Concrete
Making Construction Sector Sustainable
Published
3 years agoon
By
admin
While Ready-Mix Concrete and Manufactured Sand offer many benefits, there are also challenges associated with their use, especially ones related to sustainable practices. ICR analyses the different aspects of using these two products for construction and their environmental impact.
Concrete is one of the most commonly used building materials in the construction industry. There are different types of concrete, and they are chosen based on their specific properties and intended use.
Some of the common types of concrete used in construction include:
- Normal concrete: This is the most commonly used type of concrete and is made by mixing cement, water, sand, and aggregates. It has a compressive strength of about 20-25 MPa and is suitable for general construction purposes.
- High-strength concrete: This type of concrete has a compressive strength of over 40 MPa and is used in structures that require high strength, such as tall buildings, bridges, and dams.
- Self-compacting concrete: This type of concrete is highly fluid and can flow and fill the formwork without the need for vibration. It is commonly used in congested areas where the vibration of concrete is difficult.
- Lightweight concrete: This concrete is made by replacing the coarse aggregates with lightweight aggregates such as pumice, scoria, or expanded shale. It is used in structures where the weight of the building needs to be minimised, such as in high-rise buildings.
- Ready-mix concrete: This type of concrete is delivered to the construction site in a ready-to-use state. It is used in projects where large quantities of concrete are required, and the time for mixing on-site is limited.
In India, the most commonly used type of concrete is normal concrete, followed by high-strength concrete. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in the use of self-compacting concrete and lightweight concrete, especially in the construction of high-rise buildings. Ready-mix concrete is gaining popularity in India due to its convenience and time-saving benefits.
READY MIX CONCRETE
Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) is a type of concrete that is prepared in a batching plant according to a set recipe or mix design and delivered to the construction site in a ready-to-use form. RMC is a popular choice in the construction industry as it offers several advantages such as better quality control, consistency, and time-saving benefits.
The constituents of RMC are the same as that of traditional concrete, which includes:
- Cement: The primary binding agent that gives the concrete its strength and durability.
- Aggregates: These are the materials that form the bulk of the concrete mix and include coarse aggregates such as gravel or crushed stone, and fine aggregates such as sand.
- Water: This is required to activate the cement and create a workable mix. The amount of water used in the mix is carefully controlled to achieve the desired strength and workability.
- Admixtures: These are chemicals that are added to the concrete mix to improve its properties. Some common admixtures include plasticisers, accelerators, retarders, and air-entraining agents.
The process of preparing RMC involves carefully measuring and mixing the various ingredients in a batching plant according to a predetermined mix design. The mix design takes into account the desired strength, workability, and durability of the concrete, as well as the specific requirements of the construction project. Once the mix is prepared, it is transported to the construction site in special trucks with rotating drums, commonly known as transit mixers.
“Our company places great emphasis on efficient fleet management through effective use of technology. By implementing seamless ordering solutions and delivery and tracking systems, we provide a hassle-free experience for our customers, resulting in high levels of satisfaction. We place great importance on fuel management to operate in an environmentally responsible manner, reducing carbon emissions and maximising efficiency, which leads to significant cost savings,” says Pralhad Mujumdar, President,RMC, Aggregates and Construction Chemicals, Infra.Market.
“With our commitment to efficient fleet management and technology, we provide exceptional service to our customers while minimising our environmental impact” he adds.
At the construction site, the RMC is discharged from the transit mixer directly into the formwork or onto the ground, ready for use. This eliminates the need for on-site mixing, which saves time and reduces the amount of equipment and labour required for the project
TYPES OF RMC
There are several types of RMC used in the Indian construction industry. Some of the most common types of RMC used in India include:
- Ordinary Concrete (OC): This is the most basic type of concrete used in construction projects. It has a compressive strength of around 20-25 MPa and is suitable for non-structural applications like pavements, footpaths, and landscaping.
