VISAKHAPATNAM: “Our intention is not merely to announce financial assistance and wash our hands of the matter. It is the government’s responsibility to provide long-term assurance to the affected families and support the future of their children,” IT Minister Nara Lokesh said while responding to the RINL Visakhapatnam Steel Plant accident that claimed nine lives.
On Tuesday, Lokesh visited the families of the deceased workers at the KGH mortuary and later met the injured undergoing treatment at hospitals in the city. He also inspected the accident site at the Steel Melting Shop-1 (SMS-1) of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL).
Addressing the media, the Minister noted that the State government acted immediately after the accident and coordinated relief measures with district officials, public representatives and steel plant authorities. He assured that efforts were underway to ensure the early release of the Rs 25 lakh ex gratia announced by Union Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy for the families of each deceased worker.
Lokesh emphasised that the government would continue supporting the affected families even after immediate relief measures were completed. “Ensuring the welfare, education and long-term security of the victims’ families remained a priority,” he added.
Referring to the ongoing investigation, he observed that a three-member expert committee constituted by the Centre was examining the circumstances that led to the accident. “The panel would inspect the site, interact with workers and officials, study technical aspects and submit a detailed report. Any conclusions regarding the cause of the accident should be based on the findings of the inquiry,” he remarked.
The Minister stressed that worker safety remained paramount and assured that necessary measures would be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future based on the committee’s recommendations. Recalling his interaction with injured workers at hospital, Lokesh mentioned that one worker had appealed to the government to protect not only the employees but also the steel plant itself. “This remark reflected the deep attachment workers have towards the plant and its future,” he stated.
The minister maintained that both the State and Central governments remained committed to strengthening the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and restoring its long-term viability.
The Centre’s revival package and other financial measures, he noted, had helped stabilise operations and improve the plant’s prospects.
Lokesh also announced that the NDA government would take responsibility for facilitating the slurry pipeline project for the steel plant, a move expected to reduce transportation costs and improve operational efficiency.
Highlighting broader industrial development in North Andhra, he pointed out that the region is attracting significant investments in manufacturing, information technology and data centres.
Lokesh affirmed that every effort would be made to support the families affected by the tragedy while ensuring the continued growth and stability of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
Union Minister of State for Steel Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, Visakhapatnam MP M Sribharat and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao were present.
