For a robust Indian manufacturing sector, the steel base has to be strengthened. But how? First, Indian steel mills need to cut down on their cost of production and logistics. Secondly, they need to ensure optimal consumption of raw materials. Thirdly, they need to explore ways to resolve the high number of uncommissioned mills. Importantly, the government has taken a step in the right direction with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) admitting the insolvency cases against the debt burdened steel companies. This creates an opportunity for the larger players and new investors to acquire these stressed assets and make their existing capacities more productive instead of waiting for greenfield expansion, Abhijit Sarkar, Vice President & Head of Advisory, M N Dastur, tells Tamajit Pain & Madhumita Mookerji. Excerpts from a free-wheeling interview: