Subhechcha Ganguly 
Atanu Bhowmick, Director in Charge, RSP
Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), one of India’s largest steel-making facilities, is widely regarded as a symbol of the country’s industrial might. Under the leadership of its Director in Charge, Atanu Bhowmick, the plant is poised to reach new heights of success and efficiency. Bhowmick is a seasoned professional with a proven track record of success in the steel industry, and he is widely recognized as one of the most competent and dynamic leaders in the field.
Bhowmick’s appointment as Director in Charge of RSP was a testament to his extensive experience and expertise in the steel industry. He has been tasked with overseeing the operations of the plant and ensuring its continued success. In this role, he has been instrumental in driving innovation and modernizing the plant to meet the ever-changing demands of the steel market.
Bhowmick is is an alumnus of the National Institute of Technology (Regional Engineering College) Rourkela. He was recommended for the post of Director in charge of SAIL’s Rourkela Steel Plant by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) panel on December 7, 2021. He joined RSP in 1988 in the Blast Furnace Department. He worked there for 29 years, serving in various capacities, learning the intricacies of iron making and rose to the position of Chief General Manager in the year 2016. Subsequently, Shri Bhowmick was in charge of the Services area, and thereafter, headed the Projects Department of RSP. In October 2019, he was elevated to Executive Director (Works) in Bokaro Steel Plant. With his rich experience and expertise, Shri Bhowmick has unleashed a cultural transformation in Bokaro Steel Plant, resulting in a more harmonious working environment, robust operational discipline, strategic technological interventions as well as higher production, productivity and profitability.
One of Bhowmick’s key priorities has been to streamline operations and improve the efficiency of RSP. Under his leadership, the plant has implemented numerous process improvements, including the adoption of new technologies and the optimization of production processes. These efforts have resulted in significant improvements in productivity and profitability, making RSP one of the most efficient steel-making facilities in the country.
Another major focus for Bhowmick has been on sustainability and environmental responsibility. He has been at the forefront of efforts to reduce the plant’s carbon footprint and promote sustainability, both in terms of the environment and the well-being of local communities. These efforts have been widely recognized and praised, and RSP has become a model for sustainability in the steel industry.
In recent years, Bhowmick has also been instrumental in expanding RSP’s reach and influence. The RSP has seen several modernisation initiatives in recent times. The expansion of the plant to include a new hot strip mill was announced in 2019 and is expected to be completed in 2021. This will add to the existing capacity of the plant and increase the range of products that it can produce. Additionally, the plant has also announced the recruitment of fresh talent, with a batch of new engineers joining the plant in 2020.
Apart from this, several steps have been taken to improve the efficiency of the plant. The plant has installed new equipment and technology, including new furnaces and a 4-strand continuous caster, to improve the quality of steel produced. Additionally, the plant has also worked to improve its safety standards by introducing a safety management system and developing a safety action plan.
The modernization of the RSP is expected to have a positive impact on the economy of Odisha, as the improved quality and increased production of steel will generate more employment opportunities and increase the value of exports.
Overall, Atanu Bhowmick’s appointment as the Director in Charge of the RSP is an indication that the plant is set to move into a period of progress and development. With his rich experience in the corporate world and his expertise in managing large projects, he is the right person to lead the modernisation efforts at the RSP and make it an even more efficient and productive steel plant.
