Industry leaders have called for a dedicated National Stainless Steel Policy to reduce India’s massive corrosion-related losses, estimated at around Rs 12 lakh crore every year. The demand highlights the need for wider use of corrosion-resistant materials across infrastructure, transport, construction, public utilities and industrial projects.
India has an installed stainless steel production capacity of about 7.5 million tonnes, but current utilisation remains only around 60-65%. A focused policy could help improve demand, encourage domestic manufacturing and support long-term infrastructure durability.
The industry argues that stainless steel offers better lifecycle value due to its strength, hygiene, recyclability and resistance to rust. With India investing heavily in roads, railways, bridges, ports and urban infrastructure, stronger policy support may help cut maintenance costs and reduce economic damage caused by corrosion.A national policy could also boost stainless steel adoption in critical sectors while helping India build more sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
