Corrosion drains Rs 14L cr from economy

New Delhi: India loses an estimated ₹14 lakh crore, or 4.3% of GDP, every year to corrosion-induced damage as bridges, highways, railways, ports, power infrastructure, buildings and industrial assets deteriorate prematurely, according to a Nomura report.

The report, shared exclusively with ET, estimates the biggest impact is on the power generation and transmission sector, followed by telecommunications, automotive, infrastructure and railways.

Also read: IISc and Qatar researchers develop advanced corrosion assessment method using AI-powered imaging technology

"India's above-average cost of corrosion and high corrosion susceptibility highlight a growing macroeconomic risk, with significant negative impact expected on GDP in future," it said in the report, adding that effective corrosion protection measures could raise GDP by up to 1.5%.

According to the report, corrosion increases public spending on infrastructure maintenance and replacement, reduces the productivity of national assets, strains government finances and compromises public safety, sustainability and resource efficiency.

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Report puts annual losses at 4.3% of GDP, says aligning with global benchmarks critical

Citing the US and Japan, the report said many developed countries classify infrastructure according to environmental exposure and prescribe corrosion protection. India, by contrast, largely follows uniform specifications across different climatic conditions.

"This is especially important in the monsoon, when humidity and saline conditions accelerate infrastructure deterioration," it said, recommending mandatory corrosion protection, stronger enforcement and compliance, and greater awareness to improve the durability and safety of infrastructure.

"Aligning Indian standards with global benchmarks is critical for ensuring the best practices are followed for greater durability of long-term assets in India," it said.

Also read: Country losing 2-3 per cent of GDP every year due to corrosion: Top metallurgical engineer

While Bureau of Indian Standards norms mandate corrosion protection and list methods such as inhibitors and coatings, they do not specify which techniques-such as zinc coating, epoxy coating, hot-dip galvanisation or weathering steel-should be used under specific conditions. This gives contractors the flexibility to adopt only the minimum requirements.

Roads and bridges, particularly in corrosion-prone and high-traffic areas, are exposed to water, pollution and heavy loads, accelerating deterioration and underscoring the need for effective corrosion protection to prevent loss of life and damage to public assets.

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