NEW DELHI: Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy visited the BHEL manufacturing facility in Haridwar, where he dedicated key infrastructure projects and flagged off major industrial and defence equipment, highlighting the growing capabilities of India’s heavy engineering ecosystem.

The visit underscored the pivotal role played by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) in strengthening India’s industrial capacity across sectors such as power generation, clean energy, defence manufacturing and advanced heavy engineering.

Addressing senior officials, engineers and workers at the facility, the Union Minister said institutions like BHEL represent the core of India’s industrial strength. “Institutions such as BHEL are not merely manufacturing entities. They are repositories of national capability,” the Minister said during his address.

He emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India is focused on building a self-reliant and globally competitive industrial ecosystem, with public sector enterprises playing a central role in achieving this vision.

“When India speaks of energy security, industrial depth, strategic autonomy, and self-reliant growth, it is institutions like BHEL that convert those national aspirations into concrete assets for the country,” Kumaraswamy stated.

During the visit, the Union Minister dedicated the 5 MW Ground Mounted Solar Power Plant at the Haridwar facility to the nation. The project marks a significant step in BHEL’s transition toward sustainable energy solutions.

In a post on social media following the event, Kumaraswamy said, “privileged to dedicate the 5 MW Ground Mounted Solar Power Plant to the nation. With over 11,000 solar modules and annual generation of around 90 lakh kWh, the project will contribute to clean energy generation while reducing carbon emissions. This initiative strengthens BHEL Haridwar’s clean-energy journey and advances Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Net Zero vision of 2070.”

The plant is expected to generate approximately 90 lakh units of electricity annually, while significantly reducing carbon emissions and delivering substantial operational savings.

The Union Minister also inaugurated a 30-ton Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) at BHEL’s Central Foundry and Forge Plant, which will enhance the company’s metallurgical and manufacturing capabilities.

Highlighting the importance of the facility, Kumaraswamy noted that the furnace would strengthen India’s domestic manufacturing capacity for critical components used in the power, heavy engineering and strategic sectors. He said “Inaugurated the 30T Electric Arc Furnace at the Central Foundry & Forge Plant of BHEL in Haridwar, strengthening India’s critical foundry and forging capabilities. This facility represents a major step forward in enhancing indigenous manufacturing capacity for advanced industrial applications.”

In another key development, the Minister flagged off the Upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) for the Indian Navy, showcasing BHEL’s growing role in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.

The advanced naval weapon system is capable of rapid fire up to 120 rounds per minute with a firing range of up to 35 kilometres, designed for both anti-aircraft and anti-surface operations.

Union Minister Kumaraswamy highlighted the significance of the development in strengthening indigenous defence capability. “This milestone reflects the growing strength of India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem and advances Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India for Bharat and for the world,” the Minister said.

During the visit, the Minister also flagged off the dispatch of a large turbo generator from the facility, underscoring the scale and sophistication of India’s heavy electrical manufacturing capabilities. The generator, built for a large power project, reflects BHEL’s expertise in manufacturing high-capacity power equipment essential for India’s energy infrastructure. Kumaraswamy said the achievement demonstrates India’s ability to manufacture advanced power equipment domestically.

The Union Minister noted that BHEL Haridwar represents a vital pillar in India’s industrial ecosystem, housing both the Heavy Electrical Equipment Plant, which produces turbines and generators for thermal power stations, and the Central Foundry and Forge Plant, which supplies large castings and forgings. “When these capabilities are built and retained within India, the nation gains resilience. It reduces import dependence, strengthens domestic supply chains, protects strategic know-how and creates a durable industrial base for the future,” Kumaraswamy said.

The Union Minister expressed confidence that BHEL will continue to play a crucial role in India’s development journey. The visit highlighted the convergence of clean energy, advanced manufacturing, defence production and power equipment engineering, demonstrating how institutions like BHEL remain central to India’s journey toward a stronger, technologically capable and self-reliant industrial future.