New Delhi, Feb. 3 -- Steel industry leaders have hailed the Union Budget 2026-27 saying that proposals contained in it are expected to strengthen steel demand and support domestic manufacturing, particularly among MSMEs.

Naveen Jindal, President, Indian Steel Association (ISA), talking to PTI said, "A 22.2 per cent effective increase in capital expenditure, focus on freight corridors and inland waterways, and the Rs 10,000-crore container manufacturing scheme are expected to strengthen infrastructure activity, improve trade logistics and support steel demand."

Rajamani Krishnamurti, President, Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA), said that the support for MSMEs is a significant step, given that a large share of India'...