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Economy & Market

Shifting gears from pandemic response to broader economy

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4 years ago

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The good news is that India has stopped the spread of the new variant of the Covid-19, which is running havoc in the UK and would continue to maintain strictest of guidelines to be followed in days to come. This is one way India will remain ahead and that is the best news at the start of the new year 2021.

The pandemic response by and large has been exceeding expectations, almost every State government has done well and the Centre doing its part, although it is still early to celebrate anything; the case rate and death rate both are better than what it was a month back, therefore the actions on the vaccine is what everyone is looking at and this would ordain somewhat of a Centre-State coordination we have never seen in the past. First of all the procurement of the vaccine is the starting point and India is largely going to depend on domestic sources, which is a great story. All three sources have to now produce and the capacities must be combined to reach a sizeable number so that in 2021 we can reach the target set by the experts for India.

The vaccine distribution, if it mirrors the same universal immunisation programmes, we will have to improve on many areas, cold storage systems, maintenance, expertise of people and logistics of temperature sensitive movements will be key things to watch out, much of which needs collaboration among a range of constituents, some state, some central and some falling in the private domain, digital solutions actually help to make this work seamlessly.

The gears now need to be shifted to the broader economy and consumption remains the most vulnerable area; increasing consumption has not been an easy task although fiscal actions have been incessantly moving in that direction, the fiscal gap itself is now Rs 10.75 lakh crore for the period April-November, which is not a great denouement if one looks at the year on year consumption de-growth of 5.6 per cent so far. The fiscal multipliers therefore have shown a much moderated stance so far. The major reason for this can be found in the application of funds, of the Rs 4,280 crore of borrowings per day by the Centre and States, Rs 1,940 crore per day go in interest payments to the banks; these interest payments could have been much more had the weighted average cost of borrowing been at 7.5 per cent instead of the currently subdued 5.87 per cent.

The falling rates have never helped to increase consumption over a protracted period of time. The money multipliers have not worked either and the transmission channels have never been deep enough to reach the most vulnerable areas. The resultant hypothesis remains strange but true that the fall in rates exactly and equally opposed the desire to take in more debt for consumption and the punishment on savers made them save more to compensate, thus making consumption growth even more difficult; the job market returned with some cheers which is not broad based and this is where the attention needs to be diverted to.

The next budget must be seriously looking at a broad based consumption growth. But for now there are areas of immediate actions, like the emergency funding of the health and vaccine disbursements, it is still not clear how this funding will be done. The vaccine costs (Rs 57,200 crore) is a fraction of the total cost for the 130 crore population. The additional logistics, storage and distribution costs will be closer to this number. The Centre or State, whichever way we look at it, it will strain borrowing outlay for 2021.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Procyon Mukherjee is an ex-Chief Procurement Officer at LafargeHolcim India.

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Economy & Market

Showcasing India’s Supply Chain Revolution

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March 25, 2025

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The MultiLogistix Expo 2025, India’s first dedicated logistics and supply chain expo, will highlight innovations transforming India’s logistics sector under PM Gati Shakti.
The First Construction Council, in association with Construction World and Infrastructure Today magazines, is set to present MultiLogistix Expo 2025, India’s first expo dedicated to the logistics and supply chain industry. Scheduled for 12th – 13th November 2025 at Yashobhoomi, Delhi, this groundbreaking event is supported by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and aims to showcase India’s supply chain advancements under PM Gati Shakti.
The event will provide a unique platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and professionals to discuss and explore innovations in logistics infrastructure, technology, and operational efficiencies. Attendees can expect networking opportunities, panel discussions, and exhibits highlighting the latest trends in multi-modal transportation, freight corridors, warehousing solutions, and automation.

India’s Logistics Transformation

India’s rapid economic growth is underpinned by its logistics sector, with government capital expenditure tripling since FY20, significantly benefiting the nation’s road and railway networks. As per the Economic Survey 2023-24, India has risen from 54th (2014) to 38th (2023) in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index.
Key government initiatives such as PM Gati Shakti, the National Logistics Policy (NLP), and the Sagarmala program aim to reduce logistics costs from 8.35 per cent to 5 per cent of GDP. Investments in Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs), dedicated freight corridors, and port modernisation are expected to accelerate economic growth and strengthen India’s global supply chain capabilities.
 
