Ranchi, Apr 22: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for the Rs 9000 crore modernization and expansion project of the Bokaro Steel Plant in Jharkhand.

“The project will generate new jobs for thousands of locals,” Dr. Singh said while addressing at the function.
He said the Central Government has taken many steps to ensure that the fruits of economic growth reach the weaker sections of the state.

A new university with all the latest facilities will be set up in the state, he announced.

The capacity of Bokaro Steel Plant, which produces 4.5 millions tonnes of hot metal, will go up to 7.44 million tonnes after expansion. Its crude steel production also will go up from the present 4.36 million tonnes to 7 million tonnes.

The Bokaro Steel Limited (BSL) expansion plan is a part of the Steel Authority of India (SAIL)’s expansion plan to increase production of steel to 26 million tonnes by 2010.

Dr. Singh is scheduled to grace the centenary celebrations of Tata Steel at Jamshedpur during his visit to the state.

The Prime Minister is visiting Jharkhand for the second time after assuming office. Earlier, he had visited the state to campaign for the 2005 state Assembly polls. (ANI)