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India’s rapid expansion of infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, transportation and maritime assets is increasing the need to protect steel and concrete structures from corrosion. From bridges, metro systems and industrial buildings to refineries, pipelines, ports, power plants and water infrastructure, a larger installed asset base is creating recurring demand for corrosion protection products.

The growth is not limited to new construction. Maintenance, repair and asset-life extension are becoming equally important as industries seek to reduce shutdowns, replacement costs and premature deterioration.

What Data Reveals?

Corrosion Costs India’s Infrastructure ₹1.42 Lakh Crore a Year: Report

Corrosion is costing India’s infrastructure sector an estimated ₹1.42 lakh crore every year, while improved prevention and protection measures could potentially save up to ₹49,580 crore annually, according to the CII-NRI Report on the Economic Impact of Corrosion presented at the CII Annual Infrastructure Summit 2026.

The report identified infrastructure as the sector with the largest absolute corrosion cost among the sectors examined. The annual cost is estimated at around 2.9% of the infrastructure sector’s GDP, while the potential saving of ₹49,580 crore is equivalent to about 1.02% of sector GDP.

The report recommended introducing corrosion-protection requirements based on environmental exposure, particularly for coastal, high-humidity and other aggressive environments.

India’s Corrosion Bill Reaches ₹14.1 Trillion, Raising Focus on Infrastructure Protection

India’s infrastructure expansion is facing a major economic challenge from corrosion. A Nomura report estimates that corrosion costs India about 4.3% of GDP annually, equivalent to around $180 billion or ₹14.1 trillion. The report estimates that improved corrosion protection could potentially increase India’s GDP by up to 1.5%.

The data highlights the scale of corrosion-related losses as India continues to invest in roads, bridges, railways, power networks, telecom infrastructure and other long-life assets. The cost includes premature deterioration, higher maintenance and replacement expenditure, and reduced asset productivity.

According to the, power generation and transmission account for the largest share of the estimated corrosion burden, followed by telecommunications, automotive, infrastructure and railways.

For infrastructure owners, the financial impact extends beyond direct repair costs. Corrosion can reduce the service life of assets and result in rehabilitation, replacement and service disruption expenditure.

A separate CII-NRI report presented at the CII Annual Infrastructure Summit 2026 estimated the annual corrosion cost specifically for India’s infrastructure sector at ₹1.42 lakh crore. It estimated that better prevention and protection measures could potentially save ₹49,580 crore annually.

The CII-NRI report puts the infrastructure-sector corrosion cost at about 2.9% of sector GDP, while the potential saving represents around 1.02% of infrastructure-sector GDP.

Growing Demand for Corrosion Protection

Corrosion protection is becoming an increasingly important part of construction and infrastructure projects in India as asset owners place greater emphasis on durability, service life and maintenance. The demand is not limited to conventional anti-corrosion paints. The market now includes rebar protection products, corrosion-inhibiting admixtures, migrating corrosion inhibitors, protective coatings, anti-carbonation coatings, cementitious corrosion-protection systems, repair mortars and other concrete protection products.

This product category is particularly relevant for bridges, flyovers, metro infrastructure, highways, water-retaining structures, parking structures, tunnels, industrial buildings and concrete rehabilitation projects.

The wider Indian construction chemicals market provides an indication of the scale of this opportunity. IMARC estimates that India’s construction chemicals market increased from USD 2.6 billion in 2025 to USD 2.8 billion in 2026 and could reach USD 4.8 billion by 2034, representing a CAGR of 6.49%. The market includes repair products and protective coatings among its major categories.

A separate market assessment by Grand View Research estimates India’s construction chemicals market at USD 5.63 billion in 2024, with projected growth to USD 8.61 billion by 2030. It identifies coatings as the fastest-growing product segment during the forecast period.

Corrosion Protection Is Moving Beyond Conventional Coatings

Corrosion protection in construction has traditionally focused on protective coatings for exposed steel. However, the requirement has expanded with the growing use of reinforced concrete and increasing repair and rehabilitation activity.

Corrosion of reinforcement can occur when chloride ions or carbon dioxide penetrate concrete and reach the reinforcing steel. Moisture and oxygen then support the corrosion process. As corrosion progresses, the reinforcement expands, causing cracking, delamination and concrete spalling.

This has increased demand for products that protect reinforcement during new construction, repair and rehabilitation.

Key product categories include:

• Corrosion-inhibiting admixtures
• Migrating corrosion inhibitors
• Rebar protective coatings
• Cementitious rebar protection systems
• Zinc-rich primers
• Epoxy and polyurethane coatings
• Anti-carbonation coatings
• Concrete surface protection coatings
• Corrosion-control repair mortars
• Passivation products
• Cathodic protection systems

The choice depends on the exposure conditions, concrete condition, type of corrosion and project requirements.

Corrosion Protection Products for New Concrete

Corrosion-inhibiting admixtures can be incorporated into concrete to reduce the corrosion risk of embedded reinforcement. They are particularly relevant for structures exposed to chloride and other aggressive environments.

