Production Remains Halted at SMS-1 of VSP After Blast
Experts have warned that stoppage of work could lead to losses into crores of rupees.
Visakhapatnam: Production at the Steel Melt Shop (SMS)-1 of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) remains halted following the blast on June 8 that claimed nine lives and hospitalised five workers.
The SMS-1 houses six casting machines, five of which typically run continuously. On the day of the accident, casting machines 1, 2, 3, and 4 had been operational. The catastrophic explosion of molten steel at SMS-1 had been followed by another explosion at casting machine 2 just 20 minutes later, leading to a crane becoming non-functional, apart from damaging cables and machinery throughout the section.
Shaken by the twin incidents, employees have refused to resume their duties, leading to a suspension of operations that lasted well into Tuesday night.
Non-resumption of duties by employees has led to production getting disrupted in other departments, including SMS-2 that is still operational. Experts have warned that stoppage of work could lead to losses into crores of rupees.
Workers allege that substandard raw materials, poor management, and chronic staff shortages have contributed to the tragedy. They claim that safety concerns have been overlooked for years, with explosions occurring intermittently. But they rarely received public attention until the nine fatalities brought the issue to the forefront.
Employees maintain that lapses in maintenance, inadequate staffing, and compromised quality checks have left the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant vulnerable.
Fearful of reprisals, many are hesitant to speak out. But the June 8 accident has intensified calls for accountability and urgent safety reforms.
