Huge Steel Plant Cleared in Anakapalli, Andhra Pradesh

A massive integrated steel plant proposed by a joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel India has received near-final approval to come up at Anakapalli in Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh. The project is set to become one of the largest foreign direct investments in the state’s industrial sector and a significant milestone in India’s steelmaking landscape.

The plant, with an estimated investment of around ₹1.47 lakh crore, is planned to produce 7.3 million tonnes of steel annually by 2029. Capacity will eventually be scaled up to 10.5 million tonnes by 2033, positioning the facility as a cornerstone of India’s ambition to expand its steel output and cater to growing domestic and export demand.

A key feature of the project is the development of a captive port, initially designed with five berths and the potential for further expansion. The port will require approximately 128 hectares of coastal land, underlining the integrated nature of the venture that combines both production and logistics infrastructure. This approach is expected to streamline supply chains and enhance the competitiveness of steel exports from the region.

Employment generation is central to the project’s promise, with an estimated 61,000 direct and indirect jobs anticipated. To support its expansion, the state government is preparing to acquire roughly 4,000 acres of land for the second phase of the project, ensuring adequate space for both plant operations and associated facilities.

The proposed development highlights India’s growing attractiveness as a hub for large-scale steel investments, driven by infrastructure growth and a clear policy push for industrialisation. Once operational, the Anakapalli plant is expected to significantly boost Andhra Pradesh’s industrial profile, strengthen India’s steel capacity, and contribute to the country’s broader vision of becoming a global leader in sustainable steel production.