Jindal Stainless, one of the largest and possibly sole players providing stainless steel for manufacturing coaches for various railways and metro rail projects including RRTS, Delhi Metro, Agra Metro, Mumbai Metro etc. In an exclusive interview with Financialexpress.com, Abhyuday Jindal, MD, Jindal Stainless has narrated how stainless steel has become a optimum metal in driving sustainability in public transport.
Can you share some insights into Jindal Stainless’ significant contributions to metro rail projects, both in India and globally, and how stainless steel plays a pivotal role in these infrastructure developments?
Jindal Stainless is a proud partner to the Indian Railways in all aspects of rolling stock and infrastructure. Right from Delhi metro to all the other major metro projects, namely, Agra-Kanpur Metro, Mumbai & Chennai Metro, Jindal Stainless has supplied stainless steel to them all. Globally, we have also supplied to Sydney, Queensland Metropolis, and to other key projects.
Talking about stainless steel’s characteristics, it should be noted that stainless steel is referred to as the metal for nation-building. It is also an apt choice for various infrastructure projects including railway infrastructure. Its unparalleled strength, corrosion resistance, fire resistance, and aesthetic appeal make it the right material for structural components in buildings, bridges, and reinforcement bars in concrete structures, among other infrastructure developments. It is the material of choice for all modern infrastructure as it promotes a circular economy being the most sustainable metal.
JSL has a substantial market share in the Indian railways market, particularly in the metro rail segment. What factors have contributed to this success, and how does JSL maintain its leadership in this industry?
We have carved out a substantial market share within the Indian railways sector, with a notable focus on the metro rail segment—a feat achieved through a combination of key factors. We are the trusted supplier for esteemed global metro car manufacturers owing to our ability to consistently meet the stringent quality standards.
Our dedication to high-quality and reliability stands as a cornerstone of our success. A distinctive strength lies in our ability to foster close technical collaborations with railway authorities and contractors, providing tailor-made stainless steel solutions. Additionally, our extensive product range, which encompasses sheets, plates, bars, and tubes, caters to diverse railway applications, ranging from structural components to railings and interior elements. In fact, continuous innovation remains central to our leadership strategy.
Could you elaborate on the unique features and benefits of stainless steel that make it an ideal choice for metro rail coaches? How does JSL ensure the quality and durability of the stainless steel supplied for these projects?
Stainless steel’s aptness for metro rail coach manufacturing is underpinned by a multitude of compelling features. As mentioned earlier, its inherent corrosion resistance is pivotal in the context of metro rail systems. This resistance translates into significantly extended lifespans, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing overall safety.
Beyond its functional attributes, stainless steel also adds a sleek, modern, and aesthetically pleasing appearance. It also boasts commendable fire-resistant properties. Additionally, stainless steel’s relatively lightweight nature can optimize energy efficiency and reduce operational costs. Its recyclability aligns seamlessly with environmentally sustainable transportation solutions. Collectively, these attributes position stainless steel as the ideal choice for crafting metro rail coaches that prioritize longevity, safety, aesthetics, hygiene, and passenger comfort.
At Jindal Stainless, ensuring the quality and durability of the stainless steel supplied for various projects, including those in the metro rail sector, is of paramount importance. To achieve this, we have implemented a comprehensive quality assurance framework. Furthermore, our significant investment in the in-house research and development continuously enhances product quality and fosters innovative solutions. We employ cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and state-of-the-art equipment to maintain precision, consistency, and strict adherence to specifications.
The demand for stainless steel in the metro rail sector is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. How is JSL positioned to meet this growing demand?
Our expansion plans are aligned with the demand for stainless steel in India. We are the top 5 stainless steel manufacturing companies in the world (excluding China). We have recently added 1 million tonnes melting capacity and have total melt capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum. This will also help us in meeting the growing demand for stainless steel in the metro rail segment, both in India and across the globe. Our manufacturing capabilities extend to various finishes and grades of stainless steel, allowing us to align precisely with the unique requirements of diverse metro projects.
Moreover, our commitment to sustainability is our defining characteristic. Our sustainable manufacturing practices align seamlessly with the increasing emphasis on environmental responsibility in modern railway infrastructure projects. This commitment, combined with the advantages of local manufacturing facilities in India, enables us to provide timely deliveries and cost-effective solutions—essential attributes for meeting the rigorous schedules and budgets often associated with metro rail endeavors.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramula Rail Link (USBRL) Tunnel Project is a notable endeavour where Jindal Stainless provided stainless steel cable trays, a first in an Indian railway project. Could you discuss the importance of this project and how it showcases the versatility of stainless steel in railway infrastructure?
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramula Rail Link (USBRL) Tunnel Project represents a monumental endeavor of immense significance within the Indian railway infrastructure landscape. Designated as a ‘National Project’, it is built to seamlessly connect the Kashmir valley with the extensive Indian Railways network.
Since the environment in a tunnel is highly corrosive, instituting stainless steel cable trays will be highly helpful. They will offer critical support and protection to electrical cables in railway systems. They will also ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of electrical systems within the demanding environment of the USBRL tunnel project.
What are the major challenges the stainless-steel industry is facing today? The stainless-steel industry has urged the govt to address issues surrounding the export-import regulations to boost the sector’s growth. Did you receive a response? If not, how are you planning to go about it?
The stainless steel industry is facing multiple challenges. Firstly, the substantial influx of substandard imports from China poses an obstruction to the expansion of domestic production, resulting in underutilized capacity. The MSME sector producing stainless steel is more adversely impacted and many of them are closed now. The industry has represented to the government citing its concerns. Hopefully, the government will provide a level playing field by imposing suitable measures to support the domestic industry.
Additionally, the stainless steel industry grapples with inadequate availability of essential raw materials such as scrap, Ferro alloys, etc. There is also a dearth of skilled quality workforce. An improved policy framework, and strict adherence to Bureau of Indian Standards and Quality Control Order to eliminate the counterfeit activities is the need of the hour.
Now with CBAM also in the picture soon, it may affect our exports to the EU.
As an industry leader, Jindal Stainless is trying to improve the stainless steel ecosystem in the country that fosters a growing environment for the domestic producers. In order to create awareness about stainless steel and to increase the per capita consumption of the metal, Jindal Stainless runs Stainless Academy, wherein the company has tied up with some government colleges. Moreover, to strengthen the downstream industry, Jindal Stainless also conducts fabrication training programme to increase the number of skilled fabricators across the country.
Do you think the use of stainless steel can be a more durable and safe option for railway infrastructure in comparison to other metals? How?
Firstly, it is important to understand the concept of life cycle costing and its impact on the overall longevity and durability of the asset. Stainless steel, with its inherent qualities of superior strength and corrosion resistance makes it a safer option for railway infrastructure when compared to other metals. It is also stronger than others. In a railway context, this means that stainless steel components, whether it is for tracks, bridges, or train bodies, can withstand higher stress and loads without undergoing deformation or damage. I would like to appeal to the government to make life cycle costing mandatory while evaluating various metal options for infra projects, including railway infrastructure.