Tata Steel Approves Major Expansion for NINL and Meramundali Plants in Odisha
Board clears first phase of NINL’s 4.8 MTPA expansion, greenlights new facilities at Meramandali, and moves ahead with key acquisitions and future-ready steelmaking technologies.
Bhubaneswar: Tata Steel has taken a major step toward expanding its operations in Odisha, with the company’s Board approving significant capacity additions at Nilachal Ispat Nigam Ltd (NINL) and its Meramandali plant. The decisions, taken at a Board meeting on Wednesday, reflect Tata Steel’s long-term plan to strengthen its steel production, value-added product portfolio, and future technology capabilities.
4.8 MTPA Expansion Cleared for NINL
The Board has given in-principle approval for a 4.8 million tonnes per annum expansion at NINL. This marks the first phase of a larger growth plan for the plant, which Tata Steel acquired recently.
The expansion will help Tata Steel boost its long-products business, especially in the construction and retail sectors, where demand is rising rapidly. Long products such as rebars and structural steel are in high demand across India’s growing infrastructure and housing sectors.
Tata Steel’s Executive Director and CFO, Koushik Chatterjee, had earlier said that preparations for the NINL project were progressing quickly, including site planning, equipment sourcing, and necessary clearances.
New Thin Slab Caster and Rolling Mill for Meramandali
Along with the NINL expansion, the Board has approved funds for design and engineering of a 2.5 MTPA Thin Slab Caster and Rolling facility at the Meramundali plant.
The new facility will significantly increase Tata Steel’s ability to produce thinner flat steel products, which are used in automobiles, appliances, and industrial machinery. The company will now begin the process of obtaining required regulatory approvals to move the project forward.
Tata Steel to Acquire Majority Stake in Thriveni Pellets
Tata Steel has also signed definitive agreements to acquire a 50.01 percent stake in Thriveni Pellets Private Limited (TPPL), subject to regulatory approval. TPPL owns Brahmani River Pellets Ltd (BRPL), which operates a 4 MTPA pellet plant at Jajpur and a 212 km slurry pipeline that supplies essential raw materials.
The remaining 49.99 percent stake in TPPL is held by Lloyds Metals & Energy Ltd (LMEL).
This acquisition will help secure raw materials for Tata Steel’s expanding operations in eastern India.
Board Focus on Long-Term Growth and Downstream Strength
The Board reaffirmed Tata Steel’s strategy of investing in growth, downstream products, mining assets, and infrastructure to support the India business. The company is also focusing heavily on environmentally friendly, next-generation steelmaking technologies.
As part of this strategy, Tata Steel will set up a 0.7 MTPA Hot Rolled Pickling and Galvanizing Line (HRPGL) at its existing Cold Rolling Complex in Tarapur, Maharashtra. This will be the first facility of its kind in India and will allow Tata Steel to supply high-quality steel to the automotive sector, reducing the need for imports.
Partnership with Lloyds Metals for Maharashtra Projects
To support Maharashtra’s economic ambitions, Tata Steel has signed an MoU with Lloyds Metals & Energy Ltd to collaborate in iron ore mining, logistics, pellet making, and steelmaking.
The companies will explore opportunities such as:
- Operating mining concessions and infrastructure in Gadchiroli
- Developing a greenfield 6 MTPA steel plant in two phases
- Working together on LMEL’s upcoming integrated steel projects
These proposals will undergo detailed evaluation and require internal and regulatory approval before being finalized.
Major Push Toward Low-Carbon Steelmaking
Tata Steel is also advancing its HIsarna technology, a low-carbon steelmaking process it has been developing for over a decade in the Netherlands. HIsarna reduces emissions by eliminating the need for coke, using lower-grade iron ore, and incorporating steel slag.
After reviewing recent global trials, the Board has approved engineering work and regulatory steps to set up a 1 MTPA demonstration plant in Jamshedpur. Tata Steel owns the global intellectual property rights for HIsarna, making it a key pillar of the company’s future sustainability efforts.