- Standard Concrete (SC): This type of concrete has a compressive strength of around 30-35 MPa and is used for structural applications like beams, columns, and slabs.
- High Strength Concrete (HSC): This type of concrete has a compressive strength of around 50-70 MPa and is used for high-rise buildings, bridges, and other structures that require
- higher strength.
- Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC): This is a specialised type of concrete that can flow and fill in the formwork without the need for vibration. SCC is used in structures with congested reinforcement and difficult-to-reach areas.
- Fibre Reinforced Concrete (FRC): This type of concrete contains fibres – usually steel or synthetic – that improve its toughness and tensile strength. FRC is used in pavements, industrial floors, and precast concrete products.
- Ready-Mix Concrete with Fly Ash (RMC-FA): Fly ash, a by-product of coal-fired power plants, is used as a supplementary cementitious material in RMC-FA. This type of RMC has a lower carbon footprint and improved durability compared to conventional RMC.
- Ready-Mix Concrete with GGBS (RMC-GGBS): Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) is a by-product of the steel industry and is used as a supplementary cementitious material in RMC-GGBS. This type of RMC has lower carbon emissions and improved durability compared to conventional RMC.
These different types of RMC are used in the Indian construction industry depending on the specific requirements of the project, such as strength, durability, and environmental considerations.
CEMENT – A KEY COMPONENT OF RMC
Cement is a key component of ready-mix concrete (RMC) and plays a crucial role in making RMC stable and durable. Cement is the binding agent that holds the other components of RMC – aggregates, water, and admixtures – together, forming a hard, strong, and long-lasting material that can withstand the stresses of construction and the environment.
However, cement production is also responsible for a significant amount of carbon emissions, primarily due to the energy-intensive process of producing clinker – the main ingredient in cement – from limestone and other raw materials. As a result, reducing the carbon footprint of cement production is essential to making RMC sustainable and green.
Several measures can be taken to reduce the carbon footprint of cement production. One approach is to use alternative materials in cement production, such as industrial by-products like fly ash, slag, and silica fume, which can replace some of the clinker content in cement without compromising its strength and durability. This approach reduces the carbon footprint of cement production by using waste materials that would otherwise be disposed of in landfills, and it also conserves natural resources like limestone and reduces the demand for energy-intensive processes.
Another approach is to use energy-efficient technologies in cement production, such as preheating and pre-calcining raw materials before they enter the kiln, using alternative fuels like biomass, and recovering waste heat from the process. These measures can significantly reduce the energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with cement production, making it more sustainable and green.
Vishal Kanodia, Managing Director, Kanodia Cement, says, “The use of alternative sustainable building materials is one way to make the industry more sustainable. Technologies such as modular building design and precast construction can help in the faster construction of buildings while reducing the wastage of materials. The use of renewable energy, such as solar panels, can reduce the dependence on non-renewable sources of energy.”
Carbon credits, waste water treatment and reuse of water and material reuse are some other sustainability initiatives that can be taken up by the building material industry.
SUSTAINABILITY IN RMC
RMC is a widely used building material in the construction industry, but its production can have a significant impact on the environment due to the large amounts of energy required for cement production and the transportation of raw materials.
According to a report by ResearchAndMarkets, the RMC market in India was valued at $7.5 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5 per cent from 2021 to 2026. The report cites the growing demand for residential and commercial infrastructure, coupled with the government’s focus on developing smart cities, as the key drivers of the growth of the RMC market in India.
To make RMC sustainable and good for the environment, several measures can be taken. One way is to use alternative binding agents such as fly ash, blast furnace slag, and other industrial by-products in the mix design. These materials not only reduce the carbon emissions but also improve the durability and strength of the concrete. Another way is to recycle waste materials such as crushed concrete, glass, and ceramic waste as aggregates, reducing the demand for virgin materials and the amount of waste sent to landfills.
Additionally, batching plants can be designed to use energy-efficient equipment, and the production process can be optimised to reduce waste and energy consumption. Transportation can also be optimised to reduce carbon emissions by locating batching plants closer to construction sites and optimising trucks to reduce empty runs.
