SMEL aims to improve rail infrastructure and steel mill in Odisha

By OEM Update Editorial May 27, 2024 2:25 pm IST

Shyam Metalics and Energy Limited (SMEL) intends to improve the rail infrastructure at its integrated steel factory in Pandloi, Sambalpur district, Odisha. The company expanded its railway lines in 2023, allowing it to handle over 110 rakes per month.

Shyam Metalics and Energy Limited (SMEL) has disclosed the development of rail infrastructure at its integrated steel mill in village Pandloi, Sambalpur district, Odisha. The programme aligns with the company’s long-term aim of ongoing expansion and sustainable growth.

SMEL’s integrated steel plant, which also includes a coal washery and power plant, has witnessed significant growth in recent years. To meet the demands of this expanded capacity, the company has identified the need to improve its rail infrastructure for efficient handling of incoming raw materials and outgoing finished goods.

SMEL expanded its railway lines from two to four in 2023, including a lead line from Rengali station, three branch lines, and an engine escape line, as part of its expansion plan for managing raw material intake and finished goods dispatch. This upgraded infrastructure, approved by the Indian Railway through a DPR (Detailed Project Report) in 2015, is now fully operational with overhead electrification completed and commissioned. This Expansion will facilitate our plant to handle more than 110 Rakes in a month.

Brij Bhushan Agarwal, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Shyam Metalics and Energy Limited said,“Shyam Metalics and Energy Limited remains committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence. The expansion of the rail infrastructure is a testament to this commitment, and the planned addition of a wagon tippler by 2028 will further solidify SMEL’s position as a leading player in the steel industry.

The plant’s expansion has boosted its capacity, requiring more efficient rail operations. Previously, the infrastructure could handle an average of two incoming rakes each day, which was adequate for the plant’s previous capacity. However, with the plant’s increased capacity, the present rail infrastructure can handle around 60 percent of the additional volume of inbound raw materials and outbound rakes for completed goods. To fully realise the plant’s potential and increase operating efficiency, SMEL intends to install a waggon tippler by 2028. This crucial improvement will streamline rail operations, allowing for faster turnaround times and increase train handling capacity by 100 percent.

The extension to four lines will greatly improve operating efficiency, since the present infrastructure can only handle around 60 percent of the increased amount of raw materials and completed items. To close this gap and maximise the plant’s capacity, SMEL aims to install a waggon tippler by 2028.

The wagon tippler will considerably improve the speed and efficiency of rail operations at the plant. This crucial equipment will allow for faster turnaround times for wagons, enabling SMEL to achieve a 100 percent increase in rail operations. This will ensure a smooth flow of raw materials and finished goods, further supporting the company’s growth trajectory.