Economy & Market

Affordable housing to amplify cement demand by 2%

Published

9 years ago

December 30, 2017

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Dharmesh Jain, Chairman and Managing Director, Nirmal, believes that incremental demand in the country’s cement sector will outpace the incremental supply over the next three years.How successful is ‘Housing for all by 2022’?
This programme has been the key driver of affordable housing in the country and simultaneously been a important motivator for the middle class and accelerated economic growth. True to the mission, in the past two years, the Government has successfully backed urban affordable housing by approving investments of approximately Rs 110,753 crore in this segment.
Additional measures were announced to increase its momentum, including interest subvention of four per cent for loans up to Rs 9 lakh and three per cent for loans up to Rs 12 lakh taken in 2017, and the number of houses in rural areas under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) was increased by 33 per cent. Multiple housing finance companies are providing loans under the PMAY and a large number of real estate builders have entered into this category, launching projects across the country.How it is likely to benefit the cement sector?
The real estate sector is a significant demand driver for cement as 67 per cent of its demand can be attributed to the sector. In addition to urbanisation, specific government initiatives like ‘Smart Cites’ and ‘Housing for All’ have given a immense impetus to the cement industry. Increased budget allotment for rural housing, i.e., from Rs 16,000 crore Rs 23,000 crore in financial year 2017, is expected to amplify demand for cement by two per cent. According to research and rating agency CRISIL, the incremental demand in the country’s cement sector will
outpace the incremental supply over the next three financial years.Which states are progressing well?
Most states in the country are on already on the path of progress, but a few are going beyond routine and implementing policies to further benefit the segment and its buyers. States like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu have taken up initiatives on their own accord by initiating admirable affordable housing policies.
Furthermore, Gujarat has witnessed an increase in economic growth; which has translated into an increasing demand for affordable housing. Swarnim Mukhya Mantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana and Mukhya Mantri Gruh Yojana are two flagship schemes initiated in this state which aim to not only benefit lower income group (LIG) and middle income group (MIG) but also make urban areas slum free and provide houses to the poor. What kind of incentives are provided by the government?
Infrastructure status given to affordable housing has subsequently spurred investment activity in this segment. Under the umbrella of PMAY, multiple incentives targeted towards affordable housing have been initiated. Earlier this year, 100 per cent tax exemptions for private players constructing affordable housing of 30 square metre (sq m) in the four metros and of 60 sq m in other cities, approved during the June 2016 to March 2019 period, to be completed within three years of construction approval was announced.
By alleviating certain constraints on the supply side, the government successfully breathed life into this segment. With the Centre’s attention on driving this segment, it only poses for more and more builders to join the ranks of the existing players in
this field.

Concrete

Fornnax Wins AIRIA’s Special Export Award for Rubber Machinery in 2025-26

Published

1 day ago

October 19, 2026

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Fornnax Technology Pvt. Ltd. has been honoured with the Special Export Award – Rubber Machinery for 2025–26 by the All-India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA), in recognition of its highest exports of tyre recycling plants to the European region.

With more than a decade of experience in India’s tyre recycling industry, Fornnax has contributed to the development of advanced recycling technologies and infrastructure. The company currently holds a 90% market share in India’s domestic tyre recycling sector, while exports account for 30% of its business, spanning markets such as Europe, Australia and the GCC.

The award marks another milestone for Fornnax, whose tyre recycling lines and advanced shredding technologies are supporting the growth of the circular economy in India and international markets.

Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Jignesh Kundaria, Founder and Director of Fornnax, said:

“This honour from AIRIA is a reflection of an incredible journey we have undertaken over the years. When we started Fornnax, there was no established recycling industry in India to follow. We chose to build for the future instead. Today, when you see India’s tyre recycling sector, it has already transformed into a dynamic, high-growth industry and we are extremely proud to have played our part in building it.”

Unlike standalone equipment suppliers, Fornnax focuses on developing complete, high-capacity recycling infrastructure. Its integrated systems combine multiple stages of shredding and size reduction to enable efficient, continuous operations. This system-level engineering approach helps recycling operators improve throughput, equipment reliability and operational consistency.

The recognition reinforces Fornnax’s commitment to developing engineering technologies that contribute to a more efficient and circular recycling ecosystem.

