Visakhapatnam: The steel plant union leaders have called upon the state government to take over the management of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), citing the plant’s potential for profitability and its strategic importance to the state’s economy.
Addressing a gathering of the SCST Association and the Visakha Ukku Porata Committee, senior union leaders of the steel plant D. Adinarayana, Varasala Srinivasa Rao, B. Mallaiah, and Thavudanna, emphasised the need for the state government to step in and ensure the plant’s continued operations.
They highlighted the plant’s ready expansion plan from 7.3 MT capacity to 10.5 MT, its history of running in profits despite not having its own mines, and its vast assets, including 25,000 acres of land and assets worth Rs 3.5 lakh crore.
The leaders pointed out that Visakhapatnam Steel Plant has a significant presence across the country with 27 branches and is a major exporter, with one-third of its products going abroad. They also noted the efficient water storage facilities and the potential for electricity generation through the plant’s own power plants.
Furthermore, they argued that the steel plant could provide financial benefits to the state government through the use of quality steel products in large projects and could create additional employment opportunities for the state’s unemployed youth.
They argued that Visakhapatnam, with its rapid development and suitable land resources for expansion, could be a key area for the state’s growth and that the state government should seize the chance to run Visakhapatnam Steel for financial gain and to honour the sacrifices and struggles of their ancestors for social justice.
