After green nod, AM-NS plant gets Centre’s OK for slurry pipeline from Odisha, Ch’garh
The project is being considered the largest-ever single investment post-bifurcation getting grounded on a fast-track mode
image for illustrative purpose
Visakhapatnam: Close on the heels of getting environmental clearance from Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, the Ministry of Steel has granted approval to ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AMNS India) for the establishment of an iron ore slurry pipeline from Chhattisgarh to Andhra Pradesh via Odisha.
The project is being considered the largest-ever single investment post-bifurcation getting grounded on a fast-track mode. AMNS has committed a total investment of over Rs1.35 lakh crore. The project is envisaged with a production capacity of 7,3 million tonnes in the first phase and 10.55 million tonnes in the next phase.
The Joint venture has envisaged an investment of Rs55,964 crore for first phase and Rs80,000 crore for second phase in addition to heavy amounts planned for constructing a township and a captive port.
HRD, IT, Electronics and RTGS minister Nara Lokesh stated that this milestone is “a testament to Andhra Pradesh’s leadership in providing world-class infrastructure, speedy clearances, and proactive governance. The AMNS project will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boost local industry, and strengthen India’s position in the global steel supply chain.”
With both environmental and pipeline approvals now in place, the Anakapalle project is set to move swiftly into the implementation stage — reinforcing Andhra Pradesh’s position as a top destination for global industrial investments.
The clearances have been obtained from the Central authorities after an emphatic appeal by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, a key ally of NDA, to give all approvals to the prestigious project coming up in Anakapalle district, about 80 km from here.
The pipeline will be used to transport iron ore from the mines to AMNS’ steel plant being set up near Nakkapalli. This approval has been accorded under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962, which empowers a nominated authority to sanction the right of way for each of the areas through which the pipeline will pass.
The pipeline will transport iron ore in slurry form from Chattisgarh to Andhra Pradesh, creating a sustainable and cost-efficient logistics corridor that will significantly reduce dependency on road and rail transport.
The project represents a major step toward low-carbon, environmentally responsible industrial logistics, aligning with India’s commitment to green infrastructure.
The timely clearance underscores the Centre’s commitment to accelerating industrial growth in Andhra Pradesh and reflects the strong partnership between the State and Union Governments' in driving India’s manufacturing ambitions.
The approval paves the way for the implementation of the 17 MTPA integrated steel plant (with 8.2 MTPA in the first phase) being developed by AMNS India in North Andhra.
The Anakapalle facility will be one of the largest greenfield steel plants in India, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for energy efficiency, water recycling, and carbon footprint reduction.
Last week, the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had recommended environmental clearance for the first phase (8.2 MTPA) of the project.
ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India is a joint venture between two of the world’s largest steelmakers — ArcelorMittal, the global leader in steel manufacturing with operations in over 60 countries and annual crude steel production exceeding 60 million tonnes, and Nippon Steel Corporation, Japan’s largest steel producer with cutting-edge technology and R&D leadership.
