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The Rising Northeast!

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India’s Northeastern states, nestled between the Himalayas and the vast trade routes of Southeast Asia, have often remained untapped owing to logistical challenges and limited industrial exposure. However, with investments, policy support and infrastructure developments, this once remote region is rapidly transforming into a booming hub.

In the last 10 years, with multiple schemes at the level of the Centre and the states, India’s Northeast region has undergone a rapid transformation in terms of infrastructure, including rail and road connectivity, new industrial and technology parks, logistics hubs and cold chains, among others. With a significant increase in budget allocation, rising from Rs.361 billion in 2014-15 to Rs.1,058 billion in FY2025-26, the Northeast is set for accelerated growth. The Government’s ambitious Unnati 2024 scheme further reinforces the commitment to industrialisation and economic expansion in
the region.

Gateway to Southeast Asia
According to Manmohan Parkash, Former Senior Advisor, Office of the President, Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Northeast region can play a strategic role as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia and has the potential to become a trillion-dollar economy by 2050. He noted that the region’s economic growth rates, ranging from 11 per cent to 29 per cent across various states, reflect its strong development trajectory. “The Northeast is endowed with rich resources, a young workforce and geographical connectivity with ASEAN,” he pointed out. “By focusing on infrastructure, investment and innovation, we can position the region as a key driver of India’s economic expansion.”
He highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the expansion of regional airports in Guwahati, Agartala and Silchar. Investments in high-speed rail connectivity and inland waterways, particularly in Assam, are expected to further enhance trade links with Southeast Asia. He also emphasised upon the importance of integrating digital infrastructure to boost e-commerce, IT services and fintech in
the region.

Emerging investment opportunities
Providing a comprehensive overview of investment trends in the North East, R E Zeliang, General Manager, North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi) emphasised that the region is now a prime destination for business expansion. He highlighted key sectors attracting major investments, including agro-processing, tourism, renewable energy and manufacturing. “The Northeast is no longer just about potential; it is about tangible growth,” he averred. “With improved infrastructure, proactive state policies and an entrepreneurial culture, this is the right time for investment.”
Zeliang cited projects such as the Assam Semiconductor Manufacturing Plant and major investments from Tata, Reliance and Adani in hospitality, pharmaceuticals and real estate. The establishment of industrial parks in Tripura and startup incubation centres in Manipur is also facilitating a business-friendly environment. Additionally, he
drew attention to the region’s growing connectivity with Bangladesh and Myanmar through border trade agreements and logistics corridors, which are set to enhance cross-border commerce significantly.

Reducing costs with multimodal logistics parks
According to Sanjeev Patil, COO, National Highways Logistics Management (NHLML), the development of multimodal logistics parks (MMLPs) can be a gamechanger for the region’s supply chain ecosystem. He explained that India’s logistics performance index ranks lower than global counterparts, leading to high transportation costs. “To bring down logistics costs from 16 per cent to a single-digit percentage, the Government is setting up 35 multimodal logistics parks, with a special focus on Northeast India”, he said.
The MMLP at Jogighopa (Assam) – being developed by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL), a fully owned company of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways – is set to enhance connectivity via rail, road and waterways. It will provide cold storage facilities, warehousing and customs clearance, significantly benefiting the region’s agricultural and export-oriented industries. Patil emphasised that these projects are being developed under a PPP model, ensuring private-sector participation in infrastructure development.

Ropeways revolutionising last-mile connectivity
Addressing the need for better last-mile connectivity, Prashant Jain, Vice President – Ropeways & Inter Modal Hub Infrastructure, NHLML spoke about the Parvatmala Pariyojana, which aims to establish ropeway networks in hilly and remote areas. The Northeast has already proposed 33 ropeway projects, with key developments underway in Kamakhya (Assam) and Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh). “The terrain of Northeast India demands innovative transport solutions,” stated Jain. “Ropeways are not just about tourism; they will play a critical role in urban decongestion, logistics and mobility for isolated communities.”
He explained that ropeways are ecofriendly, require minimal land acquisition, and offer a reliable transportation mode in challenging terrain. He also mentioned upcoming plans for an intermodal hub in Guwahati, integrating ropeways, airports and highways for seamless travel.

