Visakhapatnam: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has reaffirmed his commitment to reviving the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), a cornerstone of Andhra pride.

Highlighting ongoing discussions with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Naidu assured that efforts are being made to restore the plant’s profitability through the adoption of best practices. The Centre has already begun releasing a portion of the funds to facilitate the plant’s operation.

This assurance from the Chief Minister has provided a much-needed morale boost to VSP employees and trade unions, who had been grappling with concerns following the shutdown of two blast furnaces. Workers, worried about the future of the plant, have described it as being "on a ventilator." D Adinarayana, chairman of the Visakha Ukku Parirakshana Porata Committee (VUPPC), expressed concern that if the situation persists, the management may struggle to pay salaries to employees and contract workers.

The VSP currently requires ₹11,000 crore to function at full capacity, but the Centre is expected to provide only ₹3,000 crore, a shortfall that has left many concerned. VUPPC member Varasala Srinivasa Rao noted that this amount would barely cover the interest on existing loans. Additionally, the recent deputation of 100 VSP executives to Nagarnar Steel Plant has further escalated anxiety among employees.

Despite criticism from the Opposition, which accused the alliance government of playing a "double game," Naidu stood firm, warning against unnecessary provocations based on sentiment. He recalled that during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure, the TDP successfully secured funds to save the plant, and he reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment to doing the same now with the Centre’s support.

TDP State President and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao, along with Visakhapatnam MP M Sribharat, assured employees and unions that additional support from the Centre would arrive within the next two weeks. However, there remains a pressing need for swift action to prevent the VSP from slipping further into crisis and to restore it to its former strength.

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