Naxals shed guns, join Industrial Revolution in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli, CM Fadnavis to inaugurate projects soon.

Delhi , 18th July, 2025 :

Marking a new chapter in development of ever-growing Maharashtra, the first phase of 5-Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) iron ore grinding plant at Hedri in Gadchroli district is all set to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis soon (July 22). The grinding plant has been constructed by the Llyods Metals & Energy Limited (LMEL) and made functional in a record time of just one year, fighting all odds and taking even the local naxals on board by bringing them to mainstream through its policy and work.

Along with the iron ore grinding plant, a 10 MTPA capacity Slurry Pipeline project will also be inaugurated. The slurry pipeline is particularly noteworthy as Maharashtra’s very first operational iron ore slurry pipeline. The project’s completion, in a record time of 180 days, is significant, marking an 11-year gap since the last such venture in the country.

The projects, in the heavily Naxal-affected area, has been made possible by relentless and continued efforts of the LMEL along with government support. The persistent joint efforts and favourable policy paved way for surrender and rehabilitation of Naxalites to encourage them give up arms and join the mainstream. The policy is part of a larger multi-pronged strategy to combat Left Wing Extremism (LWE). The policy offers a range os support and incentives for the Naxals, including financial assistance and rehabilitation package, legal and security provisions and integration into mainstream society.

The Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd (LMEL), with its flagship game-changing project in Eastern Maharashtra, has brought in a new dawn in the lives of the surrendered Naxalites, employing 65 of them who are working in different capacities in the company in Gadchiroli district. The company is not only carrying out greening exercise in Gadchiroli district and working on making the Indian dream of ‘Green Steel’ a reality, but also enhancing the Happiness Index in the life of surrendered Naxalites. At present, 65 surrendered Naxalites/Maoists are working with LMEL. Of them, 27 work in the Administration Department, 29 in civil/constructions, and 9 in Mechanical Department.

Since many of them had left their education mid-way and joined the Naxalite fold at a very young age, they did not have requisite educational qualifications, but on recommendation of Gadchiroli Police, LMEL decided to train the surrendered Maoists first and then absorb them in the jobs suitable to their skill-sets. This has given them a positive outlook towards life, professionalism, and development of Gadchiroli. The surrendered Naxalites have become important drivers of change and contributors to the developmental journey of Maharashtra.

Apart from the inaugurations of the completed projects, the chief minister will also lay foundation stones of several projects – a 4.5 MTPA Integrated Steel Plant at Konsari, a 100-bed Multispeciality Hospital, a School and also a 116-acres Lloyds Township.

Mr. B. Prabhakaran, the Managing Director of LMEL said: “22nd July 2025 is going to be recorded in the history of Gadchiroli as well as Maharashtra in golden letters. Today, not only the foundation stone for Vidarbha first Integrated Steel Plant is being laid at Konsari in Gadchiroli district, but also a step is being taken towards seeing the historic dream turning into a reality. Had everything gone right more than 140 years ago, Gadchiroli would have been the birthplace of the Indian steel industry.”

Nonetheless, now is the time for Gadchiroli to rise and shine. Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd is proud that it has been the driver of the industrial revolution here. After successful green operations of iron ore mines at Surjagarh, commissioning of DRI plant and pellet plant at Konsari, now a giant leap of faith is being taken in the form of Integrated Steel Plant. We thank the Government of Maharashtra, Chief Minister Mr. Devendra Fadnavis for his vision for Gadchiroli’s development and extending support, people of Gadchiroli, and all our stakeholders for helping us make Gadchiroli the first district of Vidarbha having the regions first Integrated Steel Plant. Today, the foundation stone is being laid for Gadchiroli’s bright future, enhanced contribution to Maharashtra’s economy, and India’s national vision of making ‘Green Steel’,” he added.