GOVT IS EXPLORING ALL OPTIONS TO INCREASE STEEL DEMAND-STEEL SECRETARY DR ARUNA SHARMA

“India has one of the lowest per capita consumption of steel in the World, despite being India might be third largest steel producer in the World. But recent planned investment in infrastructure and construction sector, emergence of the rural market for steel , buoyed by projects like smart cities, industrial clusters and food parks, push to new railway lines and high speed freight and trains corridors, industrial corridors is expected to further push demand for steel in the country” said Dr Aruna Sharma, Secretary, Ministry of Steel while inaugurating a day long seminar on ‘Changing Urban Skyline, Structure and Architecture conference here today.

“ The Ongoing expansion of railways network, development of domestic shipbuilding industry, opening up of defence sector for private participation, and the anticipated growth in the automobile sector are also expected to create significant demand for steel in the country.

“ Government is also giving deliberated push in construction of Steel intensive structures in rural and urban areas, promotion of Steel in infrastructure such as bridges and ports in coastal areas. Creating quality infrastructure in rural area is a priority which can create demand for steel. Moe over use of steel can help in building sustainable structures with less maintenance and longer life cycle cost “she added.

“ The Tall buildings , particularly in earthquake zone 4-5 should use 60% steel in their buildings to provide safety and sustainability. Involving young engineers in this agenda to enhance steel usage and visibility is something steel ministry will support aggressively . The structural engineers should find ways and means to use more steel for building a sustainable infrastructure which needs zero maintenance for 75 years.”she said.

The experts attending the seminar stressed on the need of government and private push to generate steel and stainless steel in the country with push in infrastructure, ports, civil aviation, urban infrastructure and storage, ports and improvement in overall business scenario.

“ Apart from steel presently Stainless steel is the fastest growing segment of the metals industry, its applications are diverse and new applications are being constantly being developed. It has become major part in all of our lives, and has truly changed the world. In India demand for stainless steel is on constant increase due to awareness about the product and availability of right grades and sizes. The demand for the corrosion free metal is on increase in Architecture , Construction high end industries including Oil & Gas, Energy and shipping-related industries, railways, ports, infrastructure and automotive where corrosion is a serious issue.” said Mr Yatinder Suri, Country head , Outokumpu India and member CII corrosion committee while speaking on the occasion.