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**Shivamogga Cheers as Center Consents to Revive Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant**

**Shivamogga, May 26, 2025** – Hopes have been rekindled for the Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant (VISL) in Bhadravati as the Central government has reportedly agreed in principle to its rejuvenation. Kadidal Gopal, president of the Shivamogga district unit of Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)], expressed his gratitude towards Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy for his efforts in securing the commitment.

Speaking at a press conference in Shivamogga on Monday, Gopal highlighted the historical significance of VISL, which was established by the former Mysore rulers and once provided employment for thousands. The plant has been largely defunct in recent years. Minister Kumaraswamy, of the JD(S) party, visited the plant soon after becoming Minister, has stated that the revival process would require an investment of ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 crore.

Gopal also acknowledged the contributions of Shivamogga Lok Sabha member B.Y. Raghavendra, local Bhadravati representatives, and the seer of Adichunchanagiri Mutt in advocating for the plant’s revival. He emphasized that the revitalization of VISL would significantly boost the economy of Bhadravati.

Further bolstering infrastructure, Gopal also thanked Union Minister of State for Railways, V. Somanna, for initiating a survey for a new railway line connecting Bhadravati and Chikkajajur via Channagiri. This railway line would facilitate the transport of iron ore from Ballari to VISL.

In related news, former MLA and JD(S) leader K.B. Prasanna Kumar urged the Karnataka state government to establish a chemotherapy center at McGann Hospital in Shivamogga. Despite the state government’s plans to set up such centers in other districts, Shivamogga has been left out. Kumar appealed to the ruling Congress party to put aside political differences and approve a center for the benefit of the district’s residents.

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