+
Steel types and supply base to be broadened
Steel

Steel types and supply base to be broadened

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued orders that all types of steel can be used for national highway construction given they pass the required quality tests.

With this move, the ministry aims to increase the steel supplier base and potentially lower the input cost of raw materials in the backdrop of rising steel prices.

Official sources told the media that earlier, the contract provisions required the use of steel produced by primary integrated steel producers only.

The ministry, in an official release, said all kinds of steel whether produced from ore, pellets, billets or melting of scrap, will be allowed to be used for the construction of national highways, as long as it meets the standards required for specific grades of steel.

The steel proposed to be used in construction would be tested in the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited laboratories as a third-party check prior to approval. The move is based on discussion and analysis with stakeholders and also technical opinion.

With this move, the supplier base for steel used in the construction of national highways would increase, leading to added competition and better price discovery.

Access latest steel prices here

Around 250-300 kg or more of steel is used in building 1 km of national highways, an official told media sources. The quantity of use can increase and vary if the highways have more structures while being built.

Given the increase in steel prices, which can impact the cost of building national highways, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari had suggested the need to re-look at all conditions that could be restrictive, without impacting the quality of material used for highway construction.

Gadkari had already raised the issue earlier in several forums after several steel user sectors approached the minister on this matter. The minister had also raised the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As we have reported, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is investigating whether steel companies have colluded with each other to increase the commodity price.

Image: The government has previously mandated the use of domestically manufactured metal and alloy items for public projects.


Also read: Gadkari bats for a steel and cement regulator

Also read: Govt issues new domestic procurement norms for 49 steel pro

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued orders that all types of steel can be used for national highway construction given they pass the required quality tests. With this move, the ministry aims to increase the steel supplier base and potentially lower the input cost of raw materials in the backdrop of rising steel prices. Official sources told the media that earlier, the contract provisions required the use of steel produced by primary integrated steel producers only. The ministry, in an official release, said all kinds of steel whether produced from ore, pellets, billets or melting of scrap, will be allowed to be used for the construction of national highways, as long as it meets the standards required for specific grades of steel. The steel proposed to be used in construction would be tested in the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited laboratories as a third-party check prior to approval. The move is based on discussion and analysis with stakeholders and also technical opinion. With this move, the supplier base for steel used in the construction of national highways would increase, leading to added competition and better price discovery. Access latest steel prices here Around 250-300 kg or more of steel is used in building 1 km of national highways, an official told media sources. The quantity of use can increase and vary if the highways have more structures while being built. Given the increase in steel prices, which can impact the cost of building national highways, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari had suggested the need to re-look at all conditions that could be restrictive, without impacting the quality of material used for highway construction. Gadkari had already raised the issue earlier in several forums after several steel user sectors approached the minister on this matter. The minister had also raised the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As we have reported, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is investigating whether steel companies have colluded with each other to increase the commodity price.Image: The government has previously mandated the use of domestically manufactured metal and alloy items for public projects. Also read: Gadkari bats for a steel and cement regulator Also read: Govt issues new domestic procurement norms for 49 steel pro

Next Story
Technology

Six ways a smarter workflow leads to faster, more accurate bids

In today’s fast-paced civil construction environment, estimators need more than just solid numbers. They need smart, streamlined processes. This article explores six key ways connected workflows can transform the estimated approach, help in minimising risk, move faster, and improve accuracy. By integrating tools, data, and teams, one can produce stronger bids with less rework, fewer surprises, and more confidence. As an estimator, the job goes beyond producing numbers. They are responsible for delivering bids that are fast, accurate, and built to win. In today’s civil construction ind..

Next Story
Real Estate

Experion Launches Women-Only Co-Living Project in Greater Noida

Experion, part of Singapore-based AT Capital Group, has launched its first co-living space under its managed rental housing brand, VLIV, in Greater Noida. The all-women residence features 730 twin-sharing beds with a strong focus on safety, comfort, and well-being. VLIV has committed a $300 million investment to create a structured, service-led rental housing ecosystem in India. The brand aims to scale up to 20,000 beds in the next few years, with a long-term target of 100,000 beds nationwide. “India’s rental housing is fragmented. VLIV is our way of building long-term, dependabl..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Officine Maccaferri Acquires CPT to Bolster Tunnelling Tech

Ambienta’s platform company, Officine Maccaferri S.p.A., has acquired CPT Group, a leading Italian developer of robotic prefabrication systems and digital control technologies for mechanised tunnelling. The move positions Maccaferri as a global player in integrated tunnelling solutions, blending traditional and advanced mechanised systems. Based in Nova Milanese, CPT serves major global contractors across Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia. The company offers robotic prefabrication (Robofactory), productivity-monitoring software for Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), and eco-designed spa..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?