Durgapur Steel Plant

DSP plant

Durgapur Steel Plant (Bengali: দুর্গাপুর ইস্পাত কারখানা) is one of the integrated steel plants of Steel Authority of India Limited, located in Durgapur, in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal. It has played a historically important part in the industrial development of India. Although not a separate company, it is the largest industrial unit in the state of West Bengal.^{[citation needed]}. It is the first Ingot(1960) producing steel plant in India. Apart from it its the only steel plant in India which produces train wheels for all passenger cars which includes Rajdhani, Shatabdi Express.

History

Set up in the late 50's with an assistance of West Germany, Britain and soviet initial annual capacity of one million tonnes of crude steel per year, the capacity of Durgapur Steel Plant (DSP) was later expanded to 1.6 million tonnes in the 70's. A massive modernization programme was undertaken in the plant in early 90's, which, while bringing numerous technological developments in the plant, enhanced the capacity of the plant to 2.088 million tonnes of hot metal,1.8 million tonnes crude steel and 1.586 million tonnes saleable steel. The entire plant is covered under ISO 9001: 2000 quality management system.

The modernized DSP now has state-of –the-art technology for quality steel making. The modernized units have brought about improved productivity, substantial improvement in energy conservation and better quality products. DSP’s Steel Making complex and the entire mills zone, comprising its Blooming & Billet Mill, Merchant Mill, Skelp Mill, Section Mill and Wheel & Axle Plant, are covered under ISO: 9002 quality assurance certification.

With the successful commissioning of the modernized units, DSP is all set to produce 2.088 million tones of hot metal, 1.8 million tones of crude steel and 1.586 million tones of saleable steel annually.

Product Mix Tonnes/Annum

  Merchant Products         2,80,000 
  Structural                2,07,000  
  Skelp                     1,80,000 
  Wheels & Axles            58,000 
  Semis                     8,61,000 
  Total Saleable steel      15,86,000 

Forged wheels are especially made here; in October 2010, DSP licensed technology from the Ukrainian manufacturer Interpipe which would allow it to make 955mm monobloc wheels.^[1]

Location

Situated at a distance of 158 km from Calcutta, its geographical location is defined as 230 27' North and 880 29' East. It is situated on the banks of the Damodar River in the Bardhaman District. The Grand Trunk Rd and the main Calcutta-Delhi railway line pass through Durgapur.

Environment control

Durgapur Steel Plant has always made relentless efforts to maintaining a healthy and clean environment. The units in DSP are provided with necessary pollution control facilities and the liquid effluents and chimney emissions from the plant are well within norms.

DSP has undertaken massive afforestation to maintain clean environment. Some 3,266 acres of land have been covered with 14 lakh plantations. In order to develop healthy awareness about the environment amongst the younger generation, Eco-clubs have been formed in DSP schools.

Centre for Human Resource Development

DSP has always attached maximum importance on proper training and development of its employees. Its Centre for Human Resource Development has all modern facilities including the state-of-the-art Electrical and Electronics laboratory, Hydraulics and Pneumatics laboratory and workshop for effective training and development of its employees.

Communication

The Public Relations Department publishes monthly house journals in English, Bengali and Hindi for extensive information of company affairs to the employees. DSP also has an in-house TV studio (DSTV) along with all modern facilities, which telecast news and a gamut of other programs covering various aspects of plant and township activities.

Durgapur – The Happening City

Durgapur, which is on the main Kolkata – New Delhi line, is fast turning into the most happening city in the region. From a sleepy settlement, the town today boasts of a variety of educational institutions, posh shopping malls, complexes with eateries and a multiplex, etc. With the change in the mindset of the people has come a change in the lifestyle also. Quality consciousness has steeped in, accompanied with quality brands making their presence felt in the market. Durgapur is fast turning into the central location for the entire region – with the entry of big business houses and entrepreneurs, the city is all set to undergo a change in its own lifestyle and in the outlook of its residents.

See also

• Steel Authority of India Limited

References

1. ^ "Railway Gazette: Wheel production in Durgapur". http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/wheel-production-in-durgapur.html. Retrieved 2010-10-16. 

External links

• About Durgapur Steel Plant at Steel Authority of India website