Have you ever wondered how steel is made and what it takes to produce high-quality steel products for various sectors and industries? If yes, then you should definitely visit Bhilai Steel Plant, India’s largest and most awarded steel producer. Bhilai Steel Plant is not only a source of pride for India’s steel industry, but also a fascinating attraction for anyone who wants to learn more about the history, products, achievements, and features of this remarkable industrial marvel.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Bhilai Steel Plant, from its inception in 1955 to its present status in 2023. We will also provide you with some tips and information on how to plan your trip to Bhilai Steel Plant and enjoy its amazing operations and attractions. Let’s start by learning more about the history of Bhilai Steel Plant and how it came to be.
History of Bhilai Steel Plant
Bhilai Steel Plant was established in 1955 as a result of an agreement between India and the Soviet Union. The agreement was signed by the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, and the then Premier of the Soviet Union, Nikolai Bulganin. The agreement aimed to boost India’s industrial development and self-reliance by setting up an integrated steel plant with the help of Soviet expertise and technology.
The construction of Bhilai Steel Plant began in 1957 and was completed in 1961. The first blast furnace was commissioned in 1959 and the first export of steel rails was made in 1964. Since then, Bhilai Steel Plant has undergone several phases of development, modernization, and expansion to increase its production capacity and product range.
Products of Bhilai Steel Plant
Bhilai Steel Plant produces a wide range of steel products for various sectors and industries such as railways, defence, space, nuclear power, engineering, construction, automobiles, etc. Some of the main products that Bhilai Steel Plant produces and sells are:
Hot metal: This is the molten iron that is produced by reducing iron ore in a blast furnace. Hot metal is the raw material for making crude steel.
Crude steel: This is the liquid steel that is produced by refining hot metal in a basic oxygen furnace or an electric arc furnace. Crude steel is the raw material for making saleable steel.
Saleable steel: This is the finished steel that is produced by casting crude steel into slabs, blooms, or billets, and then rolling them into various shapes and sizes such as rails, plates, wire rods, etc. Saleable steel is the final product that is sold to customers.
Production Process and Capacity of Bhilai Steel Plant
Bhilai Steel Plant has a complex and integrated production process that involves various facilities and technologies within the plant. The production process can be broadly divided into three stages: iron making, steel making, and steel finishing. The following diagram shows the production process and capacity of Bhilai Steel Plant after the completion of MEP.
Besides producing high-quality steel products, Bhilai Steel Plant also boasts of some impressive features and achievements that make it stand out from other steel plants in India or in the world. Let’s find out what they are.
Features and Achievements of Bhilai Steel Plant
Bhilai Steel Plant has many features and achievements that showcase its excellence, innovation, and social responsibility. Here are some of them:
- It is the largest steel producer in India and one of the largest in Asia. It has produced more than 600 million tonnes of crude steel since its inception.
- It has supplied more than 90% of India’s total rail requirement. It has also exported rails to various countries such as Iran, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, etc.
- It has developed special grades of steel for various sectors such as defence, space, nuclear power, etc.
It has implemented various green initiatives such as energy conservation, water recycling, waste management, etc. Some examples are:
- Installing waste heat recovery boilers to generate steam and power from waste gases
- Installing dry fog dust suppression system to reduce dust emission from coal handling plant
- Installing rainwater harvesting structures to collect and store rainwater for reuse
- Recycling slag (a by-product of steel making) into granulated slag, which is used as a raw material for cement industry
- It has contributed to various social welfare activities such as education, healthcare, sports, culture, etc.
If you are interested in visiting Bhilai Steel Plant and witnessing its amazing operations and attractions firsthand, here are some tips and information that will help you plan your trip.
How to Visit Bhilai Steel Plant
Bhilai Steel Plant is located in the city of Bhilai, which is about 25 km from Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh. You can reach Bhilai Steel Plant by road, rail, or air.
How to Reach Bhilai Steel Plant
By road: You can drive to Bhilai Steel Plant from Raipur or other nearby cities by taking the National Highway 6 (NH6). The distance from Raipur to Bhilai Steel Plant is about 25 km and it takes about 40 minutes by car.
By rail: You can take a train to Bhilai Power House railway station or Durg railway station from Raipur or other major cities in India. The distance from Bhilai Power House railway station to Bhilai Steel Plant is about 3 km and it takes about 10 minutes by auto-rickshaw or taxi. The distance fromBy air: You can take a flight to Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur from various cities in India. The distance from Swami Vivekananda Airport to Bhilai Steel Plant is about 45 km and it takes about an hour by car.
