On 04 NOV 2023, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy launched the third round (PLI 1.2) of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel. Approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2021, the PLI Scheme for Specialty Steel was introduced with a total outlay of ₹6,322 crore to encourage production of high-value, high-grade steels used in sectors such as defence, aerospace, energy, automobiles, and infrastructure. Since its inception, the scheme has attracted investment commitments worth ₹43,874 crore, created 30,760 direct jobs, and is expected to add 14.3 million tonnes of new specialty steel capacity in India. As of September 2023, companies participating in the first two rounds have already invested ₹22,973 crore and generated 13,284 jobs. The newly launched PLI 1.2 round is aimed at attracting fresh investments in advanced and emerging categories such as super alloys, CRGO steel, stainless steel long and flat products, titanium alloys, and coated steels, materials that are essential for next-generation industrial and defence applications. The initiative seeks to consolidate India's role in the global value chain, focusing on export-led growth, technological innovation, and sustainability in production. The PLI 1.2 round will play a vital role in achieving the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Viksit Bharat by 2047, and India's Net Zero 2070 target.
Key Entities Referenced
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel: A scheme to encourage domestic production of specialty steel by providing financial incentives.
Ministry of Steel: The primary governing body responsible for the implementation of the PLI scheme for specialty steel.
Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: A mission to make India self-reliant, globally competitive, and technologically advanced.
Viksit Bharat by 2047: A vision for India to become a developed nation by 2047.
Ministry of Steel
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy Launches
Third Round (PLI 1.2) of Specialty Steel
Incentive Scheme
New Phase to Boost Investment, Innovation, and High-
Grade Steel Production in India
Over ₹43,800 Crore Committed: Nearly 31,000 Jobs
Generated Under Earlier Rounds
PLI 1.2 to Strengthen India’s Role in Global Value Chain,
Aid Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision
Posted On: 04 NOV 2025 3:04PM by PIB Delhi
The Government of India has launched the Third Round (PLI 1.2) of the Production Linked Incentive
(PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel, furthering its commitment to make India a global leader in
advanced steel manufacturing. The announcement was made by Union Minister for Steel and Heavy
Industries, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, who described the initiative as a major milestone in India’s
journey toward industrial self-reliance and global competitiveness.
Speaking about the launch, Shri Kumaraswamy said the PLI scheme “stands as a shining pillar of the
Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, a mission to make India self-reliant, globally competitive, and
technologically advanced in every sphere of industrial production.”
A Transformative Policy for India’s Steel Sector
Approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2021, the PLI Scheme for Specialty Steel was introduced with
a total outlay of ₹6,322 crore to encourage production of high-value, high-grade steels used in sectors
such as defence, aerospace, energy, automobiles, and infrastructure.
Since its inception, the scheme has attracted investment commitments worth ₹43,874 crore, created
30,760 direct jobs, and is expected to add 14.3 million tonnes of new specialty steel capacity in India.
According to the latest data, as of September 2025, companies participating in the first two rounds
have already invested ₹22,973 crore and generated 13,284 jobs.
“The response to the first two rounds has been highly encouraging. The success demonstrates the
strength of India’s reform-oriented and industry-driven policy framework,” the Minister said.PLI 1.2: A Push for Advanced Steel Categories
The newly launched PLI 1.2 round is aimed at attracting fresh investments in advanced and emerging
categories such as super alloys, CRGO steel, stainless steel long and flat products, titanium alloys,
and coated steels, materials that are essential for next-generation industrial and defence applications.
Union Minister of Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy said the third round will also open up new avenues for
MSMEs and existing producers who have expanded or upgraded their capacities following the earlier
phases.
“PLI 1.2 is designed to accelerate India’s journey toward becoming a global hub for high-grade steel
production,” Shri Kumaraswamy said, adding that the new phase would make Indian steel
manufacturers more competitive on the global stage.
Building a Global Manufacturing Hub
With India steadily emerging as one of the world’s top steel producers, the PLI scheme is expected to
consolidate the country’s role in the global value chain. The focus will be on export-led growth,
technological innovation, and sustainability in production.
“Through this initiative, we aim not just to produce steel for India, but to supply the world from
India,” the Minister noted.
The scheme aligns with the government’s broader vision of making India a manufacturing
powerhouse while ensuring environmental sustainability through cleaner technologies and higher
value addition.
Toward a Viksit Bharat by 2047
Shri Kumaraswamy reiterated that the Government remains committed to building a resilient, self-
reliant, and globally competitive steel industry. The PLI 1.2 round, he said, would play a vital role in
achieving the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Viksit Bharat by 2047, and India’s Net Zero 2070 target.
He remarked, “The story of Indian steel is the story of India’s progress itself, a journey from
aspiration to achievement, guided by the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji.”
Officials expect that with continued investment inflows, technology partnerships, and export
expansion, India will not only meet its domestic steel demand but also become a global supplier of
advanced steel products in the coming years.
With the launch of PLI 1.2, India’s steel sector enters a new phase of growth, innovation, and global
competitiveness, a move that promises to strengthen the backbone of a self-reliant and future-ready
nation.
****
TPJ/NJ
(Release ID: 2186218) Visitor Counter : 368
Read this release in: Urdu , ही , Kannada