In this work, an attempt has been made to optimize the process parameters of turning operation for INCOLOY 800H, with the help of cryogenically treated multilayer CVD-coated tool. The influencing factors like cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut were selected as input machining parameters. The output responses such as surface roughness, microhardness, the degree of work hardening and material removal rate were considered in this work. The experimentation was planned and conducted based on Taguchi $$\hbox {L}_{27}$$ orthogonal array with three factors and three levels. Technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is a multi-criteria decision making tool has been used to optimize the turning parameters. Analysis of Variance is employed to identify the significance of the process parameters on the responses. Tool wear analysis also has been studied. This experimental research had proved that machining performance could be improved efficiently by the support of projected approach.