Question

Which iron and steel plant is the only one in India located near the sea coast?

• A. Bokaro Steel Plant
• B. Visakhapatnam Steel Plant
• C. Bhilai Steel Plant
• D. Salem Steel Plant

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Visakhapatnam Steel Plant

Visakhapatnam Steel Plant: A Unique Coastal Location

• The Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), also known as Vizag Steel, is the only integrated steel plant in India situated on the eastern coast of the country.
• It is strategically located in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh, approximately 12.5 km from the city center and close to the Gangavaram Port.
• This proximity to the sea is a significant advantage for the plant, facilitating the import of raw materials like coking coal and the export of finished products.
• The plant was established with the assistance of the Russian government, with its foundation stone laid in 1971. Commercial production commenced in phases starting from 1992.
• VSP has a production capacity of about 7.3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of crude steel.
• It is a public sector undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Steel, Government of India.
• The steel plant is known for producing a wide range of steel products, including wire rods, bars, structural steel, and special steel grades.
• Its coastal location significantly reduces logistics costs for both inbound raw materials and outbound finished goods, making it more competitive.
• The plant's development has also contributed significantly to the industrial and economic growth of the Visakhapatnam region and Andhra Pradesh.