Concrete

CONCOR Plans Strategy for GCT Scheme Risks

Addressing risks from common-user terminal tag.

Published

2 years ago

August 16, 2024

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The Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) is developing a strategic plan to mitigate risks associated with the common-user tag for terminals operating on Indian Railways land as it transitions to the Goods and Cargo Terminal (GCT) scheme. This strategic shift is aimed at optimizing terminal operations and improving efficiency in the logistics sector.

Under the common-user terminal framework, CONCOR’s terminals are required to be accessible to all users, which ensures fair competition and prevents monopolistic practices. However, as CONCOR moves towards the GCT scheme, which involves allocating specific terminals for dedicated goods and cargo services, the company needs to address potential risks and operational challenges that could arise from this transition.

The GCT scheme is designed to enhance the efficiency of cargo handling by streamlining operations and focusing on specific types of goods or cargo. This shift is expected to improve service levels and reduce turnaround times at terminals. However, it also introduces complexities related to managing terminals that were previously operated under the common-user model.

CONCOR’s strategy will involve several key components to effectively manage the transition:

Risk Assessment: Identifying and analyzing potential risks associated with the GCT scheme, including operational, financial, and regulatory challenges.

Operational Adjustments: Implementing changes to terminal operations to align with the GCT requirements, ensuring that dedicated terminals can handle specific cargo types efficiently.

Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with stakeholders, including shippers, rail operators, and regulatory authorities, to ensure smooth implementation and address any concerns related to the shift from common-user to GCT terminals.

Infrastructure Upgrades: Investing in infrastructure improvements to support the specialized handling of cargo at GCT terminals, enhancing capacity and efficiency.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that the transition complies with all relevant regulations and guidelines to avoid potential legal or operational issues.

By developing a comprehensive strategy, CONCOR aims to minimize disruptions and leverage the benefits of the GCT scheme to enhance its logistics operations. The transition is expected to contribute to more efficient cargo handling, better service quality, and improved overall performance of CONCOR?s terminal network.

This strategic move aligns with broader efforts to modernize and optimize India?s logistics and transportation infrastructure, supporting the growth of trade and commerce in the region.

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Jammu Division Begins First Cement Rail Traffic to Anantnag

Cement Loading From Kathua for Anantnag to Begin on September 14

Published

4 days ago

September 21, 2026

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Jammu Railway Division has placed an indent for the first movement of cement by rail within the division, linking Shaheed Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary Kathua Railway Station with Anantnag Railway Station. Loading for the consignment is scheduled to begin on September 14.

Concrete

Hard Worker Wins Three Honours at Kyoorius Design Awards

Ramco Cements’ brand secures Grand Prix and two Blue Elephant honours.

Published

4 days ago

September 21, 2026

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The Ramco Cements Limited’s construction chemicals brand, Hard Worker, has won three honours at the Kyoorius Design Awards 2026, including the Grand Prix – Grey Elephant in the Design in Action category.

The brand also secured two Blue Elephant honours, one for Design in Action and another for Packaging, recognising the design approach behind its brand identity and packaging.

Launched in 2025, Hard Worker entered the construction chemicals segment with the brand promise, “Hard-working products for hardworking people.” Its visual identity uses animals and birds to represent product benefits. The camel represents the water-retention capability of Hard Worker Eco Plaster, while the cheetah represents the speed and performance of Hard Worker Block Fix.

The visual language has been extended across packaging, retail, communication, literature, digital platforms and other brand touchpoints. Hard Worker uses bold colours, distinctive animal illustrations and simple visual storytelling to communicate product benefits across markets and audiences, including construction workers and applicators.

“For Hard Worker, design was never an afterthought. It was fundamental to how we wanted to build the brand. In a category that is largely functional, we wanted to create a brand that people could recognise, understand and remember instantly. The Kyoorius recognition is a wonderful validation of this design-led approach,” said Mr. AV Dharmakrishnan, CEO, The Ramco Cements Limited.

Mr. Balaji K. Moorthy, Executive Director – Marketing, Ramco Cements said “In a category where communication has traditionally been product-led and functional, we wanted Hard Worker to stand apart by making design an integral part of the brand experience. From the distinctive animal-led packaging to our communication across consumer and trade touchpoints, every element was designed to make the brand more memorable and the product benefits easier to understand.”

Within its first 12 months, Hard Worker crossed Rs 3.5 bn in sales. The latest recognition follows six honours secured by the brand’s campaign at the Kyoorius Creative Awards earlier in 2026, including the Grey Elephant Grand Prix for its Eco Plaster film.

The Kyoorius Design Awards recognise outstanding design work in India’s visual communications sector across multiple categories and platforms. The 2026 awards were announced on 12 September in Goa.

The Ramco Cements Limited is part of the Ramco Group and operates across cement and allied building-material solutions. Hard Worker is its construction chemicals brand, offering solutions across key construction applications.

Concrete

Cement Firms to Invest Rs. 130 bn in Green Energy by FY28

Cement companies plan to expand clean energy capacity to 6 GW by FY28

Published

1 week ago

September 17, 2026

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India’s major cement companies are set to raise their clean energy capacity to 6 GW by March 2028 from around 4 GW at the end of March 2026, according to ratings agency ICRA. The planned expansion is expected to involve investments of Rs. 130 bn over the next two years.

The additional capacity could generate annual savings of Rs. 62 bn to Rs. 67 bn, resulting in an estimated payback period of 1.8 to 2.2 years. Cement is an emission-intensive industry, and leading producers have established net-zero roadmaps covering the next 15 to 20 years.

The calcination process accounts for 57 to 60 per cent of the sector’s total emissions, while fuel combustion contributes 27 to 30 per cent and electricity consumption accounts for 10 to 13 per cent. ICRA said the figures highlighted the need for a broad decarbonisation strategy involving green power, blended cement, alternative fuels and improvements in clinker efficiency.

Green energy is considered one of the most commercially attractive decarbonisation options because it can reduce emissions while lowering operating costs. Every 5 per cent increase in green power replacement can reduce power and fuel costs by Rs. 15 to Rs. 16 per tonne. A 25 per cent replacement level could therefore save Rs. 75 to Rs. 80 per tonne and expand operating margins by 140 to 160 basis points.

Cement producers are also assessing carbon capture, utilisation and storage, although high implementation costs, energy requirements and limited transport and storage infrastructure are expected to slow commercial adoption. The government has proposed Rs. 200 bn over five years to support deployment across key sectors. Meanwhile, companies are targeting thermal substitution rates of 10 to 15 per cent over the next three to five years, compared with the current industry level of around 6 per cent.