Centre Seeks Andhra Pradesh Security Cover for RINL as Date for CISF Withdrawal Comes Near
Steel Ministry asks Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary to deploy APSPF personnel ahead of complete CISF withdrawal scheduled for November 17
The Ministry of Steel has formally sought the intervention of the Andhra Pradesh Government to ensure an orderly security transition at Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), with the complete withdrawal of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) scheduled for November 17, 2026.
In a letter dated September 22, 2026, Steel Ministry Secretary Sandeep Poundrik, IAS, wrote to Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad, seeking early deployment of personnel from the Andhra Pradesh Special Protection Force (APSPF) at RINL.
The letter refers to an earlier D.O. communication from the Ministry dated August 27, 2026, concerning security arrangements at RINL.
CISF withdrawal to be completed by November 17
According to the Ministry, the complete withdrawal of CISF from RINL/VSP is scheduled to take effect from November 17, 2026.
The Steel Ministry has stressed that alternative security arrangements need to be put in place well in advance, particularly given the scale of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and the need to protect its vital installations.
The communication indicates that the Centre is looking for a coordinated handover rather than allowing a gap between the withdrawal of CISF and deployment of the replacement security force.
Centre seeks APSPF deployment free of cost
The Steel Secretary has specifically sought the Andhra Pradesh Government’s support in facilitating the deployment of adequate APSPF personnel at RINL/VSP.
The deployment is proposed to be provided free of cost, according to the Ministry’s communication.
The letter states that timely deployment of adequate personnel would be important for an orderly transition and necessary coordination before the withdrawal of CISF.
Transition deadline fixed
The Ministry has requested the Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary to give the matter his personal attention and ensure that the APSPF deployment is completed before November 17, 2026, when the CISF withdrawal is scheduled to take effect.
The communication places the responsibility for ensuring continuity of security during the transition squarely on advance coordination between the Steel Ministry, RINL and the Andhra Pradesh Government.
Security of a strategic industrial installation
The development assumes significance because the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant is a large integrated steel complex with extensive industrial infrastructure and critical installations.
The Steel Ministry’s reference to the need to protect “vital installations” underlines the importance attached to maintaining uninterrupted security during the changeover.
The September 22 communication therefore provides a clear timeline: CISF withdrawal by November 17, 2026, and APSPF deployment before that date.
The immediate question now is whether the Andhra Pradesh Government will be able to deploy the required APSPF strength in time to ensure that the country’s major steel plant does not face a security gap during the transition.
