NMDC Steel Achieves Full Capacity at Nagarnar, Sets New Output Benchmarks
NMDC Steel Ltd has marked a major milestone at its Nagarnar steel plant by achieving its rated capacity and setting several production records across critical units. From raw material processing to finished steel output, nearly every facility within the integrated plant demonstrated peak performance, reinforcing NSL's emergence as a major steel producer.
One of the standout achievements came from the Raw Material Handling System (RMHS), which registered a record daily base mix production of 23,307 tonnes. In addition, it recorded the fastest-ever wagon tippling cycle, completing the process in just 2 hours and 35 minutes. This not only improves turnaround time but also significantly enhances throughput and productivity at the plant's logistical backbone. Such efficiency in material handling is a key driver for maintaining consistent feedstock flow to downstream units, especially in a high-capacity integrated steel facility.
The coke oven battery at the Nagarnar plant also achieved a record with 186 daily pushings, a critical step in converting coal into coke, which is essential for blast furnace operations. Simultaneously, the blast furnace recorded its highest daily hot metal production at 11,034 tonnes. This level of output demonstrates the optimized functioning of the furnace and the seamless integration of upstream processes. High hot metal output is fundamental to ensuring adequate supply to the steel melting shop (SMS), which also set its own benchmark on the same day.
The SMS processed 52 heats and produced 9,342 tonnes of liquid steel, reaffirming its role as the core production unit within the plant. The operational capability to maintain such levels consistently over a single day reflects well-planned furnace management, steady input material quality, and robust manpower coordination. These metrics speak volumes about the plant’s growing maturity and its readiness to compete with established players in the sector.
Complementing the production units, the Power and Blowing Station (PBS) played a crucial role by crossing its rated capacity and achieving another milestone: the Top Recovery Turbine (TRT) generated over 15 megawatts of power for the first time. This demonstrates NSL's push towards energy efficiency and recovery, aligning with modern steelmaking practices that emphasize low-carbon, energy-positive operations.
Additional units also reported high productivity. The sinter plant produced 12,886 tonnes of sinter, a critical feed for blast furnaces, while the Thin Slab Caster (TSC) yielded 8,850 tonnes of crude steel. The Hot Strip Mill (HSM), which produces hot rolled coils, delivered 8,673 tonnes — reinforcing NSL’s growing footprint in value-added steel products.
In a move that further integrates the plant into the regional ecosystem, NSL also began supplying liquid nitrogen to the Chhattisgarh government — a first for the company. This indicates the plant’s evolving role as not just a steel manufacturer, but a contributor to the local industrial and economic fabric.
Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director of NMDC Ltd and NSL, remarked that these milestones symbolize the company’s continued focus on operational excellence, innovation, and resilience. He noted that the achievements are not just internal records but significant benchmarks for the Indian steel industry as a whole.
The successful ramp-up of operations at Nagarnar is not only a matter of pride for NMDC Steel Ltd but also marks an important chapter in India’s steel production capacity enhancement. As the plant stabilizes and continues to scale, it is expected to contribute significantly to the nation’s infrastructure and industrial ambitions.