New Delhi: ArcelorMittal (AM) Nippon Steel (NS) India on Monday laid the foundation stone for an integrated greenfield steel plant at Rajayyapeta in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh, marking a major investment in India’s steel sector.
Once fully operational, it will be India’s largest steel plant.
The project will have a planned capacity of 8.2 million tonnes per annum, as per environmental clearance. The company has committed an investment of over Rs 70,000 crore to be infused in phases. The project is expected to generate around one lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities during construction and development, the company said in a release.
The foundation-laying ceremony was attended by N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh; H. D. Kumaraswamy, Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries; Pawan Kalyan, Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh; and Nara Lokesh, Minister for IT, Electronics & Communication, HRD, and Real-Time Governance, Andhra Pradesh, along with senior industry leaders.
Senior executives, including Lakshmi Mittal, Aditya Mittal, and Dilip Oommen, were also present at the event.
The company plans to commence steel manufacturing operations at the plant by the first quarter of calendar year 2029. Other units will become operational in phases. The facility will produce a wide range of high-quality and value-added steel products to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependence.
AM/NS India aims to support India’s goal of achieving 300 million tonnes of crude steel capacity by 2030-31 under the National Steel Policy. The company has also introduced several high-quality steel products and became the first integrated steel producer in India to receive Green Steel Certification under the Ministry of Steel’s Green Steel Taxonomy.
On the occasion, AM/NS India signed two Memorandums of Understanding with the government of Andhra Pradesh to develop a future-ready industrial talent ecosystem. The initiative will be implemented in collaboration with the New Age Makers’ Institute of Technology, a not-for-profit skilling initiative of the company.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the project marks a major milestone for Andhra Pradesh and will strengthen India’s steelmaking capabilities while creating opportunities for youth and boosting industrial growth.
Addressing the ceremony, Naidu said the project reflects Andhra Pradesh’s position as a preferred investment destination and added that the state government will fully support its implementation to drive growth and job creation.
Kumaraswamy said projects of this scale will play a crucial role in expanding India’s steel capacity and strengthening the country’s industrial ecosystem.
Lakshmi Mittal said the project represents a significant step in the company’s long-term partnership with India and will contribute to sustainable growth and self-reliance.
Aditya Mittal said the plant’s strategic coastal location and connectivity to iron ore resources will support efficient operations and help meet growing demand across India.
Oommen said the project will promote sustainable development, create jobs, and contribute to India’s long-term industrial growth.
The company stated that the plant will follow a robust environmental management plan to minimise environmental impact, conserve resources, and support biodiversity. It will also scale up community development initiatives to ensure inclusive growth in the region.
