Govt eases steel usage curb to reduce highway construction cost

18 Feb 2021 CW Staff

For constructing highways, the government has allowed the use of steel produced by secondary steel makers.

Earlier, the contract provisions required the use of steel manufactured by primary or integrated steel producers only. The move is to ensure cost reduction in highways construction using steel. As reported, the government also announced that all types of steel would be allowed for highways provided these meet the quality parameters.

Click here to access steel prices

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

Make in Steel 2021

24 February

Click for event info

4th Indian Cement Review Conference 2021

17-18 March

Click for event info

Other than reining in the integrated steelmakers from further jacking up prices, the latest move will also widen the sourcing scope and provide a cushion to the secondary steel producers who were hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.

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

This is also part of the ministry's continuous effort to reduce costs through the use of new technology, reducing restrictions on suppliers and making the procurement system transparent, it added.

Image Source

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

Also read: Sharp increase in steel prices to hit NHAI projects in TN

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

MMRDA Installs 325-Tonne Steel Spans on Mumbai Metro Line 4

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved a key construction milestone on Metro Line 4 with the successful installation of three large steel spans at Bhandup West during overnight operations.The spans, together weighing 325 metric tonnes, were launched using eight heavy-duty cranes and 12 multi-axle vehicles. The operation required precise engineering and meticulous planning to minimise disruption in the densely populated suburban area.Due to effective inter-agency coordination, the work—originally scheduled across four nights—was completed within just two n..

CMRL Targets March 2027 Opening for Vadapalani–Panagal Park

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is progressing as scheduled to open the Vadapalani–Panagal Park section of Phase II’s Corridor 4 by March 2027. The 3.5 km underground stretch is part of the 26.1 km Corridor 4 connecting Lighthouse with Poonamallee Bypass.Construction activities are advancing steadily, with tunnelling works between Vadapalani and Panagal Park already completed. Track-laying operations are expected to commence shortly. At Panagal Park station, structural works have reached the concourse and platform levels, while excavation continues at the lowest level.CMRL is also consid..

Maha-Metro Invites Pune Metro Civil Maintenance Bids

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has invited bids for the annual civil maintenance contract of the Pune Metro Rail Project. The tender, bearing ID and number P1-O&M-20/2025, is scheduled to close on 23 February 2026, with a pre-bid meeting slated for 10 February 2026. The earnest money deposit (EMD) for the contract is Rs 3,50,500, and the duration of the contract is one year.The scope of work includes annual civil maintenance of 28 elevated and underground stations, 28.079 km of elevated viaduct including steel bridges, 12.15 km of tunnels, and two depots under the ..