India’s cement sector is stepping into a critical growth phase, bolstered by signs of rural revival and tempered by cautious optimism on infrastructure development. A healthy monsoon this fiscal has set the stage for increased agricultural income, which historically correlates with a surge in rural housing demand — a positive signal for cement manufacturers who’ve already weathered tepid demand in Q1 with the help of strategic price hikes.
Crisil projects a 6.5–7.5 per cent growth in cement demand for FY26, compared to around 5 per cent last year — a promising upswing despite a subdued infrastructure pipeline, owing to lower highway project awards and muted rail capex. To meet this anticipated demand, cement producers are not only focusing on ramping up capacity but also fast-tracking investments in automation and AI.
Automation in cement manufacturing is no longer confined to conveyor belts and kiln optimisation. Today’s smart plants integrate end-to-end control — from raw material processing to final packaging — ensuring consistent output, reduced downtime and higher productivity. And now, artificial intelligence is poised to take this transformation further. Predictive maintenance, AI-driven quality checks and process simulations will define the next-generation cement plant, enabling manufacturers to remain competitive even as input costs fluctuate and sustainability pressures mount.
As the ‘Cover Story’ of this ICR issue explores, the cement industry is not just advancing with automation and technology — it’s laying the foundation for a smarter, greener and more resilient India.
But even the smartest systems can fall short without one essential ingredient: collaboration. Cement manufacturers, automation providers, and system integrators must work in lockstep to translate technology investments into operational excellence. The upcoming 15th CEMENT Expo 2025, scheduled for November 12–13 at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, Delhi, aims to serve as the crucible for such collaboration. With decarbonisation high on the industry’s agenda, this platform will bring together policymakers, technocrats, engineers, and business leaders to chart a unified, future-forward path.
You can also nominate your company for the Indian Cement Review Awards 2025 through an online nomination form.
To nominate, exhibit, or learn more about CEMENT Expo, simply scan the QR code below.