Sanjiv Garg, IRTS CMILT, Former Additional Member, Railway Board & Former MD, Pipavav Railway Corporation Limited, remarked: “For India to become a five trillion-dollar economy, the role of logistics in achievement of this major milestone cannot be under-estimated. Hence, reduction in logistics costs will work to further speed up and consolidate the achievement of the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
Logistics contributes 30 per cent of total production costs, with road transport dominating at 70 to 80 per cent. Per-tonne logistics costs range between Rs 1,500-1,800, significantly impacting profitability. Also, the development of dedicated freight corridors and rail connectivity is set to enhance logistics efficiency in the sector.

Emerging Trends in Logistics

With India’s logistics sector evolving rapidly, key advancements include:
– Multi-modal logistics hubs: The Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase 1 plans 35 MMLPs with a total investment of Rs 500 billion.
– Technology and automation: AI-driven supply chain management, IoT-enabled tracking, and robotics are enhancing operational efficiencies.
– E-commerce growth: Rising digital adoption is driving demand for express delivery solutions and automated warehouses.
The MultiLogistix Expo 2025 is the definitive event for businesses looking to explore India’s logistics ecosystem, discover investment opportunities, and engage with global supply chain experts. For space bookings and sponsorship opportunities, contact:
– Rajat (North): +91 86910 05256 | Rajat.G@ASAPPinfoGlobal.com
– Chandrashekhar (West): +91 86524 93000 | Chandrashekhar.B@ASAPPinfoGlobal.com
For delegate registrations and inquiries:
– Siraj: +91 97695 77206 | Siraj.K@ASAPPinfoGlobal.com
Visit www.MultiLogistix.com for further details.
Key Highlights of MultiLogistix Expo 2025

  • Exhibitor segments: Logistics services, material handling equipment, and logistics technology providers.
  • Visitor profile: Supply chain professionals, manufacturers, 3PL/4PL operators, shipping and warehouse operators, and government officials.
  • Networking and thought leadership: Exclusive panel discussions and keynote sessions with industry pioneers.

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Economy & Market

Highlighting the Future of Smart, Sustainable Infra

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2 weeks ago

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March 25, 2025

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Roads form the backbone of any modern economy, facilitating trade, connectivity, and socio-economic growth. Across the world, road networks continue to expand, adapting to the challenges of sustainability, urbanisation, and technological evolution. India, the world’s second-largest road network with 6.3 million km of highways, state roads, and local roads, has become a focal point for infrastructure transformation. With increasing investments in expressways, tunnels, and smart roads, the sector is poised for a technological revolution that balances innovation with sustainability.

With Bharatmala Pariyojana, India’s government has set an ambitious goal of constructing 50,000 km of expressways and access-controlled highways by 2047. The nation’s budget for road infrastructure has surged to Rs 2.6 trillion in 2023, with further increases expected in 2024. However, as roads continue to serve as a key economic driver, the industry must adapt to increasing demands for sustainable materials, automation, and intelligent transport solutions—precisely what RAHSTA Expo 2025 aims to address.

The 15th RAHSTA Expo—Asia’s premier roads and highways exhibition—will be held on September 3rd and 4th, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre. As part of the 11th India Construction Festival, this grand event is presented by First Construction Council and backed by key industry associations such as the National Highways Builders Federation, International Road Federation – India Chapter, and CSIR -Central Road Research Institute. With an expected 10,000+ visitors, 200+ exhibitors, and 50+ speakers, RAHSTA Expo 2025 will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, engineers, and innovators to discuss, exhibit, and implement new technologies in the global road construction industry.

RAHSTA, an acronym for Roads and Highways, encapsulates the expo’s mission: to revolutionise the road construction industry with cutting-edge technologies, materials, and safety standards. The event stands as a vital international platform where stakeholders can explore solutions for high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable road construction. With exhibitors and attendees spanning continents, this expo fosters cross-border collaborations that shape the future of mobility.

One of the focuses of the expo is road safety, a global challenge that sees over 1.3 million deaths annually due to poorly designed and maintained roads. The event will introduce automation in construction, a transformative force that enhances efficiency in this traditionally labour-intensive industry. Attendees will witness demonstrations of AI-powered predictive maintenance, automated asphalt laying, and drone-based road inspections.

