Leadership review focuses on remaining project works, commissioning preparations and removal of execution bottlenecks
Global Times News | INDIA ; GTNS
SEPTEMBER 19, 2026DAMANJODI, ODISHA — National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has intensified work on the final stages of its 5th Stream Alumina Refinery expansion at Damanjodi, with senior management reviewing the project’s remaining activities and preparations for commissioning.
NALCO CMD Brijendra Pratap Singh and Director (Projects & Technical) Jagdish Arora conducted a project review at Damanjodi on September 17 and 18, examining areas that require completion before the new refinery stream moves into its commissioning stage.
The review covered key project locations and the status of balance works. Senior officials from the Projects and Maintenance & Reliability functions accompanied the NALCO leadership during inspections and discussions with agencies involved in project execution.
The immediate emphasis is on resolving work fronts that could affect the transition from construction to commissioning. NALCO’s current procurement activity also reflects this phase, with the company inviting bids for miscellaneous civil, structural and piping works specifically to assist commissioning of the 5th Stream project.
The Damanjodi expansion is designed to add 1 million tonnes per annum of alumina refining capacity. NALCO’s project documents identify the 5th Stream as a major part of the company’s ongoing capacity expansion programme, with production from the expanded refinery planned during 2026.
Preparatory work for commissioning has been underway for several months. In June, NALCO had issued an Expression of Interest for a consultant to support pre-commissioning and commissioning activities for the 5th Stream expansion.
For the company, the final phase is not limited to completing physical structures and equipment installation. Integration of systems, completion of balance works, operational preparedness and adherence to safety requirements will determine the transition towards commissioning.
With the Damanjodi refinery expansion forming part of NALCO’s broader growth strategy, the completion of the 5th Stream is expected to strengthen the company’s alumina production base and support its longer-term expansion plans.
NALCO’s latest review therefore places the project at a critical execution point: completing the remaining works, clearing bottlenecks and ensuring that the facility is prepared for a safe and orderly commissioning process.
Global Times News | INDIA ; GTNS NEWS DESK
SEPTEMBER 19, 2026