Chhattisgarh to lead India’s steel push: Minister

RAIPUR/MUMBAI (INDIA): Chhattisgarh’s Commerce and Industries Minister Lakhan Lal Dewangan emphasized the state’s vital role in boosting India’s steel output during his address at the ‘India Steel 2025’ conference held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre. Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of producing 300 million tonnes of steel by 2030, Dewangan asserted that Chhattisgarh will be a key player in making India a global steel powerhouse.

He described Chhattisgarh as the "Steel Capital of India" and pointed out that it holds 18% of the nation’s iron ore reserves. The high-grade iron ore from the Bailadila mines is globally recognized, and the state is also at the forefront of adopting green steel technologies.

To support industrial growth, the state has introduced a new industrial policy with a focus on core sectors like steel. The policy offers up to 15% in incentives and concessions for sponge iron and steel units. Efforts like the single-window clearance system and ease of doing business measures are helping fast-track industrial development. A new 118-acre industrial area near the Nagarnar Steel Plant in Bastar is also being developed to promote MSMEs.

Dewangan noted that investment summits in major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Raipur have drawn investment proposals worth over ₹4.5 lakh crore. These are being implemented swiftly, with a semiconductor plant's foundation recently laid as a key milestone. He added that Chhattisgarh now ranks among the top ten Indian states in attracting investments under the new policy.

The event, jointly organized by the Ministry of Steel and FICCI, also included a virtual address by Prime Minister Modi and the presence of Union Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma. Top officials from Chhattisgarh such as Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain and Industry Secretary Rajat Kumar were also in attendance.

Dewangan later participated in a roundtable with investors, discussing the state’s strengths—industrial clusters, logistics, policies, and skilled workforce—making a strong pitch for Chhattisgarh as an ideal investment destination in the steel sector.