Delhi Industrial Coatings Shift As Shalimar Paints Innovates
At this year’s Tube & Pipe Fair, India’s oldest paint manufacturer, Shalimar Paints, highlighted its evolving role in industrial coatings, signalling a shift in how industrial surface protection supports infrastructure and manufacturing sectors. With a legacy spanning more than a century, the company is anchoring technical innovation in corrosion‑resistant and high‑performance coatings for pipes, bridges, defence assets, rail networks and water infrastructure — markets increasingly critical to resilient urban development.
The industrial coatings sector is at an inflection point as manufacturers look beyond basic products toward engineered solutions that extend asset life, reduce maintenance costs and meet higher environmental standards. At the exhibition, Shalimar Paints’ leadership underscored a transformation from a commodity supplier to an integrated solutions provider — a shift that mirrors broader structural changes in India’s infrastructure value chains. A coatings specialist attending the event observed that clients increasingly prioritise long‑term performance and accountability over upfront cost savings, particularly for urban and industrial assets expected to operate in challenging conditions.A central theme of Shalimar’s presentation was the company’s portfolio of “first‑of‑its‑kind” technologies in India, including zinc‑silicate coatings for heavy‑duty steel protection, specialised formulations for extreme climates, and certified systems for potable water infrastructure. These technical achievements are particularly relevant to cities and industrial corridors where infrastructure longevity and public health intersect. For example, ductile iron pipes — widely used in municipal water networks — benefit from advanced coatings that mitigate corrosion and contamination risk, aligning with urban resilience objectives.
Shalimar Paints also discussed a strategic pivot toward bundling material supply with application services. By assuming responsibility for both product and on‑site application, the company aims to ensure quality outcomes and accountability, a model that industry planners say could reduce project delays and improve compliance with performance specifications. Urban infrastructure projects, especially in the water and transport sectors, often suffer from fragmented contracting, making integrated service models attractive for city authorities and private developers alike.The Tube & Pipe Fair itself is emerging as a nexus for industry dialogue, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, consultants and policymakers. Participants noted that beyond product displays, the forum is fostering deeper discussion on technology adoption, supply chain resilience, and regulatory trends. Several exhibitors urged the organisers to introduce structured panels and government engagement to address industry bottlenecks and future standards — a reflection of the sector’s maturing institutional needs.
As India’s industrial and urban landscapes continue to expand, advanced coatings and service‑oriented models will play a tangible role in enhancing infrastructure durability and sustainability. Companies like Shalimar Paints, with historical roots and forward‑looking strategies, are positioning themselves at the convergence of heritage and innovation in support of India’s next phase of industrial and urban growth.
