the project was moving to Andhra Pradesh.

Swain accused the BJD of misleading the public and stated, "There is no possibility of AM/NS India withdrawing from Odisha. We have held two review meetings where the company expressed strong interest in the project. Approximately 200 officials from both India and Japan are currently working on the Odisha initiative."

The minister highlighted AM/NS India’s commitment to the local workforce, noting that the company is providing skill training to 60 diploma engineers from Kendrapara district for the upcoming project. "AM/NS India is a major global player with around 50 steel plants worldwide. Just because they plan to establish another project in a different state does not imply they are withdrawing from Odisha," Swain added.

In addition to the Kendrapara project, AM/NS India has announced plans for a significant 7 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) steel plant in Paradip. The minister also remarked that several companies that had previously abandoned projects in Odisha during the BJD regime are now returning following the formation of the BJP government in the state.

AM/NS India had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Odisha government to establish a 24 mtpa greenfield mega steel facility in Kendrapara, with an investment of ₹1.02 lakh crore, surpassing POSCO's 23 mtpa facility in Gwangyang, South Korea, which is recognized as the largest in the world.

However, former Odisha minister and senior BJD leader Pratap Jena claimed that the project is being redirected to Andhra Pradesh, labeling the situation as "unfortunate." Jena criticized the current government for allegedly failing to maintain the project, which he argued would have generated significant revenue and employment opportunities for local youth.

In response to the controversy, AM/NS India issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to the Kendrapara project, stating, "AM/NS India continues to explore accelerated growth opportunities as it aims to scale its production capacity. We are engaging with some state governments to evaluate possibilities that align with our business synergies and long-term strategic goals. This does not alter our existing project plans."

A senior AM/NS India executive reiterated that the company has no intention of abandoning the 24 mtpa steel plant planned for Kendrapara, confirming that the necessary approvals for the project are currently at various levels of government review.

ET