Concrete

Indian Cement Review Awards 2024-25

Published

1 year ago

April 21, 2025

admin

The Indian Cement Review Awards 2024-25 honored excellence in the cement industry, recognising innovation, growth, and sustainability across various categories. A distinguished jury selected the winners, with a special Lifetime Achievement Award presented to academician Dr. Ravindra Gettu.

The Indian Cement Review Awards 2024-25 celebrated outstanding achievements across the cement industry, recognising innovation, growth, and sustainable practices. Winners were announced across a range of categories, including Innovation Awards and Fastest Growing Companies in the small, medium, and large segments. These accolades were the result of rigorous deliberations by a distinguished jury comprising industry veterans and domain experts.
The esteemed jury included Dheepan Ramalingam, MD, Ringfeder Power Transmission; Sumit Banerjee, Former Vice Chairman, Reliance Infrastructure and Board Member, FIRST Construction Council; Anupama Reddy, Vice President and Co-Group Head, Corporate Ratings, ICRA; KN Rao, Consultant – Energy, Environment & Sustainability and former Director, ACC; Ulhas Parlikar, Global Consultant; Goverdhandas Daga, Director, Secmec Consultants; Manoj Kumar Rustagi, Executive VP and Chief Sustainability & Innovation Officer, JSW Cement; Kaustubh Phadke, India Head, Global Cement & Concrete Association (GCCA); and Sudeshna Banerjee, MD, PS Digitech-HR India.
A special highlight of the event was the conferring of the Lifetime Achievement Award to renowned academician and researcher Dr. Ravindra Gettu, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to cement and concrete research, and for shaping the future of construction through academia.
The awards underscored the industry’s ongoing commitment to innovation, growth, and sustainability.

The 8th Indian Cement Review Awards

The prestigious Indian Cement Review Awards were held on the evening of 6th March 2025, in the presence of the veterans of the industry. Here are the highlights from the award ceremony.

Sr No. Award Category Winner
1 Lifetime Achievement Award Dr. Ravindra Gettu, V.S. Raju Chair Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras
2 Fastest Growing Cement Company (Large Category) JK Cement
3 Second Fastest Growing Cement Company (Large Category) Ultratech Cement
4 Third Fastest Growing Cement Company (Large Category) Nuvoco Vistas Corporation
5 Fastest Growing Cement Company (Medium Category) JSW Cement
6 Second Fastest Growing Cement Company (Medium Category) Star Cement
7 Third Fastest Growing Cement Company (Medium Category) Orient Cement
8 Third Fastest Growing Cement Company (Medium Category) JK Lakshmi Cement
9 Fastest Growing Cement Company (Small Category) Udaipur Cement Works
10 Fastest Growing Cement Company (Small Category) Shree Digvijay Cement
11 Third Fastest Growing Cement Company (Small Category) NCL Industries
12 Third Fastest Growing Cement Company (Small Category) KCP
13 Green Innovation of the Year Innomotics India
14 Green Innovation of the Year Fornnax Technology

Lifetime Achievement Award

“I am really humbled to be in the company of champions of industry. It’s a true honour! I receive this award on behalf of many people. My former students, my present students, my institute IIT Madras, my colleagues at TLC2, IJS, my friends and, of course, my family. It’s very important for an academic to get recognised by industry. We try to work, to help the industry and when the industry recognises us, it’s truly an honour. I thank the jury. I don’t know how I got nominated but I’m sincerely grateful to the organisers. I am very honoured.”
– Professor Gettu, Winner of ICR Lifetime Achievement Award

Fireside Chat: Driving Infrastructure, Cementing Growth

In this Fireside Chat, Nilesh Narwekar, KVB Reddy, and Pratap Padode discuss the transformational potential of infrastructure development in India, particularly in Mumbai. They highlight the critical role of public-private partnerships, project management, and strategic vision in executing large-scale urban projects. The conversation also addresses challenges in governance, funding, and balancing sustainability with rapid development.

Mumbai, India’s financial nerve center, is in the midst of a massive infrastructure renaissance. In a thought-provoking Fireside Chat, leaders Nilesh Narwekar, CEO, JSW Cement; KVB Reddy, MD & CEO, L&T Metro Rail – Hyderabad, and Pratap Padode, President and Founder, FIRST Construction Council delved into how the city is navigating this transformation and what lies ahead.
From the new coastal road to expanding metro lines, Mumbai’s skyline and subterranean routes are being reimagined. But as the panelists pointed out, infrastructure development isn’t just about laying concrete—it’s about vision, execution, and impact. One of the driving forces behind the progress has been strong leadership and the willingness of administrators to challenge traditional bottlenecks in planning and execution.
However, financing such mega-projects presents its own challenges. The discussion shed light on innovative funding strategies like land value capture and public-private partnerships that are enabling growth without overburdening public coffers. The panel emphasized the need for a shift from civil engineering-centric approaches to project management-led execution to ensure timeliness and efficiency.
Sustainability, too, was a hot topic. With climate resilience becoming critical, the speakers stressed the importance of integrating green solutions and urban design to foster livable, future-ready cities. There’s also a growing recognition that infrastructure must enhance citizen experience—mobility, safety, and convenience are no longer optional.
Ultimately, Mumbai’s infrastructure story is not just about concrete and steel—it’s about redefining how a city lives, breathes, and thrives. With collaborative efforts and visionary thinking, Mumbai could well become a model for urban transformation across the country.

