Four SAIL projects worth Rs 2,338 crore are delayed

On Monday, the Parliament was informed that four SAIL projects totalling Rs2,338 crore are experiencing delays as a result of issues with the placement of orders and the delivery of materials and equipment. But, according to Union Steel Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia in a response to the Rajya Sabha, there has been no cost overrun on these projects.

According to the minister’s information, SAIL is working on two projects: one is the installation of a new sinter plant at its Bokaro Steel Plant in Jharkhand, which will cost Rs1,111 crore, and the other is the modification of the washing circuit of the CSW plant of the Dalli mines in Chhattisgarh.

For its Rourkela Steel Plant in Odisha, SAIL is also replacing coke oven battery 2 (COB-2) and expanding its coke handling and gas handling capabilities, he added. At its Bhilai Steel Plant in Chhattisgarh, SAIL is reconstructing COB-7 and 8, costing Rs625 crore.

‘Project delays are primarily caused by poor performance by contractors and subcontractors, inadequate resource mobilization by contractors, delays in placing orders and the supply of materials and equipment, etc. There isn’t a cost excess, yet ‘ Schinda told the Upper House.

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