New Delhi, June 24 (IANS). Digitalization is no longer an option but a necessity for the Indian steel industry to remain sustainable and globally competitive. This statement was given by Union Steel and Heavy Industries Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday.
Addressing the ‘Thinking Camp 2026 on Digitalization in Steel Sector’, the Union Minister said that the future of the steel industry will not be decided by production capacity alone, but by its ability to create an intelligent, connected and data-based manufacturing ecosystem.
Emphasizing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Developed India 2047’ vision, he described the steel industry as an important pillar of India’s economic transformation that supports infrastructure development, manufacturing, renewable energy, urbanisation, transportation and defense production.
Describing steel as the backbone of the country’s manufacturing, the minister said that despite weak demand in many developed economies, India has maintained its position as the world’s second largest steel producer since 2018.
Kumaraswamy further said that from FY22 onwards, crude steel production has increased by an average of about 8 per cent annually, while finished steel consumption has increased by about 13 per cent annually.
In the address he also mentioned the government’s vision to increase India’s steel making capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030 and 400 million tonnes by 2035.
Further, the Minister emphasized the huge potential of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Digital Twins, Robotics and Advanced Data Analytics in transforming steel manufacturing globally.
“These technologies can help reduce unplanned work stoppages, reduce human errors and improve workplace safety,” Kumaraswamy said.
Organized by the Steel Ministry, the event was attended by senior government officials, industry leaders, technology experts, startups and heads of large public sector steel companies like SAIL, NMDC and MOIL.
–IANS
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