Looking ahead, the company aims to expand its international presence while continuing to develop advanced shredding and recycling solutions to address the growing volumes and evolving requirements of the global recycling industry.

For more information, visit: www.fornnax.com

Concrete

Wonder Cement appoints Mahesh Singh as VP Corporate Brand Communication

Published

2 weeks ago

October 9, 2026

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Singh brings 20+ years of brand and marketing experience, and will lead integrated corporate brand communication initiatives at Wonder Cement

New Delhi

Wonder Cement, a leading cement manufacturer, has appointed Mahesh Singh as Vice President – Corporate Brand Communication. In his new role, he will oversee corporate brand strategy and communication, including digital and performance marketing, public relations, trade, events, exhibitions, sports and experiential marketing.

Singh brings over two decades of experience across marketing and communications, with roles spanning the automotive industry, agencies and entrepreneurship. He spent more than a decade with Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, working across integrated communication, media, digital, retail and consumer engagement. His stint also included helping build the company’s digital marketing capabilities.

He moved to dentsu X India as Vice President – Strategy & Planning, working across categories such as automotive, auto components, electric vehicles, FMCG, consumer electronics, BFSI, apparel and brand consulting. His responsibilities included media and marketing strategy, product launches, content, performance marketing and consumer activations.

Singh subsequently took an entrepreneurial route with Radiant Brands before joining Shriram Ltd (SPR Autotech) as Head – Marketing & Communications. There, his remit included brand and corporate strategy, communications, PR and ORM, retail identity, loyalty programmes and events.

At Wonder Cement, Singh will be responsible for bringing together the company’s corporate brand communication initiatives across digital, performance marketing, PR, trade, sports and experiential platforms. The role will focus on creating an integrated approach to communication across consumers, trade partners and other key stakeholders.

The appointment brings to Wonder Cement a marketer whose career has spanned the brand, agency and entrepreneurial sides of the communications ecosystem.

Wonder Cement, part of the RK Group, is a cement manufacturer with roots in Rajasthan and a focus on quality, trust and transparency. The company has grown to six manufacturing plants, and a cement capacity of 21.5 MTPA. With more than 2,000 employees and a network of over 5,000 dealers, its operations span manufacturing, distribution and customer engagement, with a focus on consistent product quality and efficient execution.

Concrete

JSW Cement commissions additional 1 MTPA grinding unit at Nagaur

Published

2 weeks ago

October 8, 2026

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With this commissioning, JSW Cement’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 25.10 MTPA,
Mumbai

JSW Cement, one of India’s leading green cement producers and part of the diversified JSW Group, today announced the successful commissioning of an additional 1.00 MTPA cement grinding unit at Nagaur, Rajasthan. The commissioning marks another significant milestone in the Company’s growth strategy.

With this commissioning, JSW Cement’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 25.10 MTPA, while its total clinker manufacturing capacity, including clinker capacity at its joint venture, JSW Cement FZC, stands at 9.74 MTPA.

JSW Cement had commenced operations in North India in March 2026 with the Nagaur Integrated Plant, comprising a 3.30 MTPA clinkerisation unit and 2.50 MTPA cement grinding unit. With the commissioning of the additional 1.00 MTPA cement grinding unit, the plant’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 3.50 MTPA, enhancing the company’s ability to cater to the growing cement demand across Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the National Capital Region (NCR). The expansion has been funded through a strategic mix of equity and long-term debt.

During the quarter ended 30th September 2026, JSW Cement has also commissioned the Alternate Fuel Handling System and the Waste Heat Recovery system (WHRS) at the Nagaur Integrated Plant.

Nilesh Narwekar, CEO, JSW Cement, said: “The commissioning of additional 1.00 MTPA grinding capacity at Nagaur is a key strategic priority for us and will accelerate JSW Cement’s expansion into North India. We look forward to servicing the growing needs of the region and contributing to the economic growth of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the NCR area. I am delighted to share that the company has commissioned this grinding unit within the expected timeline, showcasing our project execution capabilities. Further, the Alternate Fuel Handling System and the Waste Heat Recovery system (WHRS) are expected to substantially reduce our production costs going forward.”