New Delhi: Continuing its commitment to reinforcing the spirit and vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), the Maharatna and largest public sector steelmaker in India, has supplied the entire 4,000 tonnes of special steel for INS Nilgiri. The formidable vessel was commissioned by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 January 2025 into the Indian Navy.

The special steel provided by SAIL includes DMR 249A grade hot-rolled (HR) sheets and plates. This entire supply originated from SAIL's Bokaro, Bhilai, and Rourkela Steel Plants. Specifically, SAIL’s Bokaro Steel Plant contributed approximately 2,000 tonnes of HR sheets and plates, with an additional 1,600 tonnes and 400 tonnes of plates supplied by the Bhilai and Rourkela Steel Plants respectively.

INS Nilgiri is India’s indigenous lead ship of the Nilgiri-class Project P17A frigates built for the Indian Navy by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). The P17A ships are guided missile frigates, each measuring 149 meters in length, with a displacement of approximately 6,670 tonnes and a speed of 28 knots. The Navy had placed orders for seven stealth frigates, four of which were delivered to Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL) and three to GRSE. It is a matter of pride for SAIL that it has supplied the entire steel for the warship construction of the P17A Project.

As a steadfast partner in India’s defence indigenisation efforts, SAIL has provided special steel for various other defence projects and naval ships, including INS Vikrant, among others. This highlights SAIL's commitment to being not only a major steelmaker but also the nation’s most trusted steel manufacturer.

BI Bureau