THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
ROURKELA, AUGUST 1, 2026
Steel Authority of India Ltd's Rourkela Steel
Plant (RSP) has successfully resumed hot metal production from its Blast
Furnace-4, named 'Annapurna', after an extended shutdown, providing a
significant boost to the steel plant's iron-making capacity and operational
efficiency.
The furnace achieved successful hot metal
separation on July 30, 2026, following a prolonged hibernation and a series of
blowing-in operations, marking a key milestone for the plant's production
facilities.
The blowing-in of Blast Furnace-4 was
inaugurated on July 23 by Alok Verma, Director In-Charge of RSP, in the
presence of Executive Directors, Chief General Managers, senior officials and
employees of the Blast Furnace Department.
Blast Furnace-4 had entered its sixth campaign
after relining on September 8, 2020, before being blown down on July 5, 2024.
During the extended shutdown, the furnace underwent shotcreting and other
repair works to restore it for safe and efficient operations.
Following the completion of the blowing-in protocol and connection of tuyeres, slag separation commenced, paving the way for successful hot metal separation and completion of the restart process.
The recommissioning of the furnace is expected to enhance hot metal production capability, improve operational efficiency and make a significant contribution to the overall performance of SAIL's Rourkela Steel Plant, officials said.
