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| Jindal Steel |
Special Coated Steel Products Drive Domestic Investment Surge
Jindal (India) Limited (JIL) has secured government approval for a new $420.2 million steel plant in Odisha, marking the start of its multi-phase expansion strategy. The facility, set for commissioning by 2027, will focus on steel products with special coatings, serving India’s infrastructure and automotive sectors. This project highlights a strategic push toward domestic capacity enhancement and reduced reliance on steel imports.
Odisha Plant to Boost Coated Steel and Pipe Production
The Dhenkanal facility will have an annual capacity of 960,000 tons, targeting value-added products like cold-rolled and coated steel. JIL, part of the BC Jindal Group, also plans a new steel pipe manufacturing unit producing 200,000 tons annually. Meanwhile, Jindal India Steel Tech Limited (JISTL), a JIL subsidiary, will expand flat steel production in Odisha to 3 million tons per year by 2030. These developments reflect the growing demand for high-performance steel in India's construction and energy industries.
Domestic Expansion Offsets Import Reliance Amid Policy Shifts
The project aligns with India’s import substitution goals. Notably, India cut rolled product imports by 27.6% year-on-year in April-May 2025. Simultaneously, exports dropped by 18.1%, signaling a pivot toward domestic market prioritization. JIL’s greenfield investment also aligns with Odisha’s industrial policy, aimed at attracting capital-intensive, employment-generating projects. The facility will enhance local supply chains and support India's broader Make in India initiative.
ScrapInsight Commentary
JIL's Odisha investment signals renewed confidence in India's coated steel market, especially amid declining imports. This move will pressure competitors to localize production and may temper future import volumes. Strategically, it strengthens India's supply security while advancing the nation's circular economy and green manufacturing objectives.