Lastly, certification by independent organisations such as the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) and the Indian Concrete Institute (ICI) can ensure that RMC is produced using sustainable methods and meets the required environmental standards. By implementing these measures, RMC can be made more sustainable and good for the environment
while still providing the same benefits to the construction industry.
“We ensure having updated equipment and processes to reduce the energy consumed during production, which in turn helps to lower our carbon emissions. We are also committed to recycling and waste reduction, seeking ways to minimise waste generated during our production process and recycle any waste materials. We have replaced diesel trucks with CNG trucks in some markets to reduce carbon footprint. We also have a practice whereby we provide E scooters to eligible staff with transferred ownership at zero cost to employees after a period of two years. Similarly, for managers and above, an attractive scheme has been launched to help them shift from petrol/diesel cars to electric ones,” says Anil Banchhor, MD and CEO, RDC Concrete.
MANUFACTURED SAND
Manufactured sand, also known as M-sand, is a type of artificial sand that is produced by crushing rocks, quarry stones or larger aggregates into small size particles. It is a substitute for natural sand that is traditionally used in construction activities, particularly in concrete production. Manufactured sand has several advantages over natural sand, including:
- Consistency: Manufactured sand has a uniform particle size distribution and can be produced to meet specific grading requirements. This makes it more consistent than natural sand, which can vary in size and shape depending on the source.
- Availability: The availability of natural sand is limited, particularly in urban areas where demand is high. Manufactured sand can be produced locally, reducing the need for transportation and ensuring a steady supply.
- Quality: Manufactured sand is free of impurities such as clay, silt and organic materials, which can affect the quality of concrete.
- Environmental benefits: The production of manufactured sand requires less water and
- energy compared to the extraction of natural sand from riverbeds or oceans, reducing the environmental impact.
Manufactured sand is widely used in the construction industry for various applications, including:
- Concrete production: Manufactured sand is a key ingredient in the production of concrete, reducing the need for natural sand, which is becoming scarce in many areas.
- Mortar production: Manufactured sand can also be used in mortar production for masonry work.
- Asphalt production: Manufactured sand can be used as a substitute for natural sand in asphalt production.
- Landscaping: Manufactured sand can also be used for landscaping and as a base material for paving blocks, bricks and other building materials.
Overall, the use of manufactured sand can help to reduce the demand for natural sand and contribute to more sustainable construction practices.
The use of RMC and M-Sand in construction has several advantages, including improved quality, reduced construction time and cost, and environmental sustainability. RMC is a highly versatile and convenient building material that offers consistent quality and durability, while M-Sand is a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to natural river sand. Together, RMC and M-Sand can provide an efficient and sustainable solution for construction projects, meeting the growing demand for infrastructure development in India. As the construction industry continues to grow, the adoption of RMC and M-Sand is essential to ensure sustainable and responsible development, while also meeting the evolving needs of the modern built environment.
–Kanika Mathur
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Concrete
Akhoya Gets New 2.2 Km Road Link Under SASCI
Two cement concrete roads opened at Rs 29.1 million (mn) cost
Published
3 days agoon
July 3, 2026By
admin
Two cement concrete pavement roads covering a total stretch of 2.2 km in Akhoya village were inaugurated on 27th June 2026 by MLA Nuklutoshi Longkumer, who attended as the special guest. The project comprises the one km L Pangersowa Road and the one point two km Longchara Junction to RC Chiten Jamir Memorial Government High School road. A formal programme followed the inauguration at the school auditorium.
A technical report was presented by Er Waloniba of the Urban Engineering Wing-III, Kohima, which stated the project was sanctioned in March 2026 under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme for 2025-26 at a sanctioned cost of Rs 29.1 million (mn). The work order was issued to M/s Ensign Construction on thirtieth April 2026 with a stipulated completion period of 12 months. Work commenced on fourth May 2026 and was completed on sixth June 2026, with the contractor and team finishing the tasks in around two months. The project included a single-lane cement concrete pavement with side drains, two slab culverts and breast walls at required locations.
