Tirthankar Roy's Steel Industry Vision

*Tirthankar Roy’s Steel Industry Vision: Reinventing India’s Construction Landscape As India charts its course toward becoming a global infrastructure powerhouse, Tirthankar Roy, Chief Commercial Officer of JSW Severfield Structures, is determined to place steel at the heart of the nation’s construction revolution.*

India’s skyline is transforming at a rapid pace, yet its buildings remain largely anchored in concrete. Tirthankar Roy believes that’s a missed opportunity. As the Chief Commercial Officer of JSW Severfield Structures (JSSL), India’s premier structural steel design and build company, Roy is on a mission to reframe how India builds—starting with steel.

“India is the second-largest steel producer globally, yet our per capita consumption in construction is remarkably low,” Roy says from the company’s office in Mumbai. “That gap represents not just an inefficiency, but a massive opportunity.”

JSSL, a joint venture between JSW Steel and UK-based Severfield, has been steadily reshaping the narrative around steel construction in India. Under Roy’s leadership, the company has evolved from a niche player to a market leader, offering end-to-end solutions that span design, fabrication, and on-site execution.

“We’ve grown sevenfold in the last 14 years,” Roy reflects. “I started as an executive assistant, and as the company expanded, so did my role. It’s been a journey of constant evolution, both professionally and strategically.”

From Concrete Foundations to Steel Structures When JSSL was established, the Indian construction sector was dominated by concrete. Steel was seen as a foreign concept, suitable perhaps for industrial buildings but not for mainstream commercial or residential use.

Roy recalls the early days: “Back then, steel was largely imported, and the quality and consistency were questionable. There was no integrated approach—just piecemeal fabrication with little design integrity.”

To change that perception, JSSL brought in international expertise from Severfield and combined it with JSW’s deep understanding of the Indian market. The result was a localized, scalable model that made steel construction not just feasible but preferable.

“Today, we offer full-cycle solutions,” Roy explains. “From concept and design using advanced 3D modeling tools, to fabrication in our state-of-the-art facility in Karnataka, to precision on-site erection—we own the entire value chain. That’s our differentiator.”

Innovation at the Core JSSL’s fabrication plant is a showcase of innovation. Equipped with automated shot blasting machines, precision cutting tools, and Tekla-based modeling systems, the facility operates with a level of technological sophistication that rivals the best in the world.

“What we’re doing is pioneering a new way of building in India,” Roy says. “We’re not just selling steel; we’re delivering engineering excellence. And clients are starting to recognize that value.”

The shift has been gradual but steady. From small industrial sheds to large commercial complexes, JSSL has delivered projects that demonstrate the versatility, speed, and sustainability of steel construction.

“Steel is faster to erect, more durable, and far more sustainable than concrete,” Roy notes. “Yet, it’s still underutilized. We’re working to change that through education, demonstration, and by leading by example.”

A National Imperative Roy points to global markets as examples of what’s possible. “Look at the NEOM project in Saudi Arabia or the infrastructure boom in the UK. If even a fraction of that ambition is realized in India, the demand for steel construction will be enormous.”

He emphasizes that India has the resources, the talent, and the market conditions to support such growth. What’s needed, he says, is a mindset shift—both among developers and policymakers.

“Steel isn’t just about building structures; it’s about building smarter,” he says. “It’s about creating resilient infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters, that can be erected quickly to meet urgent needs, and that can be dismantled and reused.”

This aligns with India’s broader sustainability goals, including its net-zero commitments and the push for green building practices.

Strategic Leadership in a Dynamic Market As Chief Commercial Officer, Roy’s role is not just to drive sales but to shape strategy. “We’re not chasing every project,” he says. “We’re selective. We want to work on projects that push boundaries, that demonstrate what’s possible with steel.”

That strategic focus has paid off. JSSL has become the go-to partner for complex, high-impact projects that demand precision and innovation. The company’s client roster includes leading real estate developers, industrial conglomerates, and infrastructure firms.

Internally, Roy champions a culture of continuous improvement. “We’ve localized almost all of our expertise,” he says. “Severfield gave us the foundation, but now we’re building our own IP. That’s what will sustain our growth.”

He also stresses the importance of agility. “The market is evolving fast. What worked five years ago may not work today. As leaders, we need to stay ahead of trends, anticipate client needs, and be ready to pivot when necessary.”

Looking Ahead Roy envisions a future where steel is integral to India’s urban development. “We’re not just changing how buildings are made; we’re changing how India builds,” he says.

He sees JSSL playing a catalytic role in that transformation—by setting new benchmarks, training the next generation of steel engineers, and advocating for policy reforms that support steel construction.

“This is not just about business growth,” he says. “It’s about national development. If we can increase steel adoption in construction even by 10 percent, it will have a ripple effect across the economy.”

As India strides toward a $5 trillion economy, Roy believes the construction sector must evolve in tandem. And for that evolution to happen, steel must take center stage.

Final Thoughts For Tirthankar Roy, the journey is just beginning. With a clear vision, a robust strategy, and a company built for the future, he is not only transforming JSSL but also reshaping an entire industry.

“We’re building more than structures,” he says. “We’re building possibilities. And that’s what excites me every day.”