On 01 February 2022, the Finance Minister of India, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman presented the eagerly anticipated Union Budget 2022. It comes at a time when the economy is still recovering from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 restrictions that had been imposed in the interest of the public, and as such, it was expected to make certain provisions for various industries in the country that would allow them to recover. Let’s take a look at some provisions that are expected to make an impact on the cement industry in India.
India is the second-largest producer of cement on a global scale with more than 7 per cent of the global installed capacity. Cement production reached 329 million tonnes (MT) in FY20 and is projected to reach 381 MT by FY22, driven by rural housing demand and the government’s strong focus on infrastructure development.[1]
Vimal Kejriwal, MD & CEO, KEC International Ltd., says, “I welcome the forward-looking, Capex-led Budget 2022, with a sharp 35 per cent increase in outlay. A strong focus on improving the safety of Indian Railways, faster implementation of metro rail systems, infrastructure status for data centers, along with an emphasis on PM GatiShakti with significant allocation towards Jal Jeevan Mission, Affordable Housing, BharatNet, and building 100 Cargo Terminals for multimodal logistics facilities augur well for KEC International Ltd. and our well-diversified businesses.”
It should be noted that India is still a developing country with tremendous improvements in infrastructure planned as of now. Infrastructural developments require cement as one of the primary raw materials, along with steel, coal, and other allied industries; and any expenditure or incentives for expenditure from the government in the infrastructural development sector is a very welcome sign which indicates a significant amount of growth in the cement industry, in addition to growth in these allied sectors such as coal, steel, aluminium, and mining. From this perspective, the Union Budget 2022 has been a blessing as it has made provisions for the following expenditures in infrastructural development [2]:
Government Scheme
Budget Estimates 2022-2023(INR crore)
National Highways Authority of India
1,34,015
Road Works
64,568
PM Awas Yojana
48,000
Metro Projects
19,130
PM Gram Sadak Yojana
18,000
Urban Rejuvenation Mission: AMRUT and Smart Cities Mission
14,100
Compensation to Service Providers for creation and augmentation of telecom infrastructure
9,000
National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)
5,003
National Capital Region TransportCorporation
4,710
Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLAD)
3,965
Police Infrastructure
3,919
Border Infrastructure and Management
2,745
National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT)
1,500
North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS)
1,419
Infrastructure facilities for Judiciary
858
Infrastructure Development and Capacity Building
588
Border Area Development Programme
566
Other Programmes including Railway Infrastructure
96,314
Total
4,28,400
As can be seen from the above table, a massive Rs 4,28,400 crore is expected to be spent for the purpose of infrastructural development in the upcoming financial year. A majority of these developments are concerning roads and transportation facilities in the country, however, schemes like the PM Awas Yojana, AMRUT[3], and Smart Cities Mission also incentivise residential infrastructural developments and give a boost to the real estate market. With the introduction of programmes such as the PM Gati Shakti, which aims to bring together Ministries related to transport (roads, railways, etc), we can expect a much more efficient planning system that may further increase the demand in the industries related to infrastructure, leading to even more growth.
One essential part of the Indian economy is the railway network. The railways present a special income and expenditure profile in the budget[4]. In 2022-23, the total expenditure on the Indian Railways is expected to be Rs 4,73,440 crore. While a lot of this amount goes towards the operating expenses of the railways, a significant percentage of it also goes towards infrastructural development which is undoubtedly a blessing for the cement industry.
Driving India ahead
Budget 2022 also makes provisions for improving the ease of doing business in India. Kejriwal further adds, “Initiatives such as the use of Surety Bonds as a substitute for bank guarantee, a cap on Surcharge of AOPs consortiums at 15 per cent as against 37 per cent earlier and an end-to-end online e-Bill System to enhance transparency are steps in the right direction for EPC contractors.”
While expenditure in the infrastructure, transport, and real estate sector from the government is sure to cause these sectors to grow, expenditure from individuals is also a key driving factor in the real estate sector. Individual customers would have greatly appreciated some form of tax benefits on home loans, which could have led to growth in the residential real estate sector, which also benefits the cement industry in addition to industries such as steel, home electronics and appliances, and many more. The middle class has also not received any reduction in the income tax, meaning that these individuals will be hesitant to make large investments such as real estate at the moment as well.
In conclusion, the new budget seems to be very beneficial for the cement industry, along with various other allied industries which play a role in construction and infrastructure. Budget 2022 promises tremendous developments in the public infrastructure and transportation in India, and development in these sectors is expected to lead to further development throughout the economy in the foreseeable future. Additionally, ease of doing business is also expected to improve with provisions such as the end-to-end online e-bill system. However, it is not only the government and large companies that form the market but also the individuals, and it would be very helpful for the industry if the government makes provisions for them.
UltraTech Cement has announced its foray into the wires and cables segment, further expanding its footprint in the construction value chain. The Aditya Birla Group company will invest Rs 18 billion in setting up a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility near Bharuch, Gujarat, which is expected to commence operations by December 2026. An initial investment of Rs 1 billion has already been made towards the project.
