Steel types and supply base to be broadened

17 Feb 2021 CW Staff

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

Your next big infra connection is waiting at RAHSTA 2025 – Asia’s Biggest Roads & Highways Expo, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Don’t miss out!

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

Real Estate

05 Sep 2025

Vitizen Hotels Signs Deal at Manyata Tech Park

Vikram Kamats Hospitality, as part of its ongoing expansion in key metropolitan markets, announced that its material subsidiary, Vitizen Hotels, has signed a long-term lease agreement for a 45-key hotel property at Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru.Strategically located in the city’s prominent IT hub, the property is well-positioned to serve corporate travelers, business professionals, and long-stay guests. The addition aligns with the company’s asset-light growth model, leveraging long-term leases to expand its footprint in high-demand urban markets.The hotel is expected to strengthen the comp..

Infrastructure Transport

05 Sep 2025

CONCOR Signs MoU with BPIPL to Operate Container Terminal at Bhavnagar Port

Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhavnagar Port Infrastructure (BPIPL) on September 4, 2025, in New Delhi to operate and maintain the upcoming container terminal at the northside of Bhavnagar Port, Gujarat.BPIPL had earlier entered into an agreement with the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) in September 2024 for the port’s development. Under this arrangement, 235 hectares of land has been leased to BPIPL for 30 years, with provision for expansion by an additional 250 hectares.The new terminal is expected to significantly enhance logistic..

Infrastructure Transport

05 Sep 2025

Concord Launches India’s First Indigenous Zero-Emission Rail Propulsion

Concord Control Systems (CCSL), a leader in embedded electronics and critical rail technologies, has announced the development of India’s first fully indigenous zero-emission propulsion system, marking a significant step toward the country’s railway electrification and net-zero goals for 2030.Powered by Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries and featuring a DC chopper-based drive, the propulsion system eliminates idling losses common in diesel engines, offering higher efficiency, lower costs, and zero emissions.What sets this innovation apart is its completely indigenous design. Except for..