Concrete

We are focusing on cost-effective solutions

Published

4 years ago

January 16, 2023

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Abhishek Jain, COO, Satellite Developers, looks at the repercussions of the rising costs of cement on construction projects and the effective means through which developers can work around it.

How has the rise in cement and building materials cost impacted your business?
We understand that most of our projects are close to completion and therefore, there will be minimal impact. However, for under construction projects, the rising costs of cement and building materials will have a significant impact. We are proactively planning and managing these costs to mitigate the impacts and provide customers with competitive prices and quality products and services.

As the costs are expected to remain volatile for a few more months, is there any change in your strategy or approach towards the launch of new projects?
We have taken several measures to address the volatility of cement and building materials costs. We have tried to lock the prices with our vendors in certain cases. We are also closely monitoring prices and adjusting our strategies accordingly throughout the launch of new projects. We are focusing on cost-effective solutions while still delivering high quality end products. Additionally, we are exploring alternate sources of materials to reduce our reliance on conventional materials.

Tell us about the impact on timely delivery of developer projects.
The rising costs of cement and building materials have had an impact on the timely delivery of developer projects. This is true for other developers as well. We are working to ensure that the increased operational costs do not affect the quality of services we provide. We are actively managing our resources and focusing on cost-effective solutions to ensure timely delivery of projects while still maintaining a high level of quality.

How has the consumer behaviour changed with change in property costs? Do you expect the demand to decrease?
We have seen a shift in consumer behaviour due to the increase in property costs. Consumers are more conscious of their budgets and are seeking value for money when investing in properties. Although the demand for properties may decrease in the short term, we believe that if developers can offer quality products at competitive prices, there will be an increase in the demand for properties in the long term.

What is the major challenge that you have come across with the rising costs and how are you combating the same?
The major challenge we are facing with the rising costs for our real estate projects is finding cost-effective solutions that still provide high quality results. We have been exploring different ways to reduce costs, such as utilising new technologies and materials, negotiating with suppliers to get the best deals, and looking into other alternative options.

How do you envision the future of real estate development and consumer behaviour with the rising cost of cement and other construction materials?
We believe that real estate development and consumer behaviour in the future will be heavily impacted by the rising cost of building materials. A certain section of the consumers will rely more heavily on existing real estate, such as rentals and second homes, to meet their needs instead of buying new properties. However, a bulk of them will certainly opt for their own houses as they have realised the value of owning a home post the pandemic. Developers and investors will focus on creating more efficient, cost-effective designs and materials and will look for ways to maximise their return on investments.

-Kanika Mathur

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Concrete

Aditya Birla Group Launches Ultravolt Wires And Cables Business

UltraTech extends building solutions into electrical wiring

Published

2 days ago

September 9, 2026

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Aditya Birla Group has entered the wires and cables market through Ultravolt, extending UltraTech’s move from building materials into building solutions. The shift builds on UltraTech Building Solutions, a multi-category platform that already addresses customers across different stages of construction and extends beyond cement into ready-mix concrete, waterproofing, tile-fixing solutions and mortars.

The company intends to enter with scale, seeking presence across 100,000 retailers in more than 500 districts and availability through 5,000 plus UltraTech Building Solutions (UBS) outlets. The portfolio spans house wires, light-duty cables, communication cables, solar cables and low-tension and industrial cables to meet changing electrical requirements driven by solar installations, communications infrastructure and industrial automation.

An upstream advantage begins in the Group’s metals ecosystem, with conductor quality central to product performance. Ultravolt wires will use TruePure Copper, defined as 99.97 per cent pure electrolytic-grade annealed copper sourced from Hindalco, providing greater control over raw material quality and provenance and supporting electrical performance, safety and durability.

The business also targets the electrician community as a decisive influence on product choice and installation quality. The Wires and Cables Business has launched a Skill India Electrician Training Programme in partnership with the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India that aims to train and certify more than 40,000 electricians across India over the next year, focusing on safe wiring practices, correct installation and advanced wire technologies and offering Skill India-aligned certification and identification credentials.

