Odisha CM inaugurates IMFA’s Kalinganagar plant, firm becomes India’s largest ferro chrome producer
Greenfield project commissioned in 15 months; facility to produce 1 lakh tonnes annually, generate 1,500 jobs
By Nalini Sahu
Bhubaneswar, Oct. 14: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday inaugurated Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd’s (IMFA) greenfield ferro chrome project at Kalinganagar, marking a major expansion of the company’s manufacturing capacity and making it the country’s largest producer of value-added ferro chrome.
The new facility, known as Kalinganagar (KNR 1), has an annual production capacity of 1 lakh tonnes and takes IMFA’s total capacity to more than 5 lakh tonnes per annum, positioning the company among the leading ferro chrome producers globally.
The project was commissioned in just 15 months, with the first furnace achieving output on August 25, 2026, within 458 days of construction commencement. The foundation stone was laid by the chief minister on May 22, 2025, in the presence of other dignitaries.
The project features two 33 MVA submerged arc furnaces and an 8.7 MW off-gas-based power generation facility designed to improve energy efficiency. The plant has state-of-the-art closed furnaces, with stack particulate emissions maintained below 30 mg/Nm³. IMFA has also entered into a long-term agreement for hybrid renewable energy to reduce the facility’s carbon footprint.
The company said the project generated around 4.5 lakh man-days of employment during the construction phase and is expected to create 1,500 direct and indirect jobs.
Commenting on the inauguration, IMFA managing director Subhrakant Panda said the project marked a significant milestone in the company’s growth journey, strengthening its position in India and the global ferro chrome industry.
He expressed gratitude to the Odisha government and its agencies for their support in completing the project and achieving the first tapping of hot metal within 15 months. He also acknowledged the dedication and commitment of the project team.
Panda said the plant’s advanced closed-furnace technology, off-gas power generation and use of hybrid renewable energy would help improve operational efficiency while reducing its carbon footprint.
Ferro chrome, an essential alloy used in stainless steel production, plays a significant role in the manufacturing sector. The expansion is expected to strengthen IMFA’s production capabilities and contribute to India’s industrial growth, manufacturing competitiveness and economic resilience.
Established in 1961, IMFA is a major Indian producer of ferro chrome, a key raw material for the stainless steel industry. The Kalinganagar project marks another step in the company’s efforts to expand value-added production through technology-driven and energy-efficient manufacturing.
