LUDHIANA, Oct. 9— Tata Steel has launched a ₹2,600-crore investment project in Punjab, marking the company’s first low-carbon green steel plant in India. The project, set up at Kadiana Khurd in Ludhiana, is expected to become a major driver of industrial and social growth in the state.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on October 20, 2023, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann laying the foundation stone. The upcoming plant, built on 115 acres, will operate with a production capacity of 0.75 million tonnes of steel per year, using Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology — an eco-friendly process that significantly cuts carbon emissions compared to conventional steelmaking.
“This project represents Punjab’s leap toward sustainable industrialization,” Chief Minister Mann said during the ceremony. “It will not only create jobs for our youth but also make the state a hub for clean, green manufacturing.”
According to Tata Steel, the Ludhiana plant will generate around 500 direct and 2,000 indirect jobs. The Punjab government has prioritized local employment, with plans to provide specialized training programs to equip young people with the skills needed for the project.
The state government has offered strong support to the initiative. In August 2022, Chief Minister Mann formally handed over 115 acres of land to Tata Steel and ensured that all required clearances and infrastructure support — including road connectivity — were provided on time. The project was also facilitated under Punjab’s new industrial policy, which offers a package of financial incentives such as tax exemptions and investment-linked assistance.
Officials said the policy framework has improved Punjab’s business climate, encouraging major companies to invest. “Our aim is to make Punjab a preferred destination for industries committed to sustainability,” a senior official from the state industries department noted.
The EAF-based green steel plant will produce steel entirely from recycled scrap, reducing both energy use and emissions. Tata Steel said this aligns with its global goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. The plant’s operations are also expected to boost local supply chains, benefitting small and medium enterprises engaged in construction, transport, and services.
“This investment will create a ripple effect across the local economy,” an official statement from the company read. “It will contribute significantly to Punjab’s industrial growth while ensuring environmental responsibility.”
Adding to its presence in the region, Tata Steel inaugurated a fully automated fabrication service center in Ludhiana on March 12, 2024. The center, with a monthly capacity of 1,500 tonnes, supplies customized Tiscon TMT rebars and bore pile cages for the construction sector. The facility aims to enhance efficiency and quality in steel fabrication, catering to the growing demand from infrastructure projects.
Officials said both ventures reinforce Tata Steel’s partnership with the Punjab government in driving green growth and self-reliance.
“This collaboration is a step toward a prosperous and sustainable Punjab,” Chief Minister Mann noted.
“The investment brings new opportunities for our youth and sets a new benchmark for clean industry in India.”
With its combination of job creation, industrial expansion, and environmental commitment, the Ludhiana green steel project is expected to play a defining role in shaping Punjab’s economic future.