Applications include:

• Bridges and flyovers
• Marine and coastal structures
• Parking structures
• Water infrastructure
• Tunnels
• Foundations
• Industrial structures

Mordor Intelligence estimates that the Indian construction chemicals market will grow from USD 2.25 billion in 2025 to USD 4.47 billion by 2031, covering areas such as protective coatings, repair chemicals and surface-treatment products.

Rebar Protection and Repair

Rebar protection is particularly relevant during rehabilitation. When deteriorated concrete is removed and reinforcement is exposed, the steel may require cleaning and treatment before repair mortar is applied.

Cementitious and polymer-modified rebar protection systems are used to provide a protective layer and help restore the reinforcement’s protective environment.

Applications include bridge and flyover repairs, metro infrastructure, water-treatment structures, industrial buildings and aging reinforced-concrete structures.

Protective Coatings for Concrete

Concrete protection products help reduce the penetration of moisture and aggressive substances. Major categories include anti-carbonation, epoxy and cementitious protective coatings.

Anti-carbonation coatings help reduce carbon dioxide penetration, while epoxy coatings provide a dense protective layer and chemical resistance in suitable applications. Cementitious systems can be used on mineral substrates and are relevant to water-retaining structures, basements, concrete tanks and infrastructure repair.

Anti-Corrosion Coatings for Construction Components

Protective coatings remain an important part of the overall corrosion protection market.

IMARC estimates India’s anti-corrosion coatings market at USD 1.5 billion in 2025, with a projected increase to USD 2.2 billion by 2034, representing a CAGR of 4.32%. The report identifies construction and infrastructure growth among the factors supporting demand

Within the broader Indian protective coatings market, IMARC estimates that epoxy represented 38% of the resin segment in 2025, while polyurethane represented 27%. West India accounted for 35% of the market and South India 28%.

For construction applications, these coatings can be used on exposed structural components, fabricated elements, ancillary infrastructure and other surfaces where corrosion protection is required.

Ports and Marine Infrastructure Are Major Demand Areas

Marine infrastructure represents one of the most demanding environments for corrosion protection.

India has an extensive coastline and is continuing to expand port capacity, terminals, berths, shipyards and coastal infrastructure. According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, total capacity at India’s major and non-major ports reached 2,817 million tonnes per annum in 2025–26, compared with 1,561 MTPA in 2014–15. Total cargo handled reached 1,668 million tonnes in 2025–26.

Major ports alone handled 915.17 million tonnes of cargo in FY 2025–26, registering 7.06% year-on-year growth

This expanding infrastructure requires protection for structural steel, storage tanks, pipelines, cranes, conveyors, jetties, loading structures, offshore components and other exposed assets.

Marine environments are particularly aggressive because of chloride-rich moisture, salt spray, tidal exposure and continuous wet-dry cycles. Protection systems therefore need to be selected according to exposure conditions, substrate, expected service life and maintenance access.

High-Demand Marine Applications

Demand for corrosion protection is particularly relevant in:

• Port structures and terminals
• Jetty structures
• Steel piles
• Marine pipelines
• Storage tanks
• Shipyards
• Offshore structures
• Cranes and material-handling equipment
• Coastal bridges
• Breakwater-associated structures
• Marine electrical and mechanical equipment

The continuing expansion of port infrastructure is therefore likely to support recurring demand for high-performance protective coatings.

Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Assets Require Continuous Protection

Oil and gas is another important application area because corrosion can affect pipelines, storage tanks, process equipment, structural steel and other critical assets.

India continues to invest in gas transmission and distribution infrastructure. For example, Indian Oil Corporation announced a ₹24.49 billion investment in a 424.65-km Kochi–Thoothukudi natural gas pipeline, with a planned capacity of 6.84 MMSCMD.

Large-scale investments in pipelines, refineries, petrochemical complexes, terminals and storage facilities create demand not only during construction but also throughout the operating life of the assets.

Protective systems in these environments may include:

• Epoxy coatings
• Zinc-rich primers
• Polyurethane topcoats
• High-build coatings
• Glass-flake coatings
• Tank linings
• Pipeline coatings
• Chemical-resistant systems
• Heat-resistant coatings
• Internal and external corrosion protection systems

The selection depends on the chemical exposure, temperature, immersion conditions, substrate and required service life.

Steel Structures and Industrial Buildings

The expansion of manufacturing and industrial infrastructure is another important demand driver.

India’s industrial facilities use extensive structural steel in factories, warehouses, process plants, utility structures, platforms, pipe racks and equipment-support systems.

Steel structures exposed to atmospheric conditions can develop surface corrosion when moisture and oxygen reach the substrate. In industrial environments, the risk can increase where chemical vapours, dust, high humidity or corrosive gases are present.

This is creating demand for protective systems during both new construction and maintenance projects.

The market is also moving toward longer-lasting coating systems because asset owners increasingly consider the cost of repeated maintenance, access equipment, production shutdowns and labour alongside the initial coating cost.

