Concrete

Gearing up for Cement EXPO 2023

Published

3 years ago

October 19, 2023

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The seismic shift in India’s building materials industry, brought about by the departure of the Holcim Group and the entry of Adani Group number two position, has spurred the race for mergers and acquisitions.

The Indian cement sector is likely to receive yet another shot in the arm with the impending exit of Heidelberg Materials. JSW Cement is reportedly in talks with the German cement maker to acquire their local entities. Heidelberg produces 13.4 million tonnes of cement annually, and if the merger comes through, it will move JSW Cement notches higher on the production ladder. To stay ahead of competition, which will only get tougher in the future, market leader Ultratech has set a target of 200 million tonnes of capacity for itself. Their current capacity 137 million tonnes, so it would mean a 45 percent increase in capacity.
While the JSW Cement-Heidelberg Materials news bodes well for the industry, it also indicates that consolidation in the cement sector is still ‘work-in-progress.’ Market dynamics are changing and cement companies have to constantly face challenges related to rising energy and raw material costs. This is reflected in the rising per bag cost of cement, with fluctuations across the different states. Yet every challenge has a silver lining.
During the lead-up to elections, Year 2023 is marked by heightened political activity. Driven by the government’s desire to showcase development and gain voter support, it results in a substantial increase in the demand for cement. The Central Government is poised to expedite these infrastructure projects with a sense of urgency, recognising that the timely completion of high-profile initiatives serves as a potent form of political campaigning. Therefore, cement demand is expected to increase by 10-12 per cent this fiscal.
Issues such as how political and economic trends are affecting the cement business and how technology can pave the way for achieving net-zero targets will be analysed and discussed at length at the 14th Cement EXPO 2023.
ASAPP Info Global Group (the publisher of Indian Cement Review) will be hosting the 14th Cement EXPO on 14-15 December, 2023, at Manekshaw Centre in Delhi, where the CEOs from the cement industry, who are planning investments of 145 MT in the next five years, are headed. They need to plan for automation, logistics, material handling, energy efficiency etc. To exhibit and know more about Cement EXPO, simply scan the QR Code below.

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Concrete

Nuvoco Marks 10 Years, Targets 35 MMTPA Capacity by FY28

Nuvoco celebrates a decade of growth, targeting 35 MMTPA cement capacity by FY28.

Published

15 hours ago

October 13, 2026

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Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Limited is celebrating a decade of operations under the theme ‘Dus Saal Bemisaal’, highlighting its expansion in India’s building materials sector. The company has grown from a single cement manufacturing facility into a diversified organisation operating across cement, ready-mix concrete (RMC) and modern building materials.

The company’s journey began in 2014 when its parent, Nirma Group, commissioned a 2 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) greenfield cement plant at Nimbol, Rajasthan. A major milestone followed in October 2016 with the acquisition of Lafarge India, significantly expanding its manufacturing footprint.

Nuvoco strengthened its market presence through the acquisition of Emami Cement, now NU Vista Limited, in 2020, followed by its public listing in 2021. In April 2025, the company added Vadraj Cement to its portfolio, strengthening its presence in western India.

Nuvoco has an operating cement capacity of 27 MMTPA and 14 manufacturing units, including the Kutch and Sachana facilities in Gujarat, which are in advanced stages of completion. It also operates 58 ready-mix concrete plants across India and offers a range of modern building materials.

The company aims to increase its cement capacity to 35 MMTPA by FY2027-28, representing approximately 15-fold growth over the decade.

Reflecting on the milestone, Hiren Patel, Chairman, Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Limited, said, “From our beginnings at Nimbol to the organisation we are today, every milestone has added a new chapter to Nuvoco’s journey and strengthened our belief in building for the long term.”

The company continues to focus on capacity expansion, operational efficiency, innovation and sustainability while strengthening its position in India’s construction materials market.

Concrete

J&K Government Notifies City Gas Distribution Policy

Policy targets PNG and CNG expansion across all 20 districts

Published

15 hours ago

October 13, 2026

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Jammu and Kashmir government has notified the City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy, 2026, following its approval by the Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The policy sets out a phased framework for expanding Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) access for households, businesses, industries and the transport sector across the Union Territory.

CGD networks will be expanded in phases across all 20 districts, with the aim of bringing reliable natural gas closer to consumers and supporting a gradual shift from conventional fuels. The government said the policy is designed to improve energy access while creating an investor-friendly and time-bound environment for gas distribution projects.

The policy provides for single-window and time-bound clearances, streamlined procedures for setting up CNG stations and standardised norms for the Right of Way. These measures are intended to reduce procedural delays, simplify project implementation and facilitate investment in natural gas infrastructure.

It also prioritises gas connectivity for major industrial estates, including those in Kathua, Samba and Pulwama. Improved access to natural gas is expected to support industrial activity, enhance energy efficiency and help businesses manage fuel costs, while strengthening their competitiveness and encouraging investment in the clean-energy sector.

The policy is also expected to create opportunities for local employment, apprenticeships and skill development in the construction, operation and maintenance of gas distribution networks and related services. Abdullah described the measure as an important step towards cleaner growth, sustainable development and a modern energy ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it would expand reliable energy access and support industry and investment.

Concrete

JSW Cement Commissions 1 MTPA Grinding Unit at Nagaur

Nagaur unit lifts JSW Cement’s grinding capacity to 25.10 MTPA

Published

15 hours ago

October 13, 2026

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JSW Cement has commissioned an additional 1 MTPA grinding unit at Nagaur in Rajasthan. MTPA refers to million tonnes per annum. The commissioning has increased the company’s total cement grinding capacity to 25.10 MTPA, while its total clinker manufacturing capacity, including capacity at its joint venture JSW Cement FZC, stands at 9.74 MTPA.

The company began operations in North India in March 2026 with the Nagaur Integrated Plant, which comprised a 3.30 MTPA clinkerisation unit and a 2.50 MTPA cement grinding unit. Following the latest commissioning, the plant’s total cement grinding capacity has risen to 3.50 MTPA.

The expanded facility is expected to strengthen JSW Cement’s ability to serve cement demand across Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the National Capital Region. The project has been funded through a combination of equity and long-term debt, according to the company.

During the quarter ended 30 September 2026, JSW Cement also commissioned an Alternate Fuel Handling System and a Waste Heat Recovery System (WHRS) at the Nagaur Integrated Plant. The company said the additions formed part of its broader effort to improve operational efficiency at the facility.

Nilesh Narwekar, chief executive officer of JSW Cement, said the additional grinding capacity was a strategic priority that would support the company’s expansion in North India. He added that the unit had been commissioned within the expected timeline, reflecting the company’s project execution capabilities, and that the alternate fuel and waste heat recovery systems were expected to substantially reduce production costs going forward.