New Delhi, July 2 (IANS) Tata Steel has begun planning the next phase of its expansion as it progresses towards its long-term target of achieving 40 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of steelmaking capacity, Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said on Thursday.

Addressing shareholders at the company’s 119th Annual General Meeting (AGM), Chandrasekaran said the commissioning of Phase II of the Kalinganagar plant has increased Tata Steel’s total capacity to 26.1 MTPA.

He described the expansion as ‘a decisive step towards our long-term vision of achieving 40 MTPA capacity’, adding that the company has also started evaluating new locations and land acquisitions for growth beyond that milestone.

Meanwhile, on its European operations, the Chairman said restructuring efforts were delivering results.

However, he cautioned that the operating environment in the Netherlands had become more challenging, with environmental regulations now exceeding European Union standards.

“We are actively engaging with the Dutch government and relevant stakeholders to develop a forward pathway that is environmentally compliant, financially affordable and viable over the long term,” Chandrasekaran said.

Highlighting Tata Steel’s digital transformation, he said the company has deployed more than 860 artificial intelligence (AI) models across its operations to improve productivity and efficiency.

Its digital platforms — Aashiyana and DigECA — recorded a combined gross merchandise value (GMV) of Rs 9,360 crore in FY26, marking a 161 per cent year-on-year increase.

Looking ahead, Chandrasekaran said Tata Steel remains focused on becoming “a larger, greener, smarter and resilient company” through sustained investments in technology, operational excellence and capacity expansion.

Shares of Tata Steel were trading higher at around Rs 186 on the BSE at 12:20 pm on Thursday. The stock has touched a 52-week low of Rs 152.55 and a 52-week high of Rs 224.40 on the exchange.

–IANS

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