Question

Where is Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Limited located? How has this steel plant overcome the disadvantage of not being located near any coal mining region of India?

Answer 1

• Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Limited is located at Bhadravati on the banks of river Bhadravati in Shimoga district of Karnataka.
• It was originally established as Mysore Iron and Steel Company (MISCO) in 1923 and later renamed in honor of Dr. Visvesvarayya when it was brought under state control in 1962.
• Regarding its disadvantage of not being located near any coal mining region of India, the plant overcame this by initially using charcoal obtained from forest wood for smelting when it was set up in 1923 due to the lack of coal availability.
• In modern times, it uses hydroelectric power obtained from the Sharavati Power Project instead of relying on coal.
• This use of hydroelectric power has effectively addressed the energy requirement disadvantage caused by the location away from coalfields. 
• Other raw materials like high-grade haematite iron ore, limestone, manganese, dolomite, and chromite are sourced from nearby areas within short distances around the plant.
• The plant also benefits from being on the main Birur-Shimoga railway line for transportation needs.