Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy just wrapped a high-stakes performance review of SAIL steel plants to ensure the nation hits its massive manufacturing targets. We saw the Minister push for faster expansion at the Bokaro and IISCO units to align with the Prime Minister’s mission of building a global steel powerhouse on February 25, 2026.
The goals are massive. Our sources confirmed that the Ministry is now laser-focused on efficiency, capacity utilization, and safety across every public sector unit to prevent bottlenecks in the supply chain.
Can India actually hit the 300 MT goal?
Success depends on speed. The 300 MT steel capacity target by 2030 is the specific anchor for every new policy discussed, requiring a 100% commitment from all major regional plants.
Steel is backbone. Every plant must now advance its digitalization and sustainability benchmarks to stay competitive in an increasingly green global market.
What is the status of Bokaro and IISCO?
Operational progress is steady. According to Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy
Detailed discussions covered techno-economic parameters that prove these units are demonstrating improved efficiency and reliability. We talked to officials who noted that the focus has shifted toward reinforcing supply reliability to support India’s massive infrastructure push.
How do the numbers stack up for 2026?
Steel production is surging. Recent data shows SAIL’s crude steel production hitting an annual run rate of nearly 19 million tonnes, a significant jump toward the long-term goal.
Capacity utilization is the real winner. We saw reports indicating that major plants like Bokaro are now operating at over 95% capacity to meet the rising domestic demand for construction-grade steel.
📍 New Delhi
🔹 Reviewed the performance of @SAILsteel plants, with detailed discussions on operations, capacity utilisation, techno-economic parameters, safety, and ongoing expansion initiatives.
🔹 The Bokaro Steel Plant and IISCO Steel Plant, along with other units, are… pic.twitter.com/388kaBRGeW
— ಹೆಚ್.ಡಿ.ಕುಮಾರಸ್ವಾಮಿ | HD Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) February 25, 2026
Safety benchmarks are also improving. The Ministry noted a 15% reduction in operational downtime due to better safety protocols and modernized equipment across the IISCO and Bokaro units.
How is the Ministry supporting these giants?
Policy support is the secret sauce. Under the close monitoring of the Ministry of Steel, these plants are receiving the resources needed to modernize aging furnaces and upgrade safety protocols.
Digitalization is sweeping through the furnaces. SAIL is now playing a decisive role in strengthening the entire Indian steel ecosystem by adopting high-tech monitoring systems to track productivity in real-time.
Public sector power. The meeting concluded with a clear message: public sector steel remains the primary engine driving India’s rapid growth journey toward becoming a developed economy.
