Stainless Steel: Engineering India’s Water Infrastructure for the Next Century

India faces a critical decade for water security, challenged by groundwater depletion, ageing infrastructure, leakage, and contamination. Reliable, durable, and hygienic water systems are essential for irrigation, flood control, drinking water, and wastewater treatment. Stainless steel is indispensable for modern infrastructure, especially large dams, canals, overhead tanks, mobile tankers, and plumbing, due to its excellent corrosion resistance, long life, and low maintenance. Its properties prevent leaks, preserve water purity in storage and transport, and ensure safe, efficient water delivery—enhancing control while minimizing wastage and contamination risks. At the same time, India’s stainless-steel demand is projected to grow by about 7–8% annually over the next few years, with per capita consumption still well below the global average (3.4 kg vs. global 6+ kg), indicating substantial untapped potential, especially in infrastructure and water-related applications.

Integrating stainless steel into national water projects can simultaneously strengthen water security, extend asset life and drive sustainable growth in this strategic industry.

Organisers

• Indian Stainless-Steel Development Association (ISSDA) – Established in 1989, this not-for-profit body promotes stainless steel growth, diversification, and new applications in India, representing over 145 member companies in production, processing, and allied sectors.
• In association with

  • Nickel Institute (NI) – A global association representing the nickel industry, NI provides technical expertise and promotes the use of nickel-containing alloys, particularly stainless steel, in various applications to improve durability and sustainability.
  • International Molybdenum Association (IMOA) – IMOA supports the molybdenum industry worldwide by providing market intelligence, research, and advocacy to promote molybdenum’s role in enhancing stainless steel strength, corrosion resistance, and performance.

• Supported by:

  •  Jindal Stainless Limited – India’s leading stainless-steel manufacturer and among the top five globally (excluding China), with 2.9 million tonnes annual melt capacity across facilities in Haryana and Odisha.

• Knowledge Partner:

  • EverythingAboutWater – A leading platform dedicated to sharing knowledge, insights, and innovations on water management and technologies, supporting stakeholders in building sustainable water solutions.

Seminar overview

ISSDA, together with Nickel Institute and International Molybdenum Association, is hosting a high-impact seminar on stainless steel in water structures and water management. The programme is curated for engineers, policymakers, water utilities, urban planners and industry stakeholders who are shaping India’s next-generation water infrastructure.

The seminar will connect India’s fast-growing stainless-steel capabilities with urgent needs in dams, reservoirs, treatment plants and distribution systems, showcasing case-based, low-maintenance and long-life solutions for national water missions.

Date and venue

• Date: Tuesday, 3 February 2026
• Venue: Le Meridien (Desire Hall), New Delhi

Key focus areas

• Dams, reservoirs and hydraulic structures

  • Use of stainless steel for critical components to enhance structural safety, durability and low maintenance over long design lives.

• Leakproof, “drink from tap” water supply

  • Stainless steel pipelines, fittings and components for hygienic, leakproof distribution systems that support 24×7 safe drinking water delivery.

• Wastewater and sewage treatment plants

  • Application of stainless steels in corrosive environments for process equipment and piping, improving reliability and treated water quality.

• Smart water storage and distribution

  • Overhead tanks, mobile tankers, underground linings and stainless-steel plumbing for safer structures, minimal leakage and high-quality water at the point of use in homes and buildings.

Why attend

• Understand how stainless steel can address India’s water infrastructure challenges with long-life, low lifecycle cost solutions.
• An opportunity to listen from experts from Ministry of Jal Shakti and top consultants working in the industry.
• Network with experts from ISSDA, Nickel Institute, International Molybdenum Association, utilities, engineering firms and government bodies.