Rourkela, March 25: The city is gearing up for the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 1.

During his one-day visit, Modi is scheduled to dedicate the second phase modernisation of the Rourkela Steel Plant to the nation. The plant's production capacity is being upgraded from 2.2 million tonnes to 4.5 million tonnes per annum.

Besides, under the second phase of the modernisation project, in which over Rs 12,000 crore has already been spent, the steel plant has got a new coke-oven battery, a slab caster and a new plate mill.

However, the plant officials could not confirm where the inaugural and dedication ceremony would take place.

The administration and police officials also did not confirm the Prime Minister's proposed programme. "We have no information of the Prime Minister's visit. We have not been consulted yet," said Rourkela superintendent of police Anirudha Singh.

However, a police official said the special protection group, which is in charge of the Prime Minister's security, might come in a day or two for spot verification and sanitisation. "Once they come, they will take over the whole procedure and the place. We will only be there for support," said the police official.

This will be the third visit of Modi to the city and first as the Prime Minister. Former Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee had visited the city during his second term in the 90s.

The local BJP unit is making all the preparations for a successful visit of the Prime Minister.