Longkumer acknowledged the Chief Minister, the advisor for urban development, contractors and other stakeholders for the allocation and support, and he commended the contractor for early completion. He noted that cooperation from landowners and the community had been important in resolving land related issues that can otherwise delay developmental works. He emphasised that planned developmental activities carried out with collective effort would enable more projects to be implemented successfully.
The headmaster of RC Chiten Jamir Memorial Government High School, I Chubasenba Longkumer, outlined the school background, noting it was established in 1962, was earlier known as Government High School Changtongya and was renamed in 2014. Local representatives said the improved approach roads would ease access for students, staff, patients and the general public and fulfil a long standing aspiration of residents. A dedicatory prayer was offered by the pastor and the programme concluded with a ribbon cutting attended by village council and town council representatives.
Indian Cement Review (ICR) and Fuller Technologies brought industry, policy and technology leaders together to discuss how cement innovation can drive green construction at scale, writes Rakesh Rao.
India is building at a pace few countries can match. Highways, airports, housing, logistics parks, industrial corridors and urban infrastructure are reshaping the country’s economic geography. But beneath this growth story lies a difficult question: can India continue to build at scale without locking itself into a high-carbon future?
That question formed the core of an online panel discussion titled “Driving Green Construction Through Cement Innovation”, organised by Indian Cement Review (ICR) in association with Fuller Technologies as the Presenting Partner on June 25, 2026. The webinar brought together experts from cement technology, R&D, global industry platforms, building performance policy and international development cooperation to examine how low-carbon cement and material innovation can accelerate India’s green construction transition.
The discussion came at a crucial time. India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and reducing the carbon intensity of its economy by 45 per cent by 2030. At the same time, the country’s construction sector is expanding rapidly, driven by urbanisation, infrastructure development, housing demand and industrial growth. Cement, as one of the most widely used construction materials, sits at the heart of this transition. It is indispensable to development, but also central to the challenge of reducing embodied carbon in buildings and infrastructure.
Moderated by Nitika Krishan, Senior Urban Infrastructure and Sustainable Policy Consultant, the panel featured:
- Kiranmai Sanagavarapu, Director, Low Carbon Solutions, Fuller Technologies;
- Dr Hemantkumar Aiyer, VP and Head R&D, Nuvoco Vistas Corp Ltd;
- Devika Wattal, Innovation Lead, Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA);
- Dr Sunita Purushottam, MD, GBPN India (Global Buildings Performance Network); and
- Vaibhav Rathi, Senior Technical Advisor, GIZ (the German Agency for International Cooperation)
Setting the tone for the discussion, Nitika Krishan underlined the scale of the challenge before the sector. “The question before us is no longer whether we build, but how we build sustainably,” she said. She pointed out that construction accounts for nearly 40 per cent of global energy-related carbon emissions when both operational and embodied carbon are considered. Cement production, she added, remains one of the hardest industrial processes to decarbonise.
For India, this is not merely an environmental issue. It is a development issue, a competitiveness issue and increasingly, a market issue. As one of the world’s largest cement producers and among the fastest-growing construction markets, India’s material choices will influence the carbon trajectory of its built environment for decades. As Krishan observed, sustainability solutions in economies such as India must not remain limited to laboratory success. They must be scalable, commercially viable and practical at national level.
The innovation gap: From technology to market
Experts believe that there is a need to bridge the innovation gaps for making decarbonisation in cement and concrete scalable. Devika Wattal of GCCA, explained, “The starting point must be the core cement manufacturing process itself. The first and foremost is the heart of our process, the heart of cement manufacturing. How do we reduce clinker? That is always a topic where industry is working very intrinsically.”
