Steel Industry Stalwart Jatinder Mehra Passes Away, Leaving a Lasting Legacy

New Delhi, Feb 2026 : The Indian steel and metals sector on Wednesday mourned the passing of Jatinder Mehra, a towering figure whose death marks the end of an era in the country’s metals and mining industry. With a professional journey spanning more than six decades, Mehra was widely admired for his deep technical expertise, strategic foresight, and rare ability to translate ambitious visions into successful, large-scale industrial realities.

Mehra most recently served as Vice Chairman of the Metals and Mining Division at Essar Group, where he played a pivotal role in shaping and steering the group’s steel and metals businesses. His leadership was instrumental in defining long-term strategy, expanding production capacity, and strengthening Essar’s position in both domestic and global steel markets.

In a heartfelt condolence message, the Essar family described Mehra as a visionary leader whose clarity of thought, unwavering commitment, and principled leadership guided some of the group’s most significant milestones. The group noted that his contributions are deeply woven into Essar’s journey and that his legacy will continue to inspire and guide the organisation in the years to come.

During his tenure at Essar, Mehra was closely associated with major capacity expansion initiatives, including landmark developments at Hazira. He also played a leading role in the conceptualisation and development of large integrated steel projects, notably the Paradip steel facility in Odisha, which significantly enhanced Essar’s industrial footprint.

Before joining Essar, Mehra had an illustrious career in India’s public sector steel industry. He served as Executive Director at Steel Authority of India Limited and later went on to become Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited. One of his most notable achievements during this phase was leading the commissioning of the Vizag Steel Plant, a milestone project that strengthened India’s steelmaking capabilities.

In recognition of his lifelong service and outstanding contribution to the industry, Mehra was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Indian Steel Association in 2022.

Colleagues and peers remember Jatinder Mehra not only as an accomplished industrial leader but also as a mentor and thought leader who shaped generations of professionals through guidance, discipline, and inspiration. He is survived by his family and a vast community of industry professionals who had the privilege of working alongside him. His passing is being deeply mourned across the steel sector, as India bids farewell to one of its most respected and influential industry stalwarts.