Kumaraswamy announces ₹5,000 crore plan to revive VISP

Kumaraswamy announced ₹5,000 cr plan to revive Bhadravathi’s VISP, pending finance nod; Swamiji pledged ₹5 cr support and urged budget backing

Union Steel and Heavy Industries Minister H D Kumaraswamy has unveiled plans for a ₹5,000 crore investment in the first phase of rejuvenating the Visvesvaraya Iron & Steel Plant (VISP) at Bhadravathi. He clarified that the Centre’s grant is not required, but approval from the Union finance minister remains crucial to move the project forward.

The announcement came in response to an appeal by Sri Taralabalu Brihanmutt pontiff Shivamurthy Shivacharya Swamiji during the inaugural of the nine‑day Si Taralabalu Hunimee Mahotsava. Kumaraswamy emphasized that reviving VISP is his top priority and expressed confidence that the plant could begin producing quality steel within months once approvals are secured.

Highlighting India’s current dependence on steel imports, the minister said he has sought permission from the prime minister and finance minister to enable domestic production of high‑grade steel. He drew comparisons with the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, which overcame deep losses and a ₹35,000 crore debt to achieve production of 21 million tonnes after sustained revival efforts.

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The pontiff urged Kumaraswamy to ensure Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces support for VISP in the upcoming Union Budget on February 1. He also pledged a ₹5 crore contribution from the mutt towards the plant’s rejuvenation. Additionally, he requested fencing and a walking track around VISP’s 100‑acre helipad ground to prevent misuse and make it accessible to the public.

The Mahotsava featured cultural highlights including girls performing the aerial rope sport malli hagga and the Sirigere Mutt’s lifelike robot elephant “Shivakunjara,” which captivated audiences and drew crowds of selfie‑takers

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