Stainless steel industry calls for use of steel in Statue of Unity Project

Gujarat chief minister Anandiben Patel encouraged the stainless steel manufacturers in the country to increase the use of steel for beautification of civic projects like the Sabarmati River Front project in Ahmedabad.

This apart, the industry has identified huge opportunity for stainless steel consumption in mega projects like the Statue of Unity or the 182 meter long Sardar Patel's statue at Kevadia near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Bharuch district of Gujarat.

"Statue of Unity is presently being designed to last for about 100 years. While worldwide such projects are being designed to withstand the ravages of 1,000 years. It is the stainless steel which can provide the lasting solution," said Austin Lu, Asia Pacific head of Outokumpu, the World's largest stainless steel player. Industry players felt that use of stainless steel ensure low maintenance of such projects.

"It means lots of savings by reducing the ongoing repair and maintenance costs of such structures," said Yatinder Pal Singh Suri, India head of Outokumpu.

At inauguration of the Global Stainless Steel Expo Indinox 2015 in Gandhinagar, the chief minister said, ""The new industrial policy of the state will help small and medium stainless steel units to develop skills and eco-friendly products. The local authorities and Gujarat Government will provide full support for these projects." The Chief Minister, along with Union Minister for Steel and Mines, Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated the four-day exhibition.