High-End Aluminium Alloy Project in Andhra Pradesh Deemed Unviable

16 Sep 2025 CW Team

A proposed high-end aluminium alloy project in Andhra Pradesh, jointly developed by National Aluminium Company Ltd (Nalco) and defence PSU Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd (MIDHANI), has been found commercially unviable, according to Nalco’s 2024-25 annual report.

The project, with an intended capacity of 60,000 tonnes per annum, was aimed at supplying defence, aerospace, and automotive sectors to reduce import dependence and promote Make in India. However, a market survey highlighted insufficient demand, low per capita aluminium consumption in India, and limited aluminium localisation in strategic sectors as key constraints.

Utkarsha Aluminium Dhatu Nigam Ltd, the 50:50 joint venture established in August 2019, had acquired 110 acres in Nellore for the facility and planned flat-rolled products with scope to diversify in the future. Administrative ministries for mines and defence have reviewed the project and will finalise the closure process.

MIDHANI, under the Defence Ministry, already possesses integrated facilities for super alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, and special steels, and has previously collaborated with ISRO to develop aluminium-lithium alloys for space applications. Earlier, consultants had been invited for engineering, procurement, and construction management services, including selection of a technology provider.

Nalco operates a 0.46 million tonnes per annum aluminium smelter, a 1,200 MW captive power plant, and four million tonnes per annum Utkal D&E coal mines in Angul, Odisha, under the Mines Ministry.

Infrastructure Urban

07 Oct 2025

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..