According to SMS Group, the scope of the project includes upgrading the existing two six-point, six-meter SAIL rollers at the Durgapur facility. The modernization is expected to increase the productivity of continuous casting of rolled products, increasing the annual production capacity of the plant by more than 60 percent. In addition, a new 150 mm x 150 mm cylindrical ingot section will be introduced with the ability to produce round ingots with a diameter of 160 mm to support downstream production, including rebar and wire rod.
According to SMS Group, the project will be implemented in two stages. Billet caster No. 1 is scheduled to be commissioned in the fourth quarter of 2027, followed by billet caster No. 2 in the third quarter of 2028.
The company added that the project will be implemented during current operations. Each continuous casting plant will be put into operation during a defined five-month shutdown period, ensuring that the overall operation of the plant will continue without major disruptions.
