Stainless steel demand in India is expected to rise by 8% to 9% in the current fiscal year and double in the next 5 years, as more of the alloy is used to make railway coaches and buildings. India consumes 1.5 million tonnes of stainless steel a year, about 70% for kitchenware, but its use in railway coaches, wagons, airports, hotels and retail stores is rising sharply.