India has released a draft National Steel Policy outlining an ambitious target of achieving 604 million tonnes (MT) of crude steel production capacity by 2047, nearly three times the country’s current installed capacity of approximately 220 MT.
The proposed policy will replace the National Steel Policy 2017 and establish a long-term roadmap for expanding the steel industry, supporting infrastructure development and meeting rising domestic demand.
According to the draft framework, finished steel demand is projected to reach 505 MT by 2047. Per capita steel consumption is also expected to rise to 302 kg, reflecting anticipated growth in infrastructure, construction, manufacturing and other steel-consuming sectors.
Decarbonisation remains a key focus of the proposed policy. The government aims to reduce carbon emission intensity from 2.54 tonnes to 1.54 tonnes of carbon dioxide per tonne of crude steel by 2047. This target highlights the importance of improving energy efficiency and adopting cleaner production technologies across the steel value chain.
The draft policy also emphasises digital transformation to strengthen industrial productivity and global competitiveness. It encourages the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, artificial intelligence-based systems and autonomous production processes.
Through these measures, India aims to build a larger, more efficient and environmentally sustainable steel industry capable of supporting its long-term economic and infrastructure development goals.