Future-proofing road construction

With growing concerns over carbon emissions, resource depletion, and climate resilience, RAHSTA Expo 2025 is putting sustainability at the forefront. Roads must not only support increasing traffic loads but also be built with environmentally friendly materials.

New innovations to be showcased at the expo include self-healing roads, plastic roads, permeable pavements, solar roads, and nano-technology-enhanced materials. These advancements will help the industry align with global sustainability goals, ensuring that infrastructure growth does not come at the cost of environmental degradation.

With the rise of smart infrastructure, the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming roads into intelligent transport networks. RAHSTA Expo 2025 will feature groundbreaking developments such as: smart roads with real-time traffic monitoring, predictive maintenance using Digital Twin Technology, autonomous construction machinery, and drones for surveying and quality control.

This fusion of digital technology with civil engineering is paving the way for more resilient, efficient, and adaptive road networks globally.

The India Construction Festival

RAHSTA Expo 2025 will be a flagship event under the 11th India Construction Festival, a multi-event platform that celebrates advancements in infrastructure. Alongside RAHSTA Expo, the festival will feature:

  • 15th India RAHSTA Conference – Engaging discussions on policy, investment, and future technologies.
  • 13th Equipment India Awards – Recognising excellence in construction equipment innovation.
  • 23rd Construction World Global Awards (CWGA) – Honouring the industry’s most impactful projects and leaders.
  • 20th Construction World Architect & Builder (CWAB) Awards – Honour the visionaries shaping the country’s skyline – Top Architects, Top Builders, and Noteworthy Projects.

Attendees at RAHSTA Expo will have access to these prestigious industry events, making it the most comprehensive construction and infrastructure gathering in Asia.

Be a Part of RAHSTA Expo 2025

The 15th RAHSTA Expo 2025 presents a golden opportunity for stakeholders, investors, and innovators from across the globe to converge in Mumbai and explore cutting-edge advancements in road construction. As the world moves towards more intelligent, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, this expo will serve as the ultimate platform to drive change and innovation in the sector.

To book your exhibition space, explore sponsorship opportunities, or register as a delegate, visit:

  • www.RAHSTAexpo.com
  • www.IndiaConstructionFestival.com

For booking exhibition space and sponsorships, contact:

  • Sujoy Gomes: +91 86577 95881 | Email: Sujoy.G@ASAPPinfoGlobal.com

For delegate registrations, contact:

  • Siraj: +91 97695 77206 | Email: Siraj.K@ASAPPinfoGlobal.com

RAHSTA Expo 2025 is not just about roads—it’s about the future of mobility, sustainability, and innovation. Be there to witness the transformation of the global infrastructure industry!

Road Development Projects in Maharashtra

Maharashtra is leading the way with ambitious infrastructure projects, including several key expressways, metro systems, and coastal road developments. These projects, estimated to cost billions, are part of the state’s road development plan under the Maharashtra Samruddhi Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), Maharashtra State Industrial Development Corporation (MSIDC), and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The total value of these projects is significant, with the $33.14 billion allocated in the Union Budget 2025-26 for infrastructure development across India. Here are some of the key road projects in Maharashtra:

These projects represent a significant opportunity for infrastructure development, particularly in the road construction sector, which will see substantial demand for advanced construction machinery and technology.

The construction equipment industry in India is witnessing rapid growth, driven by extensive infrastructure projects across the country, particularly in the road and highway sector. The market is booming, with an expected CAGR of 12.6 per cent from 2023 to 2030. As of now, the market value of the construction equipment industry in India is approximately $7.5 billion, and it is projected to reach $18.7 billion by 2030.

This rapid growth is primarily driven by increasing infrastructure investments, including large-scale road and highway projects, which require advanced machinery, automation, and AI-powered equipment to meet the scale and complexity of these developments.

The demand for construction equipment in India presents a golden opportunity for international companies looking to enter the Indian market and capitalise on the infrastructure boom. With the industry expected to continue its growth trajectory through 2030, it offers immense potential for both existing players and new entrants in the construction machinery space.

