Zinc is emerging as one of India’s most strategic industrial enablers, supporting infrastructure, manufacturing, renewable energy, agriculture and increasingly, next-generation energy storage.
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India is racing towards becoming a developed economy by 2047, backed by unprecedented investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, clean energy and urban development. Yet, the true measure of progress will not only be how fast the country builds, but how long its assets continue to perform. Roads, bridges, transmission towers and industrial infrastructure often deteriorate prematurely due to corrosion, increasing maintenance costs and reducing economic efficiency.As India enters its next phase of development, durability is becoming as important as scale. Harsh environmental conditions, including long coastlines, saline soils, air pollution and monsoon rains accelerate corrosion of metals. Industry estimates suggest corrosion-related losses could amount to nearly 5 per cent of India’s GDP. India’s growth will therefore depend not only on capital investment, but also on materials that improve resilience, extend asset life and reduce life cycle costs.Strategic industrial enablersZinc is emerging as one of India’s most strategic industrial enablers. Beyond protecting steel from corrosion, it supports infrastructure, manufacturing, renewable energy, agriculture and increasingly, next-generation energy storage.India’s infrastructure ambitions span highways, railways, ports, airports, industrial corridors and smart cities. The Government’s enhanced commitment of ₹60,000 crore to the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) reflects this long-term vision. However, building infrastructure is only half the challenge; ensuring its longevity is equally critical.Globally, corrosion costs nearly $2.5 trillion annually. Metallic zinc coatings, applied through galvanising and thermal spray zinc metallising, provide proven long-term corrosion protection for critical infrastructure. While galvanizing is widely used for fabricated steel, thermal spray zinc metallising is particularly suited for large structures, on-site applications and maintenance of existing assets. Together, these technologies extend service life, reduce maintenance requirements and lower lifecycle costs. As India builds infrastructure designed to serve generations, corrosion protection must be treated as a fundamental design principle rather than an optional cost.Low cost, but long-term benefitsAs India’s cities and industries expand, zinc is already embedded in everyday infrastructure, from streetlight poles and water pipelines to transmission towers and industrial facilities. Its importance is equally significant in the automotive sector, where galvanised steel enhances durability, safety and vehicle life.The cost of using zinc-coated steel is estimated at less than 0.1 per cent of overall vehicle production costs, yet it delivers long-term benefits through improved structural integrity, lower maintenance and better resale value. As electric vehicles become more widespread, demand for corrosion-resistant battery enclosures and structural components will further strengthen zinc’s strategic role.India’s transition towards 500 GW of non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030 will require infrastructure capable of performing reliably under demanding environmental conditions. Galvanised steel protects solar mounting structures, wind turbine components and transmission networks, while zinc-based batteries are emerging as a safe, recyclable and scalable complement to lithium-ion technologies for long-duration stationary energy storage.Uses beyond industryZinc’s contribution extends beyond industry into agriculture. As an essential plant micronutrient, it improves soil health and crop productivity. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) surveys have consistently shown that more than half of India’s cultivated soils are deficient in plant-available zinc, making zinc-enriched fertilisers an effective solution for improving yields and strengthening food security.Few industrial metals contribute across as many sectors as zinc. From infrastructure, transportation and manufacturing to renewable energy and agriculture, it improves resilience, reduces lifecycle costs and enhances long-term economic efficiency.As India’s largest integrated zinc producer, Hindustan Zinc is supporting this transition by supplying high-quality, responsibly-produced zinc for corrosion-resistant infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy systems and sustainable agriculture. As India builds for the next century, zinc will help strengthen critical investments and enable a more resilient, competitive future.The author is Consultant, International Zinc AssociationPublished on August 9, 2026
