Shivamogga: The Union Government’s renewed vision for the Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Limited (VISL) in Bhadravati has sparked a wave of optimism across Karnataka, as Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, H. D Kumaraswamy, announced plans to revive the century-old industrial icon with a massive Rs 8,000–Rs 10,000 crore investment.
The announcement marks a historic turning point for the factory, which has long symbolised the industrial dreams of the erstwhile Mysore Kingdom and engineering legend Sir M Visvesvaraya. After decades of decline and neglect, the Union Government’s decision to breathe new life into VISL has been widely hailed as a bold and visionary move.
Established in 1923 under the visionary leadership of the Mysore Maharajas and engineered by Sir M Visvesvaraya, the factory played a pivotal role in shaping Karnataka’s industrial identity. Post-Independence, it was renamed Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Factory, becoming a vital player in the production of defense and railway equipment. However, due to underinvestment and aging infrastructure, the plant was labeled a “diseased unit” by NITI Aayog and eventually handed over to Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
From once employing over 10,000 workers to a current workforce of around 1,000, the factory had slowly faded from prominence. Despite several attempts to lease it to private players, the revival efforts remained unsuccessful—until now.
Kumaraswamy’s intervention rekindles hope
During his visit to VISL in June 2024, Minister Kumaraswamy promised a game-changing intervention: a capital infusion of up to Rs 10,000 crore to modernise the factory and restore its former glory. “The plant should not only survive but thrive for the next 50 years. We aim to make it globally competitive by upgrading its machinery and embracing green steel production,” the Minister said.
His assurance comes after years of relentless struggle by local workers, trade unions, and community leaders. Notably, contract employees have been staging a protest for over 800 days demanding the revival of VISL.
Jagadish, president of the VISL Labour Union, welcomed the announcement, stating, “It’s been our dream for decades. This move by the Union Government and Minister Kumaraswamy has brought fresh hope to thousands of families. The proposed modern steel plant of 2.5 million tonnes capacity will be a game changer.”
Amruth, VISL Trade Union Secretary, added, “This is a proud moment. After three decades of uncertainty, the people of Bhadravati are finally seeing the promise of development fulfilled. Back in the 1990s, the then Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda handed over VISL to SAIL with the hope of its revitalisation. Today, his son is turning that vision into reality.”
With 1,660 acres of factory land and the State Government already identifying iron ore mining areas near Sandur, the only hurdle left is clearance from the Forest Department. Once granted, the factory is expected to begin operations with new machinery, advanced technology, and a focus on green steel production—a key step towards sustainable industrialisation.
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