Concrete

Weathering the monsoon blues

Published

6 hours ago

June 17, 2025

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India’s cement industry stands at a transformative juncture.
The recent launch of the nation’s first cluster of Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds—an academia-industry collaboration aimed at the cement sector—is more than a symbolic stride. It signals a commitment to deep decarbonisation pathways, essential to achieving India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070. The CCU initiative holds promise not just for emissions mitigation, but as a scalable, commercially viable technology that could redefine the sustainability narrative across the value chain.
CCU in cement can unlock new revenue streams through utilisation pathways like building materials, fuels and chemicals. Stakeholders view this as a strategic enabler for compliance with tightening carbon regulations and investor scrutiny. The initiative may catalyse a robust carbon tech ecosystem, with ripple effects across allied industries. Success here could significantly reduce the sector’s carbon intensity per tonne of cement produced.
On the other side of the ledger, operational realities persist. A premature monsoon this year has tempered dealer optimism, with subdued despatches expected through June. Historically, the monsoon season dampens construction momentum, impacting cement off-take and putting short-term pricing power under pressure.
Despite such cyclical headwinds, FY25 closed on a robust note, with installed capacity touching 655 MTPA—up 4.8 per cent year-on-year. A notable 11 per cent surge in cement volumes in Q4, spurred by accelerated infrastructure execution and commercial real estate activity, offset the lukewarm performance in H1.
Looking ahead, FY26 is projected to deliver demand growth in the range of 6 to 7.5 per cent, underpinned by government push in roads, housing, and rural infrastructure. The industry will, however, need to balance this growth with rising ESG obligations, fluctuating fuel costs and evolving regulatory expectations.

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Concrete

Shree Cement signs MoU with RITES

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5 hours ago

June 17, 2025

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Shree Cement has entered into a five-year memorandum of understanding with RITES Ltd, a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, to enhance its rail infrastructure network. Under this agreement, RITES will provide comprehensive services—from planning to commissioning—for upgrading, renovating, and establishing new rail connectivity across Shree Cement’s manufacturing units. The collaboration aims to facilitate efficient and sustainable transportation of raw materials and finished goods.

Image source:https://www.drvijaymalik.com/

Concrete

UltraTech Cement shifts its marketing strategy

Published

5 hours ago

June 17, 2025

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As per a news report, UltraTech Cement has redefined its marketing strategy by focusing its efforts around first-time home builders, particularly in rural India, who now contribute 70 per cent to its B2C business. Moving beyond conventional advertising, the company introduced the ‘UltraTech Se Pucho’ initiative—a digital advisory platform that has provided personalised assistance to over 12 million users, guiding them through the complexities of home building.
Another impactful programme, ‘Yashasvi Sarpanch’, engaged grassroots leaders, receiving nearly 9,000 entries and strengthening community-level influence. The brand also launched the ‘Banega Toh Badhega India’ campaign, leveraging influencers and digital storytelling to highlight the emotional and aspirational aspects of home construction.
This campaign reached over 500 million people and reinforced UltraTech’s position as a catalyst in India’s development narrative. Together, these initiatives underscore UltraTech’s commitment to customer-centricity, innovation, and nation-building, solidifying its image as not just a cement provider but a trusted partner in the journey of creating homes and communities across India.

Concrete

India donates 225t of cement for Myanmar earthquake relief

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5 hours ago

June 17, 2025

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On 23 May 2025, the Indian Navy ship UMS Myitkyina arrived at Thilawa (MITT) port carrying 225 tonnes of cement provided by the Indian government to aid post-earthquake rebuilding efforts in Myanmar. As reported by the Global Light of Myanmar, a formal handover of 4500 50kg cement bags took place that afternoon. The Yangon Region authorities managed the loading of the cement onto trucks for distribution to the earthquake-affected zones.