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Concrete

Driving Sustainability Through Innovation

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2 weeks ago

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March 25, 2025

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The 15th Cement Expo 2025 will spotlight India’s cement industry’s growth, innovation, and sustainability, showcasing cutting-edge solutions for a greener future.

The cement industry in India, the second-largest in the world, is on the cusp of remarkable growth as it continues its transition toward sustainability, innovation, and expansion. The 15th Cement Expo 2025, scheduled for November 12-13, 2025, at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in Delhi, will be the premier event where the industry’s foremost stakeholders converge to explore state-of-the-art technologies and solutions.
Co-located with the 11th Indian Cement Review Conference and the 9th Indian Cement Review Awards, the expo promises to be a pivotal event for professionals in the cement, construction, and infrastructure sectors. This year’s theme, “Driving Sustainability Through Technology,” highlights the sector’s commitment to decarbonisation, efficiency, and technological advancement. With India poised to add 80 to 100 million tonnes of cement capacity by 2024-25, the event will address the urgent need for sustainable, low-carbon solutions to meet the growing demand.
Before we look ahead to the 15th Cement Expo, let’s reflect on the remarkable success of the Cement Expo Forum 2025, held on March 5-6, 2025, in Hyderabad. The event attracted over 500 industry professionals and featured groundbreaking discussions on sustainability, logistics, and decarbonisation. Key sponsors and partners, such as ABB, Gebr Pfeiffer, JK Cement, and Flender Drives, showcased their latest innovations, contributing to the forum’s success.
Pratap Padode, Founder and President of First Construction Council, spoke at the event, noting, “The PPP pipeline is complemented by a provision of Rs 1.5 trillion in interest-free loans to states, earmarked for capital expenditure. With this, we have a solid plan in place. What needs to be done is to ensure that the PPP actually takes off as envisaged. To make this happen, trust must be established, and policies must be investor-friendly. Telangana, in this regard, has demonstrated ease of doing business exceptionally well.”
He added, “These financial injections into the infrastructure sector are expected to create a ripple effect, driving demand for cement as a key material in construction and development projects. The growing demand for cement is evident as infrastructure projects continue to rise across the country.”
The forum also provided invaluable networking opportunities, with attendees gaining insights from over 35 distinguished speakers and connecting with more than 50 exhibitors. The event laid a strong foundation for the upcoming Expo, showcasing the significant strides the cement industry is making toward a greener, more efficient future.
The 15th Cement Expo 2025 will focus on advancing the industry’s next big step toward sustainable growth. With India’s cement sector making significant progress in decarbonisation, a key focus will be on technologies and innovations that support carbon capture, low-carbon cement production, and energy-efficient solutions.
The expo will feature over 50 exhibitors representing all aspects of the cement industry. Whether you are a manufacturer, raw material supplier, technology provider, or logistics partner, the Cement Expo 2025 offers an ideal platform to showcase your products and solutions. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in cement production technology, automation, logistics, and environmental solutions, all geared toward building a greener and more sustainable future.
Exhibitor profiles will include cement manufacturers, raw material suppliers, technology and automation solutions providers, environmental and sustainability solutions providers, cement packaging and logistics, construction equipment manufacturers, admixtures and chemical suppliers, and concrete reinforcement and structural systems.

11th Indian Cement Review Conference

Held alongside the Expo, the 11th Indian Cement Review Conference will offer delegates invaluable insights into the latest trends and innovations shaping the cement industry. Focusing on sustainability, the conference will address critical issues such as energy efficiency, plant design, and emerging technologies like carbon capture and automation.
Industry leaders will share their expertise in technical forums, while specialised activities, such as plant tours and energy audits, will provide practical guidance on improving operations and efficiency. This is a prime opportunity to network with industry stakeholders, gain hands-on experience with new technologies, and acquire actionable knowledge to enhance your business.

9th Indian Cement Review Awards

The 9th Indian Cement Review Awards will recognise the fastest-growing cement companies and industry leaders for their outstanding contributions to the sector. This prestigious event will serve as a platform to honour the pioneers of innovation, sustainability, and performance within the cement industry, highlighting the sector’s commitment to growth and environmental responsibility.
As we look forward to the 15th Cement Expo 2025, we invite you to join us for two exciting days of networking, learning, and innovation. This event offers a unique opportunity to be part of the next wave of growth and sustainability in the global cement sector.

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