Unnati 2024
To boost development of newer industries in the region, the Union Government launched the Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialisation (UNNATI) scheme in 2024. Pankaj Surana, Director (Tax and Regulatory Services), Ernst & Young LLP provided an in-depth analysis of the scheme, a Rs.100 billion initiative aimed at accelerating industrialisation.
The scheme offers substantial incentives, including capital subsidies, interest subsidies and GST-linked incentives to encourage new businesses. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for businesses to establish themselves in the Northeast,” he said. “The Government has ensured strong financial support, making it attractive for both new and expanding industries.”
Under the scheme, new manufacturing units can claim up to 100 per cent reimbursement on net GST payments for 10 years, while industries in backward districts receive capital subsidies of up to 50 per cent. Key sectors eligible for incentives include electronics, pharmaceuticals, IT, tourism and renewable energy. Surana stressed the urgency for businesses to register under the Unnati Portal by March 2026 to avail of the benefits, highlighting that over 300 companies have already applied.

Time to unleash true potential
The FCC North East Webinar 2025 highlighted the transformative changes unfolding in the rapidly developing region. With large-scale infrastructure projects, favourable investment policies and government-led initiatives, Northeast India will soon become a major economic hub. As Parkash concluded, “The time to act is now. With bold investments and strategic planning, the Northeast can become a shining example of sustainable growth, innovation and global leadership.”
Indeed, strong collaboration between the public and private sectors will allow the region to emerge as a powerhouse of economic growth, intertwining India with the dynamic markets of Southeast Asia.

(The distinguished speakers shared their insights at a webinar titled ‘The Rising North East’ on March 18, 2025, hosted by the FIRST Construction Council (FCC) – in collaboration with CONSTRUCTION WORLD, Infrastructure Today and Equipment India magazines. The webinar highlighted infrastructure developments, investment opportunities and strategic policies that are shaping the economic future of the Northeast.)

Concrete

Wonder Cement appoints Mahesh Singh as VP Corporate Brand Communication 

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Singh brings 20+ years of brand and marketing experience, and will lead integrated corporate brand communication initiatives at Wonder Cement 

New Delhi

Wonder Cement, a leading cement manufacturer, has appointed Mahesh Singh as Vice President – Corporate Brand Communication. In his new role, he will oversee corporate brand strategy and communication, including digital and performance marketing, public relations, trade, events, exhibitions, sports and experiential marketing. 

Singh brings over two decades of experience across marketing and communications, with roles spanning the automotive industry, agencies and entrepreneurship. He spent more than a decade with Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, working across integrated communication, media, digital, retail and consumer engagement. His stint also included helping build the company’s digital marketing capabilities. 

He moved to dentsu X India as Vice President – Strategy & Planning, working across categories such as automotive, auto components, electric vehicles, FMCG, consumer electronics, BFSI, apparel and brand consulting. His responsibilities included media and marketing strategy, product launches, content, performance marketing and consumer activations. 

Singh subsequently took an entrepreneurial route with Radiant Brands before joining Shriram Ltd (SPR Autotech) as Head – Marketing & Communications. There, his remit included brand and corporate strategy, communications, PR and ORM, retail identity, loyalty programmes and events. 

At Wonder Cement, Singh will be responsible for bringing together the company’s corporate brand communication initiatives across digital, performance marketing, PR, trade, sports and experiential platforms. The role will focus on creating an integrated approach to communication across consumers, trade partners and other key stakeholders. 

The appointment brings to Wonder Cement a marketer whose career has spanned the brand, agency and entrepreneurial sides of the communications ecosystem. 

Wonder Cement, part of the RK Group, is a cement manufacturer with roots in Rajasthan and a focus on quality, trust and transparency. The company has grown to six manufacturing plants, and a cement capacity of 21.5 MTPA. With more than 2,000 employees and a network of over 5,000 dealers, its operations span manufacturing, distribution and customer engagement, with a focus on consistent product quality and efficient execution. 

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Concrete

JSW Cement commissions additional 1 MTPA grinding unit at Nagaur

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With this commissioning, JSW Cement’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 25.10 MTPA, 
Mumbai

JSW Cement, one of India’s leading green cement producers and part of the diversified JSW Group, today announced the successful commissioning of an additional 1.00 MTPA cement grinding unit at Nagaur, Rajasthan. The commissioning marks another significant milestone in the Company’s growth strategy.

