(a) whether the Government have reviewed the programmes implemented for the modernization of Rourkela Steel Plant ;
(b) if so, the outcome thereof;
(c) the amount spent on modernization of RSP as on date ;
(d) whether the performance of Steel Plant has improved as result of the modernization ; and
(e) if so, the details thereof
MINISTER OF STATE FOR STEEL
(SHRI DILIP RAY)
(a) & (b): The Modernisation of Rourkela Steel Plant(RSP) has been progressively completed by November 1999 . The performance of the plant as a whole and of the modernised units in particular is reviewed by the government periodically while reviewing the performance of SAIL.
(c) The amount spent on modernisation of RSP as on April`2000 is Rs.4,469.18 crore.
(d) & (e): The aim of the modernisation was to reduce old and obsolete technology, overcome production bottlenecks, improve productivity, conserve energy and attain higher level of production. After modernisation the performance of RSP in terms of techno-economic parameters i.e. blast furnace productivity, coke rate and energy consumption as well as quality of products has shown significant improvement. Also the production through ingot route has been completely phased out and 100% production is being done through continuous casting route. In so far as the performance of the plant in quantitative terms is concerned, despite the modernised facilities having become available, the production of RSP had to be regulated due to sluggish market conditions and one Blast Furnace was shut down during 1999-2000.