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Economy & Market
The 7th Indian Cement Review Conference pushes the conversation forward on ‘Decarbonising the Cement Industry’
The 7th Indian Cement Review Conference was held on 17th December, 2021, at The Lalit, New Delhi, in the presence of representatives of the cement industry.
The Conference revolved around the theme of ‘Decarbonsing the Cement Industry’ with panel discussions focussed on bringing the best trends in sustainability. The Conference started with an inaugural address by Mr Pratap Padode, Founder and President of the FIRST Construction Council. He highlighted alarming statistics about carbon emissions by the cement industry world, and underscored the fact that for climate change, cement needs to decarbonise. He encouraged the attendees to ask relevant questions of the experts and discuss decarbonisation amongst themselves to understand viable solutions for the challenges ahead.
Mr Satish Pandey gave a keynote address on the Current Best Practices and Plants of Tomorrow – Transform India. This was followed by the panel discussion on Paving Way Towards Energy and Sustainability, which was moderated by Mr Vaibhav Agarwal, Research Analyst and Vice President, Institutional Equity Research, PhillipCapital. The panelists included Mr Bibekananda Mohapatra, Director General, NCCBM; Mr Shrinath Savoor, Jt President (Strategy and Business Development), Shree Cement; Dr Sujit Ghosh, Executive Director, Dalmia Cement; Mr Madhusudhan, R Country Head, IKN Engineering; and Mr Subhasis Chattopadhyay, Head – Projects, Birla Corporation.
The key highlights of this discussion included use of supplementary raw materials like fly ash, and bio fuels like biomass and agricultural waste, importance of technology in carbon capture and need to upgrade existing cement plants. The panelists also discussed the importance of climate finance and wider acceptance of blended cement, especially in government-backed projects.
The fireside chat at the conference focussed on environment vs economic growth. It was moderated by Mr Sachin Joshi, Sustainability Consultant, and Head, UNIDO FIC-SID. The panelists for this session were Mr Mahendra Singhi, MD and CEO, Dalmia Cement Bharat; and Mr Rajnish Kapur, COO, JK Cement. This session focussed on the key measures to support the economy and reduce environmental pressure as well as innovations and best practices. Both the experts highlighted the fact that planetary boundaries are changing. Mr Singhi pointed out that India is the only country with online monitoring of carbon emissions.
The experts also stressed on the importance of vision and strategy for an inclusive growth for all stakeholders. This would make everyone think ‘what more can I do’. Economics and sustainability need to be aligned. Clean and green is profitable and sustainable and cement companies need to lead by example.
The second panel discussion for the day started right after the lunch break and covered associated topics of clean-energy future; the role of tech and AI in optimising energy consumption by improving equipment productivity; environmental concerns and carbon costs; sustainable cement packaging; and MSW as a fuel for kiln.
The panel was moderated by Mr Sanchit Makhija, Principal, AT Kearney. The panelists included Mr Manoj Rustogi, Head – Sustainability, JSW Cement; Mr Jeevaraj Pillai, Joint President (Packaging), UFlex; Mr Saurabh Palsania, Executive Director, Dalmia Cement; Mr SK Rathore, President, JK Cement; and Mr Jeyamurugan Kandasamy, Head of Connected Assets Global, Group Digital-Smart Products, FLSmidth.
In his valedictory speech, Mr Sumit Banerjee, Chairman – Editorial Advisory Board, Indian Cement Review, called climate change “a complex and ‘wicked’ problem.” He pointed out, “It is important to understand if cement production is sustainable. Carbon sequestration, synthesising cement, and use of hydrogen as fuel in a kiln are the three possibilities, which exist today that can provide some hope in decarbonsing cement. But these attempts are not serious because the cement industry’s participation in these endeavours is lukewarm. “
Appreciating India’s contribution to decarbonising cement, Mr Mahendra Singhi, MD and CEO, Dalmia Cement (Bharat), said, “The planetary boundaries of decarbonisation are changing. India is the only country with online monitoring of carbon emissions.”
The 7th Indian Cement Review Conference ended on an optimistic note as representatives of cement companies present, expressed their commitment towards decarbonising cement and the concrete steps required to make this possible.
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.
The 15th Cement Expo 2025 will spotlight India’s cement industry’s growth, innovation, and sustainability, showcasing cutting-edge solutions for a greener future.
11th Indian Cement Review Conference
9th Indian Cement Review Awards
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Showcasing India’s Supply Chain Revolution
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