With this commissioning, JSW Cement’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 25.10 MTPA, while its total clinker manufacturing capacity, including clinker capacity at its joint venture, JSW Cement FZC, stands at 9.74 MTPA.

JSW Cement had commenced operations in North India in March 2026 with the Nagaur Integrated Plant, comprising a 3.30 MTPA clinkerisation unit and 2.50 MTPA cement grinding unit. With the commissioning of the additional 1.00 MTPA cement grinding unit, the plant’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 3.50 MTPA, enhancing the company’s ability to cater to the growing cement demand across Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the National Capital Region (NCR). The expansion has been funded through a strategic mix of equity and long-term debt.

During the quarter ended 30th September 2026, JSW Cement has also commissioned the Alternate Fuel Handling System and the Waste Heat Recovery system (WHRS) at the Nagaur Integrated Plant.

Nilesh Narwekar, CEO, JSW Cement, said: “The commissioning of additional 1.00 MTPA grinding capacity at Nagaur is a key strategic priority for us and will accelerate JSW Cement’s expansion into North India. We look forward to servicing the growing needs of the region and contributing to the economic growth of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the NCR area. I am delighted to share that the company has commissioned this grinding unit within the expected timeline, showcasing our project execution capabilities. Further, the Alternate Fuel Handling System and the Waste Heat Recovery system (WHRS) are expected to substantially reduce our production costs going forward.”

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Concrete

UltraTech becomes first Indian cement firm to cross 2 GW green energy

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UltraTech Cement has crossed 2 GW of captive green energy capacity, with renewables and waste heat recovery meeting 48 per cent of its power needs.

Mumbai

UltraTech Cement Limited has surpassed 2 GW of installed green energy capacity for captive use, becoming the first cement company in India to achieve the milestone. The Aditya Birla Group company commissioned 116.55 MW of wind capacity at its Inter-State Transmission System-connected wind-solar hybrid project in Barmer, Rajasthan, along with 10 MW of Waste Heat Recovery System capacity at Sarlanagar Cement Works in Karnataka.

With these additions, UltraTech’s cumulative installed green energy capacity has reached 2,024 MW. This includes 1,580 MW of renewable energy capacity and 444 MW of waste heat recovery capacity, together meeting around 48 per cent of the company’s current power requirements.

The company said the milestone reflects the progress of its long-term energy transition strategy. In FY27 so far, nearly one-third of UltraTech’s 76 manufacturing units in India have maintained green energy utilisation above 50 per cent of their electricity requirements, while five units have crossed 95 per cent.

K C Jhanwar, Managing Director, UltraTech Cement Limited, said, “Crossing the 2 GW green energy milestone is the result of a strategy we have pursued consistently over the past decade. Cement is an energy-intensive, hard-to-abate sector, and showing that reliability and growth can go hand in hand with a rapid shift to green energy sets a benchmark for the industry. With nearly half of our power needs now met through green energy, we are significantly less exposed to fossil fuel supply constraints and power price volatility. As we scale up renewables, waste heat recovery and battery storage across our operations, we are building an energy foundation for stable, long-term growth.”

UltraTech commissioned 430 MW of green energy capacity in FY26 and continues to expand its renewable energy and waste heat recovery portfolio.

The company is also progressively integrating Battery Energy Storage Systems across its operations to improve renewable energy utilisation and supply reliability.

In 2025, UltraTech operationalised what it described as India’s first on-site hybrid round-the-clock renewable energy project at Sewagram Cement Works in Gujarat. The project combines solar, wind and battery storage.

As part of its decarbonisation strategy, UltraTech said it has not invested in new captive thermal power capacity for either greenfield projects or brownfield expansions at its integrated units for more than a decade.

The company said its expanding green energy portfolio is helping reduce dependence on conventional grid electricity and fossil fuel-based power, while lowering exposure to fluctuations in coal and electricity prices.

UltraTech aims to increase green energy’s share in its total power mix to 85 per cent by 2030. As a member of RE100, it has also committed to meeting 100 per cent of its electricity requirement through renewable sources by 2050.

UltraTech Cement, the cement flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, has a total grey cement capacity of 210.1 MTPA and white cement and putty capacity of 3.5 MTPA. The company is also a signatory to the GCCA Climate Ambition 2050 and has committed to the GCCA Net Zero Concrete roadmap.

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