In a game-changing move for the construction industry, the First Construction Council (FCC) made waves in 2018-19 with its critical analysis of thermo-mechanically treated (TMT) bars—a cornerstone of reinforced concrete construction. Through a rigorous sample test of 26 TMT bar brands, the results revealed a startling reality: 18 out of 26 brands failed to meet quality parameters, as crucial elements like phosphorous and sulphur exceeded acceptable limits. 

The tests were conducted at a time when India’s infrastructure sector was surging, with an estimated Rs 5.97 trillion earmarked for construction investments. Despite the massive commitment to infrastructure, the quality of raw materials used in the sector was questioned. The FCC’s 2018-19 report made it clear that subpar TMT bars, often marketed by prominent players, could compromise safety standards—a shocking revelation for the country’s booming construction industry.

Leading newspapers, including The Times of India, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, and The Hindu Business Line, reported extensively on the findings from the FCC, highlighting the significance of the issue and the widespread ramifications on India’s infrastructure sector.

Pratap Padode, President, First Construction Council, said, “The findings highlighted how renowned brands, despite heavy advertising, failed on basic quality checks. This undermines the very integrity of construction projects.” He further emphasised that TMT bars form the backbone of any concrete structure, and their substandard quality can have catastrophic effects.

Following these findings, the FCC called for immediate action. The primary focus was to challenge companies, especially secondary manufacturers, to raise their quality benchmarks and to ensure that all products met the required safety standards. FCC also urged the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to take necessary steps to ensure that infrastructure projects adhered to stringent quality parameters. In response, NHAI wrote to its members, requesting them to enforce rigorous checks on construction materials and ensure that only certified, high-quality TMT bars were used in projects.

The ripple effect of this report was swift and far-reaching. It sparked discussions across the industry, drawing attention to the critical need for stricter quality control measures and more research into construction materials. The report also prompted an urgent call for an overhaul in procurement practices, where cost-cutting measures were often prioritised over safety. Moreover, the FCC emphasised that many secondary manufacturers needed to step up and enhance their quality control measures if the integrity of India’s infrastructure projects was to be preserved.

Taking significant steps to address the growing concerns in the steel sector, the government took a major initiative by forming the Steel Research and Technology Mission of India (SRTMI). This apex body was established to facilitate joint collaborative research projects in the iron and steel sector of the country, with a primary focus on improving the quality and technological advancements of steel products, including TMT bars.

Fast forward to 2025, and the FCC has once again taken the lead in testing and raising quality standards. In its latest report, the FCC tested 36 TMT bars, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that safety standards are not compromised. This follow-up study serves as a barometer for the progress made since 2018-19 and underscores the growing focus on quality in the TMT sector.