The move combines market opportunity, UltraTech’s construction ecosystem, manufacturing capability and Group-level resources. A large Gujarat facility, advanced machinery and in-house testing and research and development underpin the product strategy, which is designed for both traditional and emerging applications. The ambition is to build a scaled national brand and become one of the top two players within five years, making the Group an integral participant in modern building infrastructure.

Concrete

Ramco Cements Mine Restoration Gets Global Biodiversity Certification

Pandalgudi mine restoration receives Advanced Certification from TGBS

Published

2 days ago

September 9, 2026

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The ecological restoration of Ramco Cements’ limestone mine at Pandalgudi in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu, has received international recognition with the site being awarded Advanced Certification by The Global Biodiversity Standard (TGBS). The recognition makes Pandalgudi the first site in Peninsular India to receive the certification and places it among globally recognised biodiversity restoration projects.

TGBS, recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), assesses biodiversity restoration projects based on scientific evaluation and their contribution to ecosystem recovery and local communities. The certification is supported by more than 250 scientists and academics worldwide.

Spread across over 500 acres of worked-out mine areas, the restoration project includes a certified 234-acre site. Initiated in 2018 with technical support from Auroville Botanical Gardens, the project began plantation activities in 2019 and is expected to be completed by 2027. More than 430,000 native trees and shrubs belonging to 150 ecologically significant species have been planted at the site.

The restored mine, which was once a barren landscape with limited biodiversity, has recorded over 72 bird species and 53 butterfly species. The project has also captured an estimated 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide over the past seven years, supporting broader sustainability and carbon reduction goals.

Opened officially in 2022, the site has attracted more than 13,000 visitors through educational programmes for schools, colleges and training institutions. The restoration initiative has also contributed to the development of the Rajapalayam Masterplan and supported Tamil Nadu’s carbon neutrality ambitions.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr P. R. Venketrama Raja, Chairman, Ramco Group, said the company aims for the Pandalgudi restoration project to serve as an inspiration and blueprint for the mining industry in India. Dr David Bartholomew, CEO, The Global Biodiversity Standard, highlighted the project’s long-term commitment to biodiversity recovery and independent assessment of ecological outcomes.

The certification reinforces Ramco Cements’ focus on sustainable mining practices and ecological restoration as part of its commitment towards a carbon-neutral future.

Concrete

Central Technical Team To Survey Sites For Bhadradri Kothagudem Airport

Delegation to assess feasibility and ground conditions

Published

3 days ago

September 8, 2026

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A central technical team will visit possible sites identified for the Bhadradri Kothagudem airport in Telangana to assess their suitability for airport development. The team will conduct on-site inspections to evaluate terrain, accessibility and existing infrastructure and will examine factors relevant to safe operations and construction feasibility. The exercise is being carried out in coordination with the state government and local administration to ensure alignment with regional planning objectives.

Members will survey topography, drainage patterns, soil conditions and potential approach paths and will note proximity to habitations and transport corridors. The inspection team will interact with revenue officials, the public works department and representatives of the civil aviation authority to collect technical inputs and records. Satellite imagery and prior site reports will be reviewed alongside ground observations to develop a comprehensive assessment.

Environmental considerations will form a central part of the review, with attention to forest patches, water bodies and biodiversity corridors in and around shortlisted locations. The team will examine regulatory clearances required and will flag areas where detailed environmental impact assessment and mitigation planning are necessary. Land acquisition records and options for minimising displacement will be evaluated in consultation with district authorities.

Findings will be compiled into a technical report for submission to state and central agencies to inform subsequent decision making. The assessment is intended to support careful site selection and to identify infrastructure and connectivity requirements that would need to be addressed during project planning. Stakeholder consultations with local communities and businesses will be part of the follow up process to capture ground level concerns and logistical inputs. The state government will consider the technical report before taking further steps towards detailed design and approvals.