Dilip Oommen, Chief Executive Officer, AM/NS India
The upcoming greenfield integrated steel plant in Andhra Pradesh, being set up by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), will be a catalyst for growth not only for the State but for the entire country, Dilip Oommen, Chief Executive Officer, AM/NS India, said.
A steel plant generally attracts a cluster of ancillary industries, contributing to the development of the industrial and social ecosystem, Oommen told businessline on Wednesday.
The foundation stone for the plant will be laid on March 23, 2026, at Rajayyapeta in Anakapalli district, marking one of the largest greenfield industrial investments in Andhra Pradesh.
AM/NS India will invest over ₹70,000 crore in the plant, he said, adding, “We will be well-positioned to leverage the best technologies from both ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel.” The investment will be shared by both entities.
The plant, with a production capacity of 8.2 million tonnes per annum in the first phase, will be one of India’s most advanced steel-making facilities. The project is expected to generate around one lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Strategic location
On the location of the plant, the CEO said waterfront availability, suitable infrastructure, access to raw materials, and an investor-friendly State government were key factors behind the decision to invest in Andhra Pradesh.
Referring to the ease and speed of doing business, Oommen said: “To me, the Andhra Pradesh government is a well-oiled organisation, and the results are positive.” The land allotment was completed in just two months. The project has also received environmental clearance, and the company is in possession of 2,200 acres for the plant. The initial phase of the plant is expected to be commissioned in the first quarter of FY29, he said.
At the national level, the project will support the objectives of the National Steel Policy, which aims to achieve 300 mtpa steel production capacity in the country by 2030–31, he said. At present, production is around 200 mtpa.
It will be a win-win proposition for Andhra Pradesh’s Swarna Andhra@2047 and Atmanirbhar Viksit Bharat 2047.
Bonanza
Steel has been an integral part of the State’s development, and people are emotionally connected to Visakhapatnam as a steel hub. “The people of the State led the ‘Visakha Ukku – Andhrula Hakku’ movement for the existing Vizag Steel Plant, and this new mega plant will further boost employment and regional development,” said Abhishikth Kishore, VC and MD, Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC). The location of the upcoming plant will be about 70 km away from Visakhapatnam.
Published on March 18, 2026
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