Clinker reduction remains one of the most important pathways for lowering emissions in cement. Since clinker production is energy-intensive and chemically emits carbon dioxide, reducing the clinker factor through supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), blended cements and new chemistries can have a significant impact. Wattal also noted that carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) will have a role, though it may not be the first lever for all markets.
However, she stressed that innovation cannot stop at technology development. A solution that works in the lab must also be adaptable to industry, scalable in production and acceptable in construction practice. “It is important for that innovation to be adaptable, to be scalable, and so that it can be executed in real time,” she said.
Wattal also called for stronger enabling systems around innovation. These include performance-based standards, product-level embodied carbon databases and clearer frameworks for evaluating green materials. Without these, low-carbon cement products may struggle to compete with conventional materials in procurement and design.
R&D must balance carbon, cost and performance
Bringing in the R&D perspective into the discussion, Dr Hemantkumar Aiyer of Nuvoco Vistas emphasised that low-carbon cement development cannot be treated as a single-variable exercise. Cement must perform in real construction conditions. It must deliver strength, durability, consistency and cost competitiveness, while also reducing carbon.
“The root of understanding and balancing all these aspects lies in materials, and knowing the materials,” he said.
According to Dr Aiyer, R&D teams must understand the variability of raw materials such as fly ash, slag and clinker. Different sources produce different material behaviours. This makes mix optimisation, material characterisation and processing-property relationships critical. When performance is affected, cement manufacturers must understand how strength enhancers, admixtures and other performance chemicals interact with the material system.
He also linked material science with process efficiency. Clinkerisation takes place at extremely high temperatures, around 1,400 to 1,450 degrees Celsius. Any improvement in raw mix design, process control or energy optimisation can, therefore, help reduce emissions and cost. Dr Aiyer pointed to artificial intelligence-based optimisation, Cement 4.0 tools and advanced software as important enablers for real-time process and material control.
“The more you understand the materials, the more you can control it,” he said.
LC3: The promise is proven, the sequencing is not
Limestone calcined clay cement, commonly referred to as LC3, has attracted global attention because it can reduce clinker content significantly by using calcined clay and limestone while maintaining performance in many applications. Kiranmai Sanagavarapu of Fuller Technologies said the technology itself has already moved beyond proof of concept. Fuller Technologies has worked with calcined clay technology for nearly two decades and has seen plants running in France and Ghana. These plants, she said, are meeting local and national specifications, while the economics are beginning to make sense.
“The calciner is performing, the economics is stacking up, it is making business sense to produce,” she said.
But if the technology is viable, why has adoption not scaled faster? For Sanagavarapu, the answer lies in project sequencing. Too often, clay characterisation happens after equipment is specified. This, she warned, is a backward approach because calciner design depends on clay mineralogy, kaolinite content, iron levels, reactivity, moisture and other variables.
“If you don’t know what your deposit looks like before you commit for the equipment, you are, in a way, going blind into designing,” she said.
She also identified permitting and plant integration as major bottlenecks. Environmental clearances, mining permissions and local regulatory approvals must begin early. Similarly, calcined clay must be integrated into existing grinding, blending and logistics systems from the design stage, not treated as an afterthought during commissioning.
India already has IS 18189:2023 standard for LC3, but Sanagavarapu pointed out that the standard is not yet visible enough in procurement documents. “The gap between what is technically being permitted and what the procurement is asking is the single biggest bottleneck,” she said.
In her view, successful scale-up depends on getting the sequence right: clay characterisation first, permitting in parallel, standards aligned with construction, and integration built into plant design.
India’s LC3 journey: Progress, but demand remains thin
Providing details of India’s LC3 commercialisation experience, Vaibhav Rathi of GIZ noted that JK Cement carried out the first commercial production of LC3 at its Rajasthan plant, followed by JK Lakshmi Cement three months later. These initiatives were supported by the International Climate Initiative of the Government of Germany, with IIT Delhi contributing deep institutional knowledge on LC3 research and BIS certification.
