On March 23, 2026, Andhra Pradesh marked a historic milestone in India’s industrial journey. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, alongside ArcelorMittal Executive Chairman Lakshmi Niwas Mittal and Union Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, laid the foundation stone for the ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AM/NS) India integrated steel plant in the Anakapalli district.
​Representing an astronomical investment of ₹1.36 lakh crore ($16.3 billion), this project is the largest greenfield steel investment in India in nearly a decade. It signals a major shift in the country’s manufacturing landscape, aiming to transform the Visakhapatnam Economic Region into a global steel hub.
​Project Overview and Strategic Location
​The plant is situated at Rajayyapeta in the Nakkapalli mandal of Anakapalli district. Spread across approximately 5,465 acres, the site was chosen for its strategic coastal advantages and existing infrastructure.
​Connectivity: The plant is being linked to National Highway 16 via a new four-lane dedicated road.
​Raw Material Access: Efficiency is bolstered by a 267 km slurry pipeline that connects the facility directly to the iron-ore rich belts of Odisha, ensuring a steady and cost-effective supply of raw materials.
​Captive Port: An additional investment of ₹11,198 crore is being directed toward a 50-million-tonne capacity captive port to facilitate seamless exports and logistics.
​Phased Development and Capacity
​The project is designed to be executed in two major phases, targeting a total production capacity of 17.8 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA).

Feature Phase 1 (Target: 2028–2029) Phase 2 (Expansion)
Investment ₹70,000 Crore ~₹66,000 Crore
Capacity 8.2 MMTPA 9.6 MMTPA
Focus High-grade flat steel, Import substitution Value-added products for export

The first phase is expected to begin operations by the first quarter of 2029, focusing on specialized steel for the automotive, defense, renewable energy, and infrastructure sectors.
​Economic and Social Impact
​The “Mittal Plant,” as it is locally known, is poised to be a massive engine for job creation and regional development.
​Employment: The project is estimated to generate 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
​Green Steel Vision: AM/NS India is aiming for Green Steel certification, utilizing modern, sustainable manufacturing processes to minimize carbon footprints—a first for an integrated plant of this scale in India.
​Skill Development: The company has partnered with the state government to establish a skilling ecosystem through its NAMTECH initiative, ensuring the local workforce is trained for high-tech industrial roles.
​”For two decades we had a vision to build a world-class greenfield steel plant here in India. This unit will produce advanced value-added steel, powering national self-reliance.” — Lakshmi Niwas Mittal, Executive Chairman, ArcelorMittal.
​Future Outlook
​This mega-project aligns with India’s National Steel Policy, which targets a domestic capacity of 300 MMTPA by 2030. As construction begins, the collaboration between the Andhra Pradesh government and global giants like ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel serves as a blueprint for rapid industrial execution, with land allotment and clearances completed in record time.