Ranchi, Apr 22: Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh will lay the foundation stone for the Rs 9000 crore modernisation and expansion project of Bokaro Steel Plant here today.

The capacity of Bokaro Steel Plant, which produces 4.5 millions tonnes of hot metal, will go up to 7.44 million tonnes after expansion. Its crude steel production also will go up from the present 4.36 million tonnes to 7 million tonnes.

The Bokaro Steel Limited (BSL) expansion plan is a part of the Steel Authority of India (SAIL)’s expansion plan to increase production of steel to 26 million tonnes by 2010.

According to sources, Dr. Singh will also grace the centenary celebrations of Tata Steel at Jamshedpur.

The Prime Minister is visiting Jharkhand second time after assuming office. Earlier, he had visited the state to campaign for the 2005 Assembly polls in the state.

Tight security arrangements have been made in view of his visit. (ANI)