Vizag steel is likely to recommence production from its idled blast furnace 1 called as Godavari. The blast furnace has daily hot metal production capacity of 7,150mt.
Once operational, the upgraded furnace will use latest generation cooling staves and refractory, increased blast temperatures and higher level of automation and upgraded gas cleaning plant, in line with present environmental standards. Godavari furnace was shut when the demand lowered.
Earlier, the company carried out category II repairs on the furnace in June 2000, ten years into its operation. In Oct 2013, Vizag steel carried out category I repairs, which concluded in June 2014. With the upgraded furnace, the company targets to improve its operational efficiency.