RAIPUR – In a significant move toward Industry 4.0, the Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) hosted the award ceremony for the “Executive Director (Works) Digital Champions Trophy 2025–26” on May 7. The initiative is the first of its kind within SAIL, specifically designed to empower non-executive employees to develop AI and digital solutions for real-world industrial challenges.
Executive Director (Works), Shri Rakesh Kumar, the visionary behind the competition, presided as Chief Guest, emphasizing that AI and digital transformation are now the backbone of modern productivity.
The Champions of Digital Innovation
The competition saw 14 teams submit technical papers, with entries judged on innovation, feasibility, and organizational impact.
| Rank | Department | Team Members |
| Winner | Automation & Digitalization | Anuradha Dhruw, B. Venkata Apparao, Talasamudram Rajesh |
| 1st Runner-up | Blooming & Rail Mill | Bhimansu Kachhap, Behara Vamsi, Saitan Singh Meena |
| 2nd Runner-up | Universal Rail Mill | Prasad Goudu, Sanjyoti Tirkey, Sudhir Yadav |
Rewards: Winners received cash prizes of ₹15,000, while the runners-up were awarded ₹10,000 and ₹5,000 respectively, alongside trophies and certificates.
Driving Industry 4.0 at the Grassroots
The program highlights a strategic shift in SAIL’s culture by encouraging the shop-floor workforce to lead the digital charge.
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Solving Real Problems: Participants focused on using AI and digital tools to optimize costs and enhance data-driven decision-making.
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Empowering Non-Executives: By targeting non-executive staff, BSP aims to bridge the digital divide and foster a “digitally-native” mindset across all levels of the plant.
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Expert Jury: The technical presentations were evaluated by top CGMs and GMs from the Automation, IT, and Rail Mill divisions.
The Bottom Line
This initiative marks a milestone in Bhilai Steel Plant’s journey toward becoming a smart factory. By gamifying innovation, BSP is not just adopting new technology—it is building a workforce capable of creating it.
