ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) has commissioned a state-of-the-art Continuous Galvanising Line (CGL) at its flagship plant in Hazira, Gujarat, becoming the first company in India capable of manufacturing Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS) with tensile strength levels of up to 1180 megapascals (MPa). This marks a pivotal step in advancing the domestic production of high-grade automotive steel, previously reliant on imports.
The new facility is part of AM/NS India’s ambitious ₹60,000-crore expansion project, inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The project aims to scale up the company’s integrated capabilities across upstream and downstream operations, enabling a diversified portfolio of high-performance steel products.
Engineered with advanced technologies from global steel leaders ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, the new CGL will manufacture both Galvanised (GI) and Galvannealed (GA) coated flat steels, including licensed products from its parent companies. These products are tailored for modern mobility demands, offering lightweighting, high formability, excellent recyclability, and enhanced safety — critical as India prepares for Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) Phase III norms from April 2027.
“The commissioning of this first-of-its-kind Continuous Galvanising Line marks a defining milestone in our expansion journey,” said Mr. Dilip Oommen, Chief Executive Officer, AM/NS India. “With this facility and others underway, we are delivering steel that meets the standards of developed markets and supports India’s aspirations for self-reliance and industrial excellence under the ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’ vision.”
He added: “Backed by our parent companies’ continuous support, we are raising the bar for quality and innovation. The indigenous production of ultra high-strength automotive steel will significantly reduce import dependency while supporting the sector’s evolving needs.”
Building India’s Next-Gen Steel Ecosystem
The new CGL strengthens AM/NS India’s downstream capabilities and reinforces its contribution to national initiatives such as ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. By offering high-end, import-substitute products, the facility aims to address the growing gap between domestic demand and specialised steel availability — critical for India’s automotive and industrial growth.
The unit features best-in-class environmental technologies designed to reduce CO₂ intensity significantly compared to conventional CGLs. These include waste heat recovery systems, advanced thermal energy management, regenerative drives, and electrolytic hydrogen usage. The facility aligns with AM/NS India’s commitment to the Green Steel Taxonomy and long-term sustainability goals.
Expansion and Sustainability in Parallel
The broader expansion at Hazira is on track to raise the plant’s capacity from 9 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 15 MTPA, with a long-term target of 24 MTPA. This includes the development of both upstream and downstream steelmaking facilities.
Additionally, the company is moving forward with plans to set up an integrated steel plant in Andhra Pradesh, where land acquisition has commenced, and in Odisha, where AM/NS India has an established footprint.
In parallel, AM/NS India continues to accelerate its decarbonisation roadmap by integrating renewable energy, deploying energy-efficient technologies, and exploring low-carbon steelmaking pathways in line with India’s climate commitments.