Key Takeaways:

Mumbai is undergoing an infrastructure transformation with projects like the coastal road and metro rail gaining momentum.
Innovative financing models, including land value capture and public-private partnerships, are essential for sustainable development.
Improving mobility through metro systems, integrated transport, and road networks is a top priority.
Balancing rapid infrastructure growth with environmental sustainability remains a major concern.
Cities need integrated planning across transportation, housing, utilities, and social infrastructure.
There’s a need to shift from civil engineering-led to project management-led approaches to boost efficiency.
The private sector must step up with investment, technology, and expertise to support public efforts.

The 10th Indian Cement Review Conference

The 10th Indian Cement Review Conference included a 360-degree view of the sustainability efforts of the cement industry. The well-curated event had three expert-led panel discussions, one invigorating fireside chat and four informative partner presentations over the span of two days. Here’s a glimpse of the topics of the panel discussions:

Growth has always been instrumental for the Indian cement industry, the second-largest in the world, with the aim to add 80 to 100 million tonnes of cement capacity by the end of 2025. Led by visionaries and thought leaders, the industry is now on a green trajectory as it is speedily moving ahead on the path of sustainability, innovation and expansion. In keeping with its status of being a trailblaser, the 10th Indian Cement Review Conference focussed on the theme of ‘Driving Sustainability Through Technology,’ highlighting the sector’s commitment to decarbonisation, efficiency, and technological advancement. It was held concurrently with the 14th Cement Expo Forum 2025 and the 8th Indian Cement Review Awards, on March 5-6, 2025, in Hyderabad.
The Expo hosted more than 70 companies and welcomed over 1200 visitors, and provided them with a platform to witness the latest innovations, to conduct high-profile networking and to be a part of game-changing strategic discussions. The event catapulted the talk around sustainability to a higher orbit, while providing a platform for industry experts to converge and share ideas.

Panel: Impact of Consolidation and Strategic Realignment in the Cement Industry
As India’s cement sector undergoes rapid consolidation, leading firms are leveraging mergers and acquisitions to enhance market positions and optimise operations. This session examined recent deals, their market impact and strategies for HR, supply chain and marketing during M&As. It also highlighted global trends and lessons for India.

Panel: Technologies for Driving Efficiency

This session explored how automation, digitalisation, AI, robotics, drones and 3D printing are transforming the cement industry. Experts discussed strategies for Industry 4.0, predictive maintenance, OT-IT integration, workforce upskilling and optimising asset utilisation to enhance productivity, safety and operational efficiency.

Panel: Decarbonisation Strategies for Progress
Experts discussed the cement sector’s decarbonisation efforts, focusing on India’s net-zero goals, energy efficiency, waste recycling and low-carbon materials. They highlighted innovations in green cement, renewable energy integration, carbon capture and sustainable logistics, addressing challenges and opportunities in scaling environmentally friendly practices across the value chain.

Up Next

We are committed to being a trusted partner

Don't Miss

Decarbonising Cement Transportation

Concrete

Cement Makers Reaffirm Commitment to Sustainable Growth

Published

6 days ago

June 5, 2026

admin

World Environment Day spotlight on innovation and circularity

On World Environment Day, the Indian cement industry reiterated its commitment to supporting India’s climate ambitions through sustainable manufacturing, resource efficiency and the adoption of cleaner technologies.

The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) said the sector remains aligned with the Government of India’s Net Zero commitments and is accelerating efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while supporting the country’s infrastructure and development agenda.

Parth Jindal, President, CMA and Managing Director, JSW Cement, said the industry is increasingly adopting cleaner technologies, improving energy efficiency and expanding the use of alternative fuels and raw materials. He also highlighted the growing importance of circular economy practices, where industrial by-products and waste streams from one sector are utilised as resources in another.

“The Indian Cement Industry is aligned to the Government’s commitments on carbon mitigation and is accelerating the adoption of cleaner technologies, resource efficiency and circular economy practices while actively exploring the potential of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) as a critical pathway for deep decarbonisation,” said Jindal.

He added that coprocessing industrial waste and by-products helps conserve natural resources, reduce disposal requirements and lower the environmental footprint across multiple sectors.

According to Jindal, sustainability is no longer limited to manufacturing processes but is increasingly influencing investment decisions, innovation strategies and long-term growth plans within the industry.

Echoing similar views, Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Vice President, CMA and Managing Director, JK Cement, said sustainable development extends beyond emissions reduction and must also focus on responsible resource utilisation and waste minimisation.

