70% Growth in India’s Crude Steel Production Over the Last Decade: Government Responds to Dr. Rawat’s Question in Parliament
Udaipur. India has recorded a remarkable 70% increase in crude steel production over the past ten years. The government is actively working to promote the production of value-added steel, attract capital investments, and reduce imports. To achieve this, a Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme has been introduced for the steel sector.
This information was shared by Union Steel Minister Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in response to an unstarred question raised by Member of Parliament Dr. Mannalal Rawat. Dr. Rawat sought details regarding the average annual growth rate of steel production between 2004–2014 and 2014–2024. He also asked for year-wise data on total steel imports, the annual growth rate of steel manufacturing, and whether the government intends to formulate a policy to reduce steel imports to zero and make India self-reliant in the sector.
Significant Growth in Steel Production
The minister shared the following figures:
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Crude steel production
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2004–05: 43.44 MT
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2014–15: 88.98 MT
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2024–25: 152.18 MT
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Finished steel imports
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2004–05: 2.29 MT
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2014–15: 9.32 MT
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2024–25: 9.55 MT
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India’s Steel Sector: A Decontrolled Industry
The minister highlighted that steel is a decontrolled sector, meaning investment, expansion, import, and export decisions are based on companies’ techno-commercial assessments. The government’s role is to create a policy environment conducive to growth.
To promote value-added steel manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports, the government has implemented the PLI Scheme for Specialty Steel, expected to bring substantial capital investment into the sector.
SAIL’s Key Role in India’s Steel Market
The minister informed Parliament that Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) manufactures a range of products including:
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Hot rolled coils, plates, sheets
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Cold rolled coils and sheets
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Galvanized steel
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TMT bars and coils
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Structural steel
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Pipes
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Wheels, axles, and rails
SAIL is the market leader in rails, plates, and structural steel, and holds the second-largest market share in TMT bars.
Recycling and Sustainability Initiatives
During the financial year 2023–24, steel production generated approximately 6 million tonnes of scrap. To promote steel scrap recycling, the Ministry of Steel introduced the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy, 2019, which provides a coordinated framework and encourages recycling of ferrous scrap generated from various sources.
Overall, the government emphasized its commitment to strengthening domestic steel production, reducing imports, and supporting India’s journey toward self-reliance in the sector.
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