The modernisation
of Durgapur Steel Plant (DSP) of the Steel Authority of India
Limited (SAIL) was approved in 1989 at an estimated cost of Rs.
2668 crore. The revised cost estimate of modernisation of the
plant works out to Rs. 5704.71 crore. The modernisation process
was completed in March 1998. As a result of modernisation, crude
steel production capacity per annum increased from 1.15 million
tonnes to 1.8 million tonnes. The annual production rate of hot
metal increased from 1.17 to 2.088 million tonnes and saleable
steel from 0.83 to 1.586 million tonnes.
The modernisation
has created a clean environment and cut the cost of production
substantially. The plant in the post modernisation stage is performing
at near rated capacity levels. Production beyond capacity levels
has been achieved in Blast Furnace No. 4 (102 per cent), Continuous
Casting Plant (108 per cent) and Merchant Mill (101.4 per cent)
during 2000-01. The Plant has produced 1.5 million tonnes saleable
steel during 2000-01, 1.4 million tonnes in 1999-2000 and 1.32
million tonnes in 1998-1999.
