Jindal Group plans to revive its WB steel proj

Kolkata, Jul 17: The Jindal Group has proposed to revive its Rs 1200 crore steel project in West Bengal following an understanding the Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) for the supply of raw materials.

The project, which was tipped as a new feather on Bengal's industrial cap, was put off following Jharkhand government's refusal to supply iron ore.

Officials close to the State Industry Department and to Sajjan Jindal said here today that the group had decided to enter into an agreement with the SAIL for the supply of iron-ore for the steel project in West Midnapore district of West Bengal.

They said the SAIL had huge stock of second grade iron ore, which the steel major had never used for its own production.

The officials said Mr Sajjan Jindal had already communicated to the state government about his decision to revive the steel project.

The Jindal Group had also entered into an agreement with the Jharkhand government for setting up steel plants there.

The officials said West Bengal had more reasons to be upbeat about new steel plants in the state with Mr L N Mittal informing the state government that he would visit Kolkata during his next visit to India.

Mr Mittal's communication was in response to the state government's letter for congratulating him on acquisition of Arsenal.

UNI