Timings and Entry Fee for Bhilai Steel Plant
Bhilai Steel Plant is open for visitors from Monday to Saturday, except on public holidays and plant holidays. The visiting hours are from 8:00 am to 11:00 am and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
The entry fee for visiting Bhilai Steel Plant is Rs. 50 per person for Indian nationals and Rs. 500 per person for foreign nationals. The entry fee includes a guided tour of the plant and a visit to the museum.
To visit Bhilai Steel Plant, you need to register and pay online in advance through the official website of Bhilai Steel Plant. You also need to carry a valid identity proof such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, etc.
Places to Visit within Bhilai Steel Plant
Bhilai Steel Plant has many attractions within its premises that showcase its operations and achievements. Some of the places to visit within Bhilai Steel Plant are:
Coke Oven Battery: This is where coal is converted into coke, which is used as a fuel and a reducing agent in the blast furnace. You can see the process of coke making and quenching, as well as the by-products such as tar, benzol, etc.
Blast Furnace: This is where iron ore is reduced to molten iron or hot metal by using coke and hot air. You can see the process of charging, tapping, slag granulation, etc., as well as the largest blast furnace in India, which has a volume of 4060 cubic meters.
Rail and Structure Mill: This is where hot metal is cast into blooms and then rolled into rails and structural sections such as beams, channels, angles, etc. You can see the process of continuous casting, reheating, rolling, finishing, etc., as well as the longest rail in the world, which has a length of 260 meters.
Plate Mill: This is where hot metal is cast into slabs and then rolled into plates of various thicknesses and sizes. You can see the process of continuous casting, reheating, rolling, levelling, cutting, etc., as well as the thickest plate in India, which has a thickness of 150 mm.
Wire Rod Mill: This is where hot metal is cast into billets and then rolled into wire rods of various diameters and grades. You can see the process of continuous casting, reheating, rolling, cooling, coiling, etc., as well as the finest wire rod in India, which has a diameter of 5.5 mm.
Places to Visit near Bhilai Steel Plant
Bhilai Steel Plant is surrounded by many natural and cultural attractions that you can explore after visiting the plant. Some of the places to visit near Bhilai Steel Plant are:
Dhamdha: This is a historical town that dates back to the 10th century. It has many ancient temples and monuments such as the Dhamdha Fort, the Shiva Temple, the Jain Temple, etc.
Tandula: This is a scenic reservoir that is formed by the Tandula Dam on the Tandula River. It is a popular spot for boating, fishing, picnicking, etc.
Siyadevi: This is a beautiful waterfall that cascades from a height of about 30 meters. It is surrounded by lush greenery and rock formations. It is also a religious site that has a temple dedicated to Goddess Siyadevi.
Deobalod: This is a tribal village that showcases the culture and lifestyle of the Gond tribe. It has many attractions such as the Gond Museum, the Gond Art Gallery, the Gond Dance Academy, etc.
Best Time to Visit Bhilai Steel Plant
The best time to visit Bhilai Steel Plant is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C during this period. You can also enjoy various festivals and events such as Dussehra, Diwali, Holi, etc., during this time.
The summer season from April to June is very hot and dry in Bhilai. The temperature can go up to 45°C during this period. You should avoid visiting Bhilai Steel Plant during this time unless you are well prepared for the heat.
The monsoon season from July to September is humid and rainy in Bhilai. The temperature ranges from 25°C to 35°C during this period. You may face some difficulties in travelling and sightseeing during this time due to heavy rainfall and waterlogging.
Tips for Visiting Bhilai Steel Plant
Here are some dos and don’ts for visiting Bhilai Steel Plant that will help you have a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Do carry a valid identity proof such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, etc., and show it at the entry gate.
- Do wear comfortable clothes and shoes that cover your body and protect you from heat and dust.
- Do follow the instructions and guidelines of the guide and the security personnel at all times.
- Do maintain a safe distance from the machines and equipment and avoid touching or interfering with them.
- Do take photos and videos only in the permitted areas and respect the privacy of the employees and workers.
- Don’t carry any inflammable or explosive items such as matches, lighters, cigarettes, etc., inside the plant premises.
- Don’t carry any food or drinks inside the plant premises. You can buy them from the canteen or vending machines outside the plant.
- Don’t litter or damage any property or equipment inside the plant premises. You can use the dustbins or bins provided for disposing of your waste.
- Don’t enter any restricted or prohibited areas without permission or authorization.
Conclusion
Bhilai Steel Plant is a remarkable industrial marvel that showcases India’s steel prowess and innovation. It is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to learn more about the history, products, achievements, and features of Bhilai Steel Plant. It is also a great place to enjoy some natural and cultural attractions near Bhilai.
If you are interested in visiting Bhilai Steel Plant, you can book your trip online through the official website of Bhilai Steel Plant or contact us for more information.