With the rising number of bridge collapses across the nation, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has mandated the use of high-tensile stainless steel in bridge construction for national highways and central projects, particularly in coastal areas exposed to harsh marine environments. This directive applies to ongoing and future projects, aiming to enforce stricter material standards and enhance the durability of bridge superstructures.
The ministry has instructed state and central road construction agencies to incorporate this requirement into Schedule D of their contracts, which outlines technical guidelines for highway projects. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who has been advocating the use of rust-resistant metals for coastal projects over the past three years, highlighted that this new regulation will affect key agencies, including the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation of India (NHIDCL), the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and state public works departments.
According to the ministry, Schedule D mandates that all materials and construction operations must comply with the Manual of Specifications and Standards for two-lane highways as outlined by the Indian Road Congress (IRC) and ministry guidelines for road and bridge projects. This is not the first instance of promoting stainless steel for infrastructure; in 2017, the ministry introduced its use for reinforced concrete bridges in extreme environmental conditions, such as a 15 km zone from the sea or creeks.
The shift in policy follows reports of inconsistent application of material standards, which left critical infrastructure vulnerable to accelerated corrosion. With climate change amplifying extreme weather events, the ministry acknowledged the need to expand material specifications beyond previously identified high-risk zones.
Speaking to the Financial Express, Abhyuday Jindal, Managing Director of Jindal Stainless, lauded the mandate, calling it “the need of the hour.” He emphasised that India’s extensive 7,500 km coastline poses significant risks due to high salinity, which accelerates corrosion, leading to elevated maintenance costs and safety concerns. Jindal noted that corrosion leads to a global economic loss equivalent to 4% of GDP annually, with India alone incurring approximately USD 100 billion in financial losses each year.
Highlighting the benefits of high-tensile stainless steel in construction, Jindal explained that its usage has diversified significantly due to its exceptional properties, including corrosion resistance, fire resistance, durability, low life cycle cost, high strength-to-weight ratio, and crash resistance. As stainless steel is primarily made from recycled scrap, it is also considered one of the most sustainable materials available.
Globally, stainless steel is the preferred choice for building load-bearing structures and disaster-resistant infrastructure. This trend is gaining traction in India as well, where the longevity of structures and reduced maintenance costs make it a prudent economic decision, ensuring more sustainable and resilient infrastructure projects.