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

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

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

Infrastructure Urban

02 Jun 2026

VECV Sales Rise 7.8 Per Cent In May 2026

VE Commercial Vehicles recorded sales of 7,978 units in May 2026, compared to 7,401 units in May 2025, registering growth of 7.8 per cent. This included 7,789 units from the Eicher brand and 189 units from the Volvo brand.Eicher branded trucks and buses reported sales of 7,789 units during the month, up 7.3 per cent from 7,258 units a year earlier. In the domestic commercial vehicle market, Eicher sales rose 9.1 per cent to 7,375 units from 6,758 units in May 2025.Exports declined 17.2 per cent to 414 units from 500 units in the corresponding month last year. Volvo Trucks and Volvo Buses recor..

Infrastructure Urban

02 Jun 2026

Table Space Strengthens DESYN Leadership Team

Table Space has announced strategic leadership appointments within DESYN, its integrated Design and Build business, as it looks to strengthen operations across key enterprise and GCC markets in India. DESYN was launched as a strategic extension of Table Space’s workspace solutions portfolio to meet rising demand for agile, high-quality and rapidly deployable enterprise workspaces.Shruti Ookabhoy has joined DESYN as Executive Director and will lead the Design vertical, focusing on design capability, operational excellence and team development across markets. She brings over 22 years of experi..

Infrastructure Transport

02 Jun 2026

Concord Associate Bags Rs 2.79 Bn Kavach Order

Concord Control Systems said its associate company, Progota India, has received a Rs 2.79 bn domestic order from Indian Railways for the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of on-board Kavach 4.0 loco equipment.The order is scheduled for execution within 12 months and strengthens Concord’s role in India’s railway safety and signalling ecosystem. Kavach is India’s indigenous automatic train protection system, designed to improve operational safety by helping prevent signal passing at danger and reducing collision risks.Gaurav Lath, Joint Managing Director, Concord Control Syst..