Tata Steel Ludhiana has received a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) licence under IS 14650:2023 for manufacturing octagonal billets, becoming the first steel producer in India to receive the certification for this product. The certification recognises Tata Steel Ludhiana’s manufacturing processes and quality systems for octagonal billets, which are used to produce Tata Tiscon TMT rebars. The certified billets can support applications across residential and commercial construction, infrastructure projects and industrial sectors.
Octagonal billets are designed to improve the rolling process and the quality of finished reinforcement bars. Their shape provides a larger surface area compared with conventional square and rectangular billets. This allows better heat transfer and more uniform cooling during production.
The improved material flow during rolling also helps achieve more consistent dimensions in the finished rebars. More uniform deformation can improve roundness and dimensional accuracy, while better grain flow and structure can contribute to strength, toughness and ductility.
The billet design can also improve metal utilisation. Its geometry helps reduce losses at the corners during rolling, resulting in higher metal yield. More uniform rolling forces can reduce wear on rolling mill equipment and support more efficient operations.
Subodh Pandey, Vice President – Technology, R&D, NMB and Graphene, Tata Steel, said the BIS licence validates the manufacturing capabilities developed at the Ludhiana facility. He said the certification reflects Tata Steel’s focus on technology, product development and solutions that can contribute to a more efficient and greener steelmaking ecosystem.
The BIS certification comes as the Indian construction and infrastructure sectors continue to demand high-quality reinforcement steel for a wide range of projects. Tata Steel said the octagonal billets produced at Ludhiana are intended to support the manufacture of TMT rebars for applications ranging from buildings and housing projects to roads, bridges, metro systems and airports.
The products can also be used in industrial and power-sector projects where reinforcement steel is required. The use of octagonal billets provides benefits across several stages of the steelmaking and rolling process. Better heat transfer and cooling help maintain greater consistency in the billet and final product, while improved material flow supports dimensional control during rolling.
Higher yield and improved energy utilisation can also help reduce material and operational losses. With the new BIS licence, Tata Steel Ludhiana has established a certified production capability for octagonal billets that is currently unique among Indian steel producers. The company said the development strengthens its focus on differentiated steel products and advanced manufacturing practices while supporting the growing requirements of India’s construction, infrastructure and industrial sectors.
Tata Steel continues to participate in worldsteel’s Climate Action programme, focusing on reducing the carbon footprint of its operations and products. The company has outlined a long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045, supported by a series of technology-driven initiatives and process improvements.
With an annual crude steel capacity of approximately 35 million tonnes, Tata Steel is among the leading global steel producers, with a presence across multiple geographies. The group reported consolidated revenues of around US$26 billion for the financial year ending March 31, 2025, and employs more than 76,000 people worldwide.
The company’s manufacturing facilities have also received global recognition, including the World Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse status for its plants in Jamshedpur, Kalinganagar, and IJmuiden. These achievements reflect Tata Steel’s continued emphasis on innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth.
