Bhubaneswar, Nov. 16: National Aluminium Company (Nalco) and Steel Authority of India (SAIL), two central undertakings, have evinced interest in the management of two cash-strapped public sector units (PSUs) — Kalinga Iron Works Limited at Barbil and Industrial Development Corporation Limited’s ferrochrome plant in Jajpur.

The Odisha government has decided to appoint a transaction advisor to assess the base values of the sick units before going ahead with the divestment proposals.

At present, Industrial Development Corporation Limited (Idcol) is managing the two state-owned units. The plant of Idcol Ferrochrome and Alloys’ Limited (IFCAL) was set up at Jajpur in 1969. Though it was a pioneer in the ferrochrome industry, both the units are running losses.

Finance minister Prafulla Kumar Ghadei said: “Nalco and SAIL are interested to take over the management of these companies. The government is yet to decide on the modalities as to whether it would favour outright disinvestment or go for joint ventures. Another round of meeting will be held to finalise the business transaction advisor.”

While Nalco is keen to take over Kalinga Iron Works Limited (KIL), SAIL has evinced interest in both the units. At present, KIL is producing foundry grade pig iron with an installed capacity of 1,80,000 metric tonne.