End of an Era: Steel Veteran Jatinder Mehra Passes Away at 86

India’s steel industry has lost one of its most respected leaders. Jatinder Mehra, Vice Chairman of the Metals & Mining Division at Essar Group and a former RINL chief, passed away on February 25, 2026, at the age of 86. With a career spanning over six decades, Jatinder Mehra played a transformative role in shaping India’s steel growth story through large industrial projects, operational excellence and visionary leadership.

Jatinder Mehra – A Pillar of India’s Steel Growth Story

Jatinder Mehra was widely regarded as a stalwart of India’s steel and metals sector. At the time of his passing, he was serving as Vice Chairman of the Metals & Mining Division at Essar Group.

Key highlights of his career,

• Over 60 years in the steel industry
• Known for strong technical knowledge and operational leadership
• Played a major role in capacity expansion and integrated steel projects
• Recognized for driving transformational industrial initiatives

His leadership helped shape India’s modern steel manufacturing landscape.

Role at Essar Group and Major Steel Projects

At Essar Group, Jatinder Mehra was instrumental in expanding and strengthening the company’s steel operations.

Major contributions included,

• Expansion of the Hazira steel plant in Gujarat
• Development of the Paradip steel project in Odisha
• Strengthening Essar’s metals and mining strategy
• Leading large-scale integrated industrial facilities

In a statement, Essar Group described him as a visionary leader whose contributions remain embedded in the company’s growth journey.

Leadership Beyond Essar – Former RINL Chief

Before his role at Essar, Jatinder Mehra also served as the head of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), the corporate entity behind Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.

During his tenure,

• He strengthened public sector steel operations
• Focused on capacity building and modernization
• Encouraged operational efficiency and innovation

His experience across public and private sectors made him a respected voice in India’s steel policy and industrial circles.

Jatinder Mehra’s Legacy in India’s Steel Industry

Jatinder Mehra’s career coincided with India’s rapid industrial expansion. From early post-independence steel development to modern integrated plants, he witnessed and shaped critical phases of growth.

His legacy includes,

• Promoting technological advancement in steel production
• Supporting infrastructure-led industrial growth
• Mentoring generations of engineers and managers
• Contributing to India’s rise as a major global steel producer

India is currently among the world’s top steel-producing nations, and leaders like Jatinder Mehra played a foundational role in this journey.

Question

Q. Jatinder Mehra was associated with which industry?

A) IT
B) Banking
C) Steel and Metals
D) Aviation