Rathi said India’s early experience has produced clear lessons. One of the biggest was the need to build capacity among regulators. While BIS certification existed, State Pollution Control Boards were unfamiliar with the technology and unsure about the approval pathway.
“The capacity building is not just needed amongst the producer and the users of the cement, but also the regulators who are working with this technology for the first time,” he said.
He also highlighted the need for better information on China clay deposits. Since China clay is currently classified as a minor mineral, centralised data on availability, quality and location is limited. If cement manufacturers are to adopt LC3 at scale, stronger mineral intelligence will be important.
The third issue is demand. LC3 has already been used in projects such as Palava City in Mumbai and Noida International Airport, but these remain limited examples. “It is in a chicken and egg situation,” Rathi said. “Cement companies are saying we need more demand, and users are saying there is not enough cement available.”
Public procurement, he suggested, could help break this cycle. If agencies such as CPWD and other public bodies begin testing, accepting and specifying LC3, it could create the market confidence needed for cement companies to invest in production and storage.
Building codes must catch up with innovation
Dr Sunita Purushottam of GBPN India argued that material choices will determine built environment emissions over the long term, but India’s current policy signals remain fragmented. Although LC3 has received BIS recognition, she pointed out that building codes, municipal bylaws, schedules of rates and sustainability codes do not yet provide uniform guidance on low-carbon cement.
“The current cement regulations are largely prescriptive and favouring traditional materials,” she said. This limits the ability of alternative materials to compete on performance, durability and emissions.
Dr Purushottam also raised the issue of taxation. Cement, including LC3, currently falls under the same GST bracket as conventional cement. A differentiated tax structure, she argued, could help accelerate market adoption. “In order for the market to demand LC3, that differentiation in the GST could go a long way,” she said.
She noted that green building certifications such as IGBC and GRIHA are already creating demand for low-carbon materials by assigning points for embodied carbon and sustainable material use. However, she said large-scale adoption will require regulatory mandates, particularly through building codes and state-level notifications.
She also cautioned that low-carbon cement alone does not solve the entire building performance problem. A material may reduce embodied carbon, but the operational carbon of a building depends on thermal performance, design, insulation and energy use. “The energy part has two elements,” she said. “One is the embodied carbon of the material itself, and the other is the operational carbon.”
Collaboration is the bridge between invention and impact
Wattal said GCCA sees innovation as a strategic priority and works through platforms that connect industry with academia and start-ups. “There is no way we will decarbonise our sector without innovation,” she said.
However, she stressed that research must be connected to actual industry challenges. Innovations developed in isolation may fail when they encounter real-world barriers such as raw material variability, plant integration, cost, standards and finance. Start-ups, too, need industry mentorship and scale-up pathways.
Wattal also flagged the importance of finance. Even strong technologies may struggle to attract investment if there is no common understanding of bankability. “We have always put projects into, is this a bankable project? But the definition of a bankable project has never been defined,” she said.
For India, she saw strong potential in its academic and start-up ecosystem, but said the challenge lies in alignment and prioritisation. The country has the research base, industrial capacity and market size. What it now needs is a coordinated route from innovation to deployment.
There is a practical concern for cement manufacturers: how can existing plants be adapted for lower emissions without compromising reliability or commercial viability?
Kiranmai Sanagavarapu addressed, “The reliability risk in calcined clay retrofit is definitely real, but it is almost always self-inflicted. The risk arises when a new process is added to an existing circuit without properly redesigning grinding and blending configurations.”
Existing cement plants, she explained, can take two broad routes. The first is external sourcing of calcined clay combined with mill optimisation. This requires lower capital investment and can potentially move in 12 to 18 months if other conditions are in place. It may reduce emissions by around 20 to 30 per cent. The second route is integrated calcination on site, which requires higher capital expenditure and longer lead times, but provides greater control over quality, supply and emissions reduction potential.
For Sanagavarapu, the principle is simple: low-carbon retrofits must be designed with intent. “Design it with an intent properly from the start. Start in the market conditions where the economics are already working,” she said.
