As the monsoon sets in, Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal has raised concern over corrosion-related losses to the Indian economy, stressing the urgent need for galvanisation.

Highlighting that rusting causes a 5 per cent annual GDP loss, he called for widespread adoption of zinc-coated steel, especially in infrastructure and mobility sectors.

Zinc, deemed a national protector, not only extends the lifespan of steel assets but also emerges as a key mineral for clean energy applications.

India lags in adopting zinc-coated steel, with only 0–25 per cent of vehicles using it, compared to over 90 per cent in countries like Japan and the US. Agarwal underlined that galvanisation offers durability, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures long-term savings.

With India’s coastal regions highly prone to corrosion and steel production projected to hit 300 MTPA, mainstreaming zinc use could significantly improve infrastructure longevity and economic resilience.