Stainless steel consumption in India is poised for major growth, courtesy of the army, which is planning to build several lakh dwelling units under Project Primrose. One of the contractors for the project has sent an enquiry to the Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA). The army would be building tens of thousands of dwelling units for NCOs (non-commissioned officers) and JCOs (junior commissioned officers). Stainless steel demand would probably be in excess of one lakh tonne. Ramesh R Gopal, executive director of ISSDA, confirmed the development but refused to quantify the extent of stainless steel to be used. The main consideration in choosing stainless steel was minimum maintenance and durability and hygiene of home and occupants. Specific items discussed included fasteners, hinges, plate racks, sinks, tower bolts, sliding bolts, handles, knobs, pipes, doors, door frames, window frames, gratings for bathrooms and kitchens and wire meshes for doors and windows. These were currently being made with carbon steel, brass and plastic. Industry sources said the army order would open the floodgates if stainless steel is included in a good number of building-related items.
