The International Zinc Association (IZA) addresses Urgent Need for Infrastructure Protection at seminar in Bhopal

“Corrosion Threatens India’s Economy, Accounting for 4% of GDP Loss – Experts Advocate for Zinc Galvanization to Extend Infrastructure Lifespan”

Bhopal : The International Zinc Association (IZA) held a pivotal knowledge dissemination session at Hotel Palash Bhopal today, emphasizing the critical need to protect infrastructure from the detrimental effects of corrosion. According to the CORCON Institute of Corrosion, the global cost of corrosion is a staggering $2.5 trillion per year, accounting for 3-4 percent of global GDP and approximately 4% of Indian GDP. Infrastructure failures due to corrosion have severe economic repercussions, underscoring the importance of addressing this issue. The Indian subcontinent is fortunate to have large deposits of zinc, a highly useful metal in architecture. As a construction material, zinc offers many green benefits that make it a top choice for sustainable building projects. One of the most notable advantages of zinc is its durability and resistance to corrosion.

The IZA, the sole industry association dedicated to Zinc and its consumers, organized a press conference on ‘Cutting the Cost of Corrosion on Infrastructure’to present these pressing concerns and compelling narrative on the benefits of zinc galvanization. Zinc, known for its exceptional anti-corrosive properties, has been proven to significantly enhance the durability and longevity of infrastructure, reducing maintenance costs and minimizing disruptions

Leading the conference, Dr. Rahul Sharma, Director (India) – International Zinc Association, and Prof. Anand S. Khanna, professor at IIT Bombay (Retired), highlighted the impact of corrosion on infrastructure and public safety. They stressed the need for comprehensive corrosion protection mechanisms to ensure infrastructure longevity while minimizing economic and environmental damages.

Dr. Rahul Sharma, Director (India),International Zinc Association, addressed the gathering, saying, “Infrastructure is the backbone of any country’s growth and development. With support from Hindustan Zinc, the world’s largest zinc company, we are committed to raising awareness about the benefits of using zinc for corrosion protection. Through this platform, we aim to advocate for the adoption of durable and proven corrosion protection methods like galvanization of structures Our focus on railway track treatments has been a significant step forward. The Railway Board has approved the use of zinc-coated rails, especially in corrosion-prone regions. Investing in high-quality zinc thermal sprayedrail tracks can prevent accidents, ensuring the safe movement of high speedtrains and reducing the risk of derailments.”

Commenting on topic, Prof. Anand S Khanna, professor, IIT Bombay (Retried) said, “The adoption of zinc-based corrosion protection methods is essential for extending the life of our infrastructure. With the use of zinc coatings, we can significantly reduce the economic burden of frequent repairs and ensure the safety and longevity of critical structures.”

In Madhya Pradesh due to high humidity and rainfall , RCC structures and Bridges are prone to corrosion and it involves huge maintenance cost. If specifiers use Galvanised Rebars in RCC structures than it will last for at least 100 years without any maintenance. Bhopal being city of Lakes is a beautiful city and its upto specifiers to choose such material in construction so that its beauty can remains aesthetically beautiful.

Further it was also discussed that a planned development and high corrosion awareness will lead to sustainable infrastructure of the city. The areas developed during 70’s and 80’s in Bhopal city like Area colonyCharImlietc were well planned but unfortunately new developed areas like Kolar roadrequired more planning. While lately government emphasized on smart cities and few recent constructed projects like Rani Kamlapati Railway station , Raja Bhoj airport are proud of the city . These structures have been constructed by using Galvanised steel and will last many decades with out any maintenance.

Commenting on topic, Architect Manoj Sharma said “In our country, zinc has traditionally been used for galvanizing sheets, but its significance has grown, especially in Galvalume sheets, which we use extensively in our projects. In Rani Kamlapati Railway Station project in Bhopal, we have used galvanized zinc extensively in arch shape over the passenger air concourse and over platforms as a suspended canopy. Zinc ensures exceptional durability, offers a lifetime warranty, provides design freedom, and supports sustainable architectural designs. It is an wonderful fire-resistant that enhance both its aesthetic and functional appeal, making it an indispensable material for modern architectural projects.”

In recent times, due to lack of knowledge on corrosion , many contractors are using borewell water which contain heavy metals in preparing cement concrete slurry . As heavy metals corrode steel rebars in RCC structures thus reducing life of structures and threat to public life.

The seminar was attended by senior officials from State PWD, CPWD, MPRRDA, RES , Indian Railways, WRD, Bhopal Municipal Corporation, Smart City officials, MP Housing Board, leading corporates, Builders , senior architects and structural engineers among others, who debated the pressing issues of corrosion.

Initiatives undertaken by IZA to minimize corrosion in India:

· In most areas of the world, railroad tracks are replaced due to mechanical wear, but in India, they are subject to premature failure due to corrosion. This is a costly and preventable expense, and IZA is working with the Ministry of Railways for replacement of old rail tracks with zinc thermal sprayed rails for controlling corrosion.

· In addition to thermal spray, India is undertaking a massive rail station refurbishment program, and IZA continues its work with the Ministry to educate them on the importance of specifying galvanizing to protect and extend the life of steel signs, poles, and ancillary structures.

· IZA has launched an education and outreach program aimed at non-railway projects, including pedestrian and vehicle bridges, sign supports, safety barriers and fencing, and steel culverts for drainage control.

· IZA has been continuously hosting technology seminars for specifying agencies, offering presentations and information exhibits at construction industry events, and launching a galvanized rebar focus group.

About International Zinc Association

The International Zinc Association (IZA) was created in 1991 by a group of leading zinc & steel producers to represent the zinc industry globally. IZA’s activities are to sustainably grow markets and maintain the industry’s license to operate through effectively managed initiatives in research and development, technology transfer, and communication of the value of zinc. Operating internationally and locally through its regional affiliates, IZA helps sustain the long-term global demand for zinc and its markets by promoting such key end uses as corrosion protection for steel and the essentiality of zinc in human health and crop nutrition.

IZA’s main programs are Sustainability & Environment, Technology & Market Development and Communications. Headquartered in Durham, North Carolina (USA), IZA also operates regionally through their offices in China, Europe, Latin America, North America, India and Southern Africa.