Day 2 of Steel Conclave 2025 showcases Session on Conducive Logistics Infrastructure for Steel Sector
*April 25, 2025, Mumbai:* On Day 2 of Steel Conclave 2025, a pivotal session on “Conducive Logistics Infrastructure for the Steel Sector” spotlighted the importance of creating a seamless, integrated supply chain to unlock the sector’s full potential. The session brought together key policymakers and industry leaders to chart the way forward for efficient steel transportation across the country.
Underscoring the government's commitment to this cause, *Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronics & IT* who attended the session through video conferencing, emphasized the Indian Railways’ evolving role in transforming the steel logistics landscape. He highlighted three key areas:
1. Enhancing Demand for Steel: Through massive infrastructure development and rail expansion projects, Indian Railways is directly contributing to increased steel consumption across the country.
2. Filling the Gaps: The Railways is actively working to bridge missing links in the steel supply chain by improving last-mile connectivity, integrating multimodal networks, and expanding freight corridors.
3. Inviting Industry Collaboration: Shri Vaishnaw called upon industry stakeholders to provide actionable inputs on how to further streamline and strengthen steel transportation, signaling a strong push for public-private collaboration.
Shri Vaishnaw, stated, “In the last 10 years, our PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji has put huge emphasis in developing railways, especially its infrastructure, it’s technology and increasing all the aspects of railways. In last 10 years the government has constructed 34,000 kms of railway tracks, these include gauge conversion, doubling, tripling and in some case quadrilling and new lines which is almost the size of German railway network. We have electrified 46,000 kms of railway tracks that’s more than Germany & France. In the last year alone, we constructed 1255 flyovers and underpasses which is a new record. Same is the case with LHB coaches, locomotive production and wagon production. In the 11 years, we have manufactured 42,000 LHB coaches, last year alone, we manufactured 5700 LHB coaches. We have become world’s largest locomotive manufacturers at 1681 locomotives produced. 2 lakh wagons have been inducted in the last 10 years. Just last year we inducted 41,000 wagons. All this is creating huge demand for steel sector. This is going to spur the steel industry in a very big way. Our capital investment in railways infrastructure, safety and in rolling stocks combined is about 2,56,000 crores.
Shri Vaishnav said, “From the beginning of Railways till 2014, India had 125 KMs of Railway tunnels, and from 2014 to 2025, we have constructed 468 KMs of new railway tunnels. That is the pact at which the work is going on which will increase the demand for stee. I request the industry to focus on quality, focus on timely supply and the requirement of quality and specifications of railway is met.
He further highlighted the role railway is playing in carrying steel & raw material. He said that PM gave a very important technological tool- The PM Gati Shakti Portal. This tool is GIS based tool, where more than 700 layers of information is available. We are today able to use this technology and plan for every gap in railway network. We have mapped every production and demand point. For example, starting with mines, going to the production center than from there to major consumption centers. Then we put this entire date into railway network, from this a series of small and big projects came out which basically enhanced the connectivity. At some places, a small doubling will serve the purpose, at other places, quadrilling might be required. At some places, we found that the entire area needs a master plan and other place needed a new railway corridor has to be constructed. In Chhattisgarh, we have sanctioned a project from Kharsia to Parmalkasa, 5th & 6th line which is from the eastern border to the western border of Chhattisgarh, completely new lines will be constructed which will decongest the Chhattisgarh lines. Since June 2024, about 15 new projects have been approved which are very important for connectivity of railways. This is the thought process at which we are working.
He ended his address by appealing to the industry to come up with new ideas, we can help you create those solution by working jointly and make sure that your work becomes simpler. We started Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal policy in December 2021, the idea was how can we help the transporters to create terminals which connect with railway networks seamlessly which was a big reform and it got very good response. The industry came up with its points about teething troubles, we immediately revised the policy, and in 2022 we published the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal Policy. Because of this approach, within a short time frame, we have been able to construct 100 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals. These are all multi model logistics terminals.
The session also featured an eminent panel of speakers who shared insights on the opportunities, challenges, and innovations shaping steel logistics in India:
• Shri M.B. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development. Govt of Karnataka
• Shri Sandeep Poundrik, Secretary Ministry of Steel, Govt. of India
• Shri Amitava Mukherjee, Chair FICCI mining committee and Chairman cum Managing Director, NMDC Ltd & NMDC Steel Ltd
• Shri Gajraj Singh Rathore, Co-chair FICCI steel committee and whole-time director & COO JSW Steel Ltd
• Shri Ranadhir Reddy Senior Vice President, Railways & Inland Terminals, SCO, DP world
• Shri Suresh Mutneja, Chairman & Managing Director, Classic Products Private Ltd
• Shri Sushil Kumar Rathi, Director, Allcargo Logistics
*Shri M B Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Large and Medium Scale Industries, Government of Karnataka* , addressed the gathering and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to enabling world-class industrial infrastructure and logistics parks to support steel and allied sectors. He said "Our strategic location, abundant mineral resources, skilled workforce, and strong logistics connectivity — including rail, road, and ports — make Karnataka a natural choice for steel manufacturers and investors. The state is actively promoting industrial parks, integrated logistics zones, and clean energy adoption to ensure long-term competitiveness for the sector."
*Shri Sandeep Poundrik, Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Government of India* , emphasized the strategic push for slurry pipelines and broader infrastructure support for the steel sector. "For India to achieve its vision of becoming a global leader in steel production, the creation of efficient, cost-effective logistics infrastructure is non-negotiable. One of the most critical components in this infrastructure landscape is the development of slurry pipelines. These pipelines can drastically reduce the transportation cost of iron ore and other raw materials, minimize environmental impact, and relieve pressure on road and rail networks."
*Shri Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director, NMDC* , delivered the Welcome Address and Context Setting, noting that with India poised to become a global steel powerhouse, robust logistics infrastructure is essential to support sustainable and scalable growth.
*Shri Gajraj Singh Rathore, Whole time Director & COO, JSW Steel* , focused on the steps JSW Steel has taken to strengthen its logistics capabilities and align with the industry’s evolving needs. "We’ve invested significantly in enhancing our multimodal capabilities, including dedicated rail corridors, port-side logistics infrastructure, and improved last-mile connectivity."
*Shri Sushil Kumar Rathi, Director, Allcargo Logistics* , emphasized the role of digitization and use of AI platforms in building a future-ready supply chain for steel.
*Shri Suresh Mutreja, Chairman & Managing Director, Classic Products Pvt. Ltd.* , spoke about the importance of inclusive infrastructure development that also caters to mid-sized enterprises.
*Shri Ranadhir Reddy, Senior Vice President, Railways & Inland Terminals, SCO, DP World* , discussed how inland terminals and technology-driven logistics solutions can optimize steel freight.
The session served as a dynamic platform for dialogue between government and industry, reinforcing a shared vision for building a world-class logistics framework that supports the steel sector’s rapid expansion. With a strong push for multimodal connectivity, technological integration, and infrastructure investment—including slurry pipelines, dedicated freight corridors, and industry-led innovation—India is poised to create a future-ready steel logistics ecosystem that is efficient, sustainable, and globally competitive.
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