The UltraTech board of directors approved the strategic expansion, reaffirming the company’s commitment to strengthening its position as a comprehensive building solutions provider. This move follows last year’s entry into the decorative paints sector with the launch of Birla Opus, signalling the company’s diversification beyond its core cement business.
Strategic Market Entry and Growth Potential
UltraTech Cement aims to tap into the growing demand for wires and cables across residential, commercial, infrastructure, and industrial sectors. The wires and cables industry in India has witnessed a robust revenue growth of approximately 13% between FY2019 and FY2024, driven by rising urbanisation, infrastructure development, and increasing adoption of branded products over unorganised players.
UltraTech believes its entry into this high-growth sector will be value accretive for its shareholders, presenting a compelling opportunity to establish a credible, large-scale presence in the organised market.
Core Cement Business Remains a Priority
Despite this diversification, UltraTech Cement remains firmly committed to its core cement business. The company recently achieved a milestone cement production capacity of over 175 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) in India. It continues to strengthen its leadership position through strategic acquisitions and capacity expansions, especially amid intense competition from Ambuja Cements, owned by the Adani Group.
Industry Outlook: A Diversified Future for Construction Materials
The construction materials industry in India is witnessing rapid evolution, with companies increasingly diversifying their portfolios to cater to a growing and dynamic market. With infrastructure development and urbanisation on the rise, demand for complementary building materials such as wires, cables, and paints is expected to surge. UltraTech’s strategic expansion aligns with this trend, positioning it to capitalise on emerging opportunities while reinforcing its leadership in cement manufacturing.
In a significant boost to Assam’s industrial expansion, Star Cement Ltd has announced a Rs 32 billoninvestment to establish a state-of-the-art cement clinker and grinding plant in the region. The commitment was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Assam government and the company on the concluding day of the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressing the gathering, lauded the commitment of leading investors towards the state’s economic progress. He underscored that such projects reinforce Assam’s position as an emerging industrial hub. “The investment commitments we have received reflect Assam’s potential as a centre for industries and innovation. These projects will significantly contribute to our vision of a developed and self-reliant Assam,” he stated.
This ambitious proposal by Star Cement aligns with Assam’s broader vision of fostering large-scale industrialisation, particularly in key sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and green energy. The project is expected to create significant employment opportunities and contribute to the state’s economic landscape.
Surge in Investments Across Sectors
Beyond Star Cement’s investment, the Assam government secured several other strategic MoUs during the summit. Among them was an agreement with Matheson Hydrogen Lvt Ltd, which will set up a Rs 15 billion hydrogen and steam generation facility, marking a crucial step in Assam’s transition towards clean energy.
Additionally, the state signed a Rs 5 billion MoU with Global Health Ltd to bolster healthcare infrastructure, while ITE Education Services partnered with the government to enhance educational facilities through two non-financial agreements.
Over the two-day event, Assam witnessed the signing of a record-breaking 164 MoUs spanning 15 sectors, reinforcing its status as a promising investment destination. The chief minister hinted at further agreements being finalised, underscoring the growing confidence of investors in Assam’s potential.
Market Outlook: Assam’s Industrial and Economic Trajectory
The surge in investments at the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit highlights the state’s evolving business landscape. With an emphasis on industrial diversification, infrastructure development, and sustainable energy solutions, Assam is poised to emerge as a key player in India’s economic growth story. The increasing participation of major companies across various sectors signals a robust economic trajectory, further solidifying Assam’s reputation as a preferred destination for investors seeking growth and innovation.
Kaushalya Logistics, a diversified conglomerate specializing in logistics for the cement industry, has expanded its operations with the commencement of services at the Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) depot of ACC, a part of the Adani Cement Group. This development aligns with the company’s strategic growth objectives, aimed at enhancing supply chain efficiencies and streamlining cement distribution across key regions in India.
The Varanasi depot, established under the CCFA model, marks the company’s sixth location and eighth depot under this framework. Designed to manage over 20,000 metric tons of cement per month, the facility will contribute to improved inventory management and timely deliveries. As the cement industry experiences strong demand growth, efficient distribution networks play a critical role in ensuring seamless supply chain operations.
Kaushalya Logistics has been actively expanding its depot network to support cement manufacturers with faster turnaround times, optimized inventory management, and cost-effective logistics solutions. Through automation, digital tracking systems, and operational excellence, the company continues to enhance its service offerings, aligning with the evolving needs of the industry.
The launch of the Varanasi depot is part of Kaushalya Logistics’ aggressive expansion strategy, which has seen the establishment of 19 new depots in FY 2024-25. With this addition, the company’s total network has grown to 93 depots, significantly strengthening its market presence. This expansion further reinforces Kaushalya Logistics’ role as a key logistics partner for leading cement manufacturers, ensuring efficient and uninterrupted cement distribution across diverse regions in India.
![](https://indiancementreview.com/wp-content/uploads/tarmac.gif")
Concrete1 month ago
Concrete4 weeks ago
Uncategorized4 weeks ago