NMDC’s 3 mtpa Greenfield integrated steel plant at Nagarnar, in Bastar District in Chhattisgarh may be delayed by nearly an year. “The project is in construction stage and commissioning activities are planned by April, 2016,” said the Minister of Steel, Beni Prasad Verma while replying a question in Rajya Sabha. As per the original schedule the steel project was expected to be commissioned by June 2015. However, there will not be any cost escalation and the project cost Rs 15,525 will remain the same.
NMDC has already awarded works of about Rs.13400 crore and Rs. 3547 crore has already been spent on the project. The project will spread over 2,000 acres of land and land acquisition for the project was completed in August, 2010. At present enabling works like site levelling, power supply and water works are going on. The plant will utilise slimes generated in the iron ore mines of Bailadila for the conversion into hot metal.