Bridges, Railways and Metro Infrastructure

Transportation infrastructure represents another substantial application area.

Bridges and elevated structures contain large quantities of exposed reinforcement and structural steel. Steel components such as girders, bearings, handrails, support structures and ancillary steelwork can require corrosion protection.

Rail and metro projects similarly use steel in stations, bridges, viaducts, depots, maintenance facilities and other structures.

As India’s transportation network expands, corrosion protection can become important both during construction and during subsequent maintenance cycles.

The growing use of steel in infrastructure is supported by India’s broader steel demand. CRISIL had projected 8–9% growth in domestic steel demand during calendar 2025, citing steel-intensive construction and infrastructure activity among the drivers.

Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

Water infrastructure is another application area where corrosion protection requirements are significant.

Water treatment plants, sewage treatment plants, pumping stations, reservoirs and industrial wastewater facilities contain equipment and structures exposed to moisture, chemicals and varying pH conditions.

Typical applications include:

• Steel tanks
• Water-treatment equipment
• Clarifier components
• Pumping equipment
• Structural steel
• Pipes
• Chemical storage areas
• Sewage-treatment structures
• Effluent-treatment plants

In wastewater environments, hydrogen sulphide and other chemical conditions can contribute to deterioration. Protective coatings and linings can therefore form part of asset protection and maintenance programmes.

Power Generation and Transmission

Power infrastructure also offers a substantial application base.

Thermal power plants, hydroelectric projects, renewable-energy facilities, substations and transmission infrastructure contain extensive steel structures and equipment.

Corrosion protection can be required for:

• Structural steel
• Transmission towers
• Pipework
• Storage tanks
• Cooling-water systems
• Turbine-related components
• Equipment supports
• Substation structures
• Solar-support structures

The increasing installation of renewable-energy infrastructure is also creating new steel and aluminium asset bases that require protection from atmospheric exposure.

Repair and Rehabilitation Could Become a Major Demand Driver

One of the most important changes in the market is the growing importance of repair and rehabilitation.

New construction generates one-time product demand, whereas existing infrastructure can require inspection, repair and recoating repeatedly over its service life.

6Wresearch reports that India’s construction repair and rehabilitation chemicals market recorded 21.5% CAGR in import shipments between 2020 and 2024, indicating increasing movement in this product category.

This market includes several products directly connected to corrosion repair, including rebar protectors, repair mortars and other rehabilitation systems..

A typical rehabilitation specification may involve:

Assessment → concrete removal → reinforcement cleaning → corrosion treatment → repair mortar → surface protection

This means corrosion protection product demand can extend across several stages of a single repair project.

Product Demand Is Becoming More Performance-Driven

Rather than selecting a generic anti-corrosion coating, consultants and contractors increasingly consider:

• Exposure conditions
• Chloride concentration
• Carbonation risk
• Concrete condition
• Crack condition
• Moisture exposure
• Chemical exposure
• Required service life
• Compatibility with existing materials
• Application method
• Maintenance requirements

This creates demand for technical products supported by application guidelines, testing data and technical assistance.

Growth Drivers for Corrosion Protection Products

• Infrastructure Expansion: New highways, bridges, metros, railways, ports and water projects are increasing protection requirements.
• Aging Infrastructure: Deteriorating bridges, buildings and industrial assets are creating demand for repair and corrosion-control products.
• Coastal Development: Expansion of ports, marine facilities and coastal infrastructure is increasing exposure to chloride and moisture.
• Industrial Growth: Power plants, manufacturing facilities, chemical units and process industries require protection against aggressive operating environments.
• Higher Durability Requirements: Longer design lives are increasing the need for protection against corrosion, carbonation and moisture ingress.
• Preventive Maintenance: Asset owners are increasingly adopting inspection and preventive protection to reduce major repair and replacement costs.
• Climate and Environmental Exposure: High humidity, rainfall, temperature variations and changing exposure conditions can increase corrosion risks in vulnerable structures.

Where Is Demand Likely to Be Highest?

According to market reports, the major construction and infrastructure application areas for corrosion protection products include:

• Bridges and flyovers
• Metro viaducts and stations
• Railway infrastructure
• Water and wastewater infrastructure
• Marine and coastal structures
• Parking structures
• Tunnels
• Dams and hydraulic structures
• Industrial buildings
• Commercial buildings
• Concrete repair and rehabilitation projects

Outlook

The Indian market for construction corrosion protection products is being driven by two key trends: new infrastructure development and the repair of existing assets.

For manufacturers and application contractors, the opportunity now goes beyond conventional anti-corrosion paint. Products that protect against reinforcement corrosion, chloride ingress, carbonation, concrete deterioration and surface damage can be used across a wider range of construction and infrastructure projects.

Long-term demand is expected to increase for products that combine corrosion protection, concrete repair and surface protection. As infrastructure owners focus more on durability, maintenance and longer service life, corrosion protection is becoming an important part of construction and rehabilitation projects.

Data sources – IMARC Group, 6Wresearch, Grand View Research, Press Information Bureau (PIB)