In a bold assurance to the workers of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Steel, Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, confirmed that all efforts are being made to protect the plant from privatization. Addressing media personnel on Friday, the minister emphasized the government’s commitment to finding a viable solution that avoids troubling the workforce.
In an unprecedented move, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, visited the VSP personally to reassure the workers. Kumaraswamy stated that alternative measures are being explored to get the plant back on track after it reported financial losses. The central government’s aim, Varma reiterated, is to rejuvenate VSP without resorting to privatization.
Srinivasa Varma also shared that several important discussions were held with the South Central Railway General Manager and Divisional Railway Manager. Key topics included the progress of the Narsapur-Kotipalli railway line, introducing more Vande Bharat trains in Andhra Pradesh, running special trains between Vijayawada and Varanasi, and the new line connecting Narsapur to Machilipatnam. These infrastructural developments will further enhance the region’s connectivity and economic potential.
The union minister also reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to establishing a separate Visakha Railway Zone, criticizing the previous YSRC regime for neglecting this vital issue. On a different note, he welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to form a five-member Special Investigation Team to investigate the adulteration of Tirumala laddu prasadam, which has sparked public outcry.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) chief Y.S. Sharmila announced that the Congress, Left parties, and like-minded groups are unified in their efforts to prevent VSP’s privatization. Speaking at a round-table conference organized by the CPI in Vijayawada, Sharmila emphasized the importance of a collective struggle to revive the steel plant. She also called on Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to honor his past commitment regarding VSP, reminding him of the letter he signed vowing to resign if necessary for the plant’s protection.
The battle to save Visakhapatnam Steel Plant from privatization continues to gain momentum, as political leaders, workers, and the community unite in their efforts to preserve this vital industrial asset.
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