In Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the foundation of the ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AM-NS) India plant in Nakkapalli, Anakapalli district, highlighting that the state is the ideal destination for industrial investment in India.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, HD Kumaraswamy, was also present at the event.
Chief Minister Naidu stated that this project marks not only the beginning of a steel plant but also the foundation for a future steel city in the region.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said the mega project will significantly accelerate development in North Andhra and contribute to meeting the country's growing steel demand.
The project, with a total investment of Rs 1.35 lakh crore, will be implemented in phases, with the first phase involving Rs 70,000 crore to establish an 8.2 million tonnes per annum capacity. Once completed, it will have a production capacity of 17.8 million tonnes of steel.
The plant is expected to generate over 1 lakh jobs, both directly and indirectly.
The project includes the development of a captive port worth Rs 11,198 crore, a four-lane road connecting to national highways, and a pipeline for raw material supply.
The first phase of production is targeted for 2028, with major blast furnace installations expected by 2030.
Chief Minister Naidu stated that the fact that a globally renowned company like ArcelorMittal has chosen Andhra Pradesh reflects the state's investor-friendly policies and efficient governance.
Chief Minister Naidu thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support, stating that the project aligns with national initiatives like "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat." He described it as a success of the "double-engine government."
Chief Minister Naidu highlighted that Andhra Pradesh is experiencing rapid industrial growth across sectors such as data centers, food processing, manufacturing, and tourism.
He mentioned that a Google Data Center is set to be established in Visakhapatnam. This marks the first instance in the country where a single project has attracted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) amounting to $15 billion.
Within just 20 months of this people-centric government assuming office, the state has attracted investments totaling Rs 20.35 lakh crore, he said.
As the Visakhapatnam Economic Region evolves, the city will emerge as a pivotal hub for the knowledge economy, ports, steel, data centers, and IT centers, the Chief Minister said.
Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy noted that projects of this scale are critical for India's long-term steel capacity goals. He said the collaboration brings together "global expertise and domestic ambition" and will contribute to the modernisation of India's steel ecosystem.
Kumaraswamy stated that the arrival of ArcelorMittal-Nippon Steel industry in Andhra Pradesh has realized the vision of a steel ecosystem in this region.
In accordance with the National Steel Consumption Policy, we have set a target to boost steel production across the country, he said.
He hoped that the Arcelor Nippon Steel plant would serve as a driving force for steel production, the MSME sector, and job creation.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, as the Minister for Environment, expressed his delight that this project is being constructed with extremely low emission levels.
He stated that Andhra Pradesh is currently attracting 25 per cent of all investments flowing into the country. He claimed that this was possible solely due to the presence of a visionary leader like Chandrababu Naidu.
Lokesh recalled that he had met Aditya Mittal before 2019 and requested him to establish a plant in Andhra Pradesh. He said that after the coalition government came to power in 2024, the action plan for establishing this steel plant was set in motion.
He said the government expedited the allocation of land and the issuance of necessary permits. Industries of this magnitude have arrived solely on the strength of the 'CBN brand’, he remarked.
ArcelorMittal Executive Chairman Lakshmi Mittal stated that the event marks the next chapter in their partnership with India, one built on shared ambition and enduring trust.
“I have been in the steel industry now for fifty years, and I can honestly say that what we are building here in India is one of the highlights of these 50 years. It means a lot to me that we can contribute so meaningfully towards India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat, demonstrating how world-class steelmaking can power sustainable growth and national self-reliance.”
Chairman of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India and CEO of ArcelorMittal thanked the Government of Andhra Pradesh as well as the Government of India for their steadfast support in bringing this project to life.
“Steel is the fabric of life, and we are proud to have the opportunity to contribute to expanding India’s steel capabilities with this amazing new plant, which will be one of the most competitive, modern facilities in the country. Its coastal position and the fact that it can easily be connected to the richest iron-ore belt in the country through our existing slurry pipeline make this an excellent place to manufacture steel,” he said.