“Sustainability in the built environment cannot be measured by emissions alone. It is equally about how efficiently we use resources, how effectively we minimise waste and how responsibly we create the infrastructure that will serve future generations,” said Singhania.

He noted that the cement industry is advancing its sustainability agenda through greater resource efficiency, increased circularity, technological innovation and continuous improvements in manufacturing practices. As a key contributor to India’s infrastructure development, the sector has a critical role to play in balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, industry leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting India’s climate goals while delivering the materials required for resilient, durable and sustainable infrastructure.

Concrete

Building a Greener Future Together

Published

1 week ago

June 4, 2026

admin

Environmental sustainability requires immediate action, not just long-term commitments and discussions. Recycling, circular economy practices, and technology-driven waste management can help industries reduce environmental impact while supporting sustainable growth.

Author: Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, Fornnax Technology

World Environment Day serves as an important reminder that environmental sustainability can no longer remain confined to discussions, reports, or long-term commitments. The environmental challenges facing the world today demand immediate, measurable, and collective action. Across industries and communities, waste generation continues to outpace our ability to process it responsibly, placing increasing pressure on ecosystems, natural resources, public health, and the well-being of future generations.

One of the most significant shifts required today is a change in how society perceives waste. Rather than being viewed as a material to be discarded, waste must be recognised as a valuable resource that can contribute to both economic growth and environmental protection when managed through the right technologies and systems. This mindset forms the foundation of the circular economy model that countries across the world are increasingly adopting to reduce landfill dependence, recover valuable materials, and create more sustainable industrial ecosystems.

India has made meaningful progress in strengthening awareness around sustainability, recycling, and environmental responsibility over the past decade. Significant efforts are being made to formalise the recycling sector through improved infrastructure, technology adoption, policy implementation, and broader stakeholder participation. These developments are creating a stronger foundation for responsible waste management and resource recovery across the country.

However, achieving long-term environmental impact requires collaboration from all stakeholders. Industries, policymakers, technology providers, and communities must work together with greater accountability to strengthen recycling ecosystems, encourage responsible waste management practices, and create sustainable outcomes through consistent execution rather than temporary interventions.

As someone closely associated with the recycling industry, I firmly believe that technology will play a decisive role in addressing future environmental challenges. Advanced recycling systems have the potential to recover valuable resources, reduce pollution, minimise landfill burdens, and conserve energy, creating a more sustainable future for generations to come. This belief is deeply reflected in Fornnax’s motto, “Committed to Create a Green Future,” which embodies our commitment to building long-term environmental value through innovation and responsible action.

At the same time, technology alone cannot deliver meaningful change. Real progress requires intent, awareness, participation, and a shared sense of responsibility. Sustainable development can only be achieved when innovation is supported by collective action and a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship.

On this World Environment Day, let us move beyond conversations and take meaningful steps towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable planet. By embracing innovation, strengthening recycling ecosystems, and acting responsibly today, we can create lasting environmental impact and secure a better future for generations to come.

Concrete

JK Lakshmi Advances LC3 Cement Expansion

Company highlights commercial production and research partnerships

Published

1 week ago

June 1, 2026

admin

The meeting reviewed progress in limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) technology and its commercial adoption in India’s cement sector, focusing on low-carbon alternatives to conventional binders. JK Lakshmi Cement noted that limestone calcined clay cement can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 40 per cent compared with conventional cement and said this reduction supports industry decarbonisation. The company highlighted that it was among the first two cement manufacturers in India to move LC3 into commercial production after the Bureau of Indian Standards approved the technology as a cement standard.

Vinita Singhania said the transition of LC3 from research to commercial production reflected collaboration between industry, academia and international institutions. Maya Tissafi acknowledged JK Lakshmi Cement’s role in advancing LC3 adoption in India and its contribution in taking the technology from laboratory trials to commercial implementation. Both representatives underlined the growing relevance of sustainable construction materials as India expands infrastructure and urban development.

The meeting explored continued collaboration with Swiss research institutions such as EPFL, EMPA and ETH Zurich alongside Indian academic partners and development organisations. JK Lakshmi Cement has been associated with the LC3 initiative since 2014 and worked with EPFL, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, Development Alternatives and Technology and Action for Rural Advancement. The company conducted one of the earliest industrial trials of LC3 and recently announced commercial production of Green Pro LC3 cement from its Jaykaypuram plant in Rajasthan.

India remains the world’s second-largest cement producer and expansion of infrastructure, urbanisation and housing demand continue to support long-term sector growth, increasing interest in low-carbon technologies. The company reported an annual turnover of more than Rupees (Rs) 60 bn and current cement capacity of about 18 million (mn) tonnes (t) per annum, with a target of reaching 30 million (mn) tonnes (t) by 2030. Apart from grey cement, the company also makes ready-mix concrete, gypsum plaster, wall putty, primers, adhesives and fly ash blocks, and both sides concluded on the need for continued collaboration to develop sustainable construction solutions.