Circularity: The overlooked advantage
According to Vaibhav Rathi, fly ash and slag are already well established in cement and construction (C&D), but construction and demolition waste remains underutilised. “C&D waste is a growing business opportunity which not many have taken up,” he said. India’s continuous construction and demolition activity creates huge volumes of waste, much of which contributes to air pollution, land degradation and material inefficiency. With the right processing and standards, this waste can be converted into useful construction products.
Rathi also pointed out that LC3 has a circular economy dimension that is often overlooked. It can use low-grade kaolin-rich clay left behind after high-grade clay is extracted for other applications. “LC3 is not only a low-carbon solution, but also a circular economy solution,” he said.
At the same time, he cautioned that LC3 in India is not yet cheap because it has not reached scale. Site-specific techno-commercial feasibility studies, supported jointly by development agencies and industry, could help companies assess whether LC3 production makes technical and financial sense at a given location.
Dr Purushottam added that India must address both low-carbon cement and construction waste together. “Both low-carbon cement and C&D waste go hand in hand. India does not have an option but to work on both,” she said.
Dr Aiyer called for policy shifts from both government and industry, including preferential purchasing of sustainable materials, minimum supplementary cementitious material requirements in public and public-private projects, and faster regulatory implementation. “If we can fast-track the regulatory standards and their implementation on the ground, that is the way to go,” he said.
From green ambition to green construction
Cement innovation is no longer only about chemistry. It is about systems. Low-carbon cement will scale only when technology, standards, procurement, finance, regulation, education and construction practice move together.
LC3 and other low-carbon technologies have shown promise. India has early commercial examples, strong research capability and growing market interest. But mainstream adoption will depend on whether demand can be created, regulators can be capacitated, standards can be embedded in procurement, and manufacturers can see a clear business case.
For a country building at India’s scale, the opportunity is enormous. Cement will continue to be central to infrastructure and urban development. The challenge now is to ensure that the cement used in India’s growth story carries a lower carbon burden.
- Rakesh Rao
Participate in Cement Expo 2026 and discover how next-gen infrastructure can be built with innovations in cement.
Concrete
JK Cement Declared Preferred Bidder For Gilund Limestone Block
Shares Edge Higher As Company Wins Rajasthan Block
Published
6 days agoon
June 30, 2026By
admin
JK Cement gained after being declared preferred bidder for the Gilund Limestone Block in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, a lease area of 370.96 hectares. The firm saw its shares trade at Rs. 5550.05, up by 28.45 points or 0.52 per cent from the previous close of Rs. 5521.60 on the BSE. The scrip opened at Rs. 5569.15 and touched a high of Rs. 5625.00 and a low of Rs. 5531.00.
The stock recorded turnover of 1742 shares on the counter and the BSE group A stock with face value Rs. 10 has a 52 week high of Rs. 7565.00 on 20-Aug-2025 and a 52 week low of Rs. 4670.05 on 12-Jun-2026. Last one week high and low stood at Rs. 5625.00 and Rs. 5329.00 respectively. The promoters holding in the company stood at 45.66 per cent, while institutions and non-institutions held 40.61 per cent and 13.73 per cent respectively.
The e-auction conducted by the Government of Rajasthan resulted in the company being declared preferred bidder for the mining lease, and the allocation will enable the company to plan phased development of the deposit, subject to regulatory approvals. The Gilund block spans 370.96 hectares and its allocation is intended to support raw material security for the company’s cement operations in the region. The designation follows the government auction process and will allow the company to plan development and integration of the deposit into its supply chain.
The current market capitalisation stands at Rs. 430.38 billion (bn), reflecting market response to the mining news and prevailing valuation levels for the sector. Investors and analysts will watch for formal allotment and related disclosures that can clarify timelines, capital expenditure and expected production profiles. The report is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice, and market participants are advised to consult advisers before making decisions.
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