Concrete

Sustainability is becoming a strategic priority

Published

3 months ago

April 13, 2026

admin

Pushpank Kaushik, CEO, Jassper Shipping, discusses how integrated logistics, digital tools and sustainable transport solutions are transforming cement movement from plant to project site.

The cement industry is increasingly moving from fragmented transportation models to integrated, end-to-end logistics solutions that improve visibility, coordination and efficiency across the supply chain. At the same time, sustainability initiatives and EV-led last-mile delivery are beginning to reshape logistics strategies in heavy industries. Pushpank Kaushik CEO, Jassper Shipping, explains how manufacturers will have to master integrated logistics and use it as a competitive advantage in an increasingly demanding market.

How are integrated end-to-end logistics solutions transforming cement movement from plant to project site in India?
The logistics landscape in India is steadily shifting from fragmented transportation models to fully integrated, end-to-end solutions. Traditionally, cement movement involved multiple intermediaries, leading to inefficiencies, delays, and limited visibility across the supply chain. This challenge is being addressed by streamlining the entire logistics journey from plant to project site under a unified operational framework. Such an integrated approach enhances transparency, reduces handling inefficiencies and improves coordination across all touchpoints.
In infrastructure-driven sectors like cement, where timelines are critical, seamless connectivity plays a key role in preventing delays and ensuring project continuity. Additionally, in the current environment of geopolitical uncertainties, particularly disruptions in key maritime routes such as the Red Sea, a robust, integrated logistics strategy enables faster adaptability and better resource optimisation, ensuring supply chain continuity.

What are the key operational challenges in handling bulk and bagged cement across ports, road networks and last-mile delivery?
Handling cement, both in bulk and bagged form presents several operational challenges across the logistics chain. These include inadequate road infrastructure, port congestion during peak demand periods and weather-related disruptions. At ports, limited mechanisation during high-volume periods can slow down cargo movement, increasing the risk of moisture exposure and product degradation. Jassper mitigates these challenges through its extensive operational expertise and global network. Managing a significant volume of vessel movements annually and working closely with experienced mariners and operators, we ensure precise coordination, efficient cargo handling, and smooth transitions across all logistics stages.

How does multi-modal logistics integration help optimise cost, turnaround time and reliability in cement supply chains?
Multi-modal logistics integration plays a critical role in enhancing efficiency and reliability in cement supply chains. Given India’s diverse geography, reliance on a single mode of transport is neither cost-effective nor operationally resilient. In fact, according to an IBEF report, logistics costs in India account for nearly 13 per cent to 14 per cent of GDP, significantly higher than global benchmarks of 8 per cent to 10 per cent, underscoring the need for more efficient and integrated transport solutions.
By strategically combining sea, rail, and road transportation, a more flexible and optimised logistics network can be created. For instance, leveraging rail or coastal shipping for long-haul movement can significantly reduce costs compared to road-only transport, while also improving transit efficiency. A multi-modal approach also enables better route
planning, minimises bottlenecks, and reduces turnaround time, thereby improving overall operational efficiency and ensuring greater reliability, even in the face of unforeseen disruptions.

What role do digital tools, AI and automation play in improving visibility, coordination and efficiency in logistics operations?
Digitalisation, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are redefining modern logistics operations. Tools such as real-time tracking systems and AI-powered dashboards enable end-to-end visibility, allowing stakeholders to monitor shipments at every stage and make informed decisions proactively.
Transparency is maintained through continuous updates on shipment status, estimated delivery timelines, and any potential disruptions. At the same time, automation streamlines key processes such as documentation, cargo handling, and fleet management, reducing manual intervention and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
In a volatile global environment, where geopolitical conflicts can impact shipping routes and schedules, AI-driven insights play a crucial role in predicting delays, identifying alternative routes, and enabling proactive decision-making, shifting the industry from reactive to predictive logistics management.

How are sustainability initiatives such as EV-led logistics reshaping last-mile delivery in heavy industries like cement?
Sustainability is increasingly becoming a strategic priority in logistics, particularly in heavy industries such as cement. One of the key transformations is the gradual adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in last-mile delivery. EV-led logistics solutions are being explored and integrated to reduce carbon emissions and improve overall operational efficiency. Beyond environmental benefits, EVs also help optimise fuel costs and align with regulatory frameworks in major urban markets that prioritise sustainable transportation. While the transition remains gradual, it reflects a broader industry shift towards building greener and more sustainable supply chains over the long term.

How important is port-led logistics and efficient cargo handling in strengthening cement distribution across domestic and export markets?
Port-led logistics is a critical enabler in the cement supply chain, particularly for both domestic distribution and export operations. Efficient cargo handling at ports ensures faster turnaround times, reduced dwell time and seamless connectivity with inland transportation networks. For a maritime-focused organisation like Jassper, port efficiency directly influences service reliability and customer satisfaction. In the current global scenario, where geopolitical developments continue to impact maritime trade routes, efficient port operations become even more crucial. They enable quicker cargo movement, facilitate route adjustments when necessary and ensure continuity of supply across both domestic and international markets.

-Kanika Mathur

Up Next

Cement’s Next Fuel Shift

Don't Miss

Fleet utilisation is a planning problem that data solves

Concrete

Cement Prices To Hold Steady Amid Monsoon Slump

Centrum report says demand weakness will limit hikes

Published

12 hours ago

July 6, 2026

admin

Centrum, a financial services firm, has reported that cement prices are likely to remain largely unchanged in July as weak demand during the monsoon season constrains pricing power. The report noted that construction activity remained subdued in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027 owing to labour shortages and slower execution of government projects. While June showed some volume recovery driven by delayed monsoons and quarter end sales, dealers are cautious about sustaining any price increases.

The analysis suggested that seasonal slowdown related to monsoon will prolong demand and pricing challenges through the second quarter. Dealers saw most recent attempts at price hikes as protective measures rather than genuine shifts in market fundamentals. They signalled that pockets of demand in select regions could prompt isolated adjustments but that broad based increases were unlikely while construction activity remained weak. Market participants therefore expected a cautious stance on pricing.

The report highlighted that despite intermittent recovery in shipments during June, the underlying demand trajectory remained muted as monsoon hampered site level activity and logistics. Commercial builders and retail dealers both reported constrained order books and slower payment cycles, which in turn reduced room for margin expansion among manufacturers. Analysts noted that unless government project execution accelerates markedly, demand improvement would be gradual. Price setters were thus likely to focus on protecting market shares rather than pursuing aggressive increases.

Market watchers said the near term outlook would be shaped by monsoon progress and fiscal spending patterns, with any acceleration in public works offering the most tangible support. Traders expected that regional variations would persist and that trade flows between surplus and deficit centres would determine local price movements. The report concluded that stakeholders should prepare for a period of subdued pricing until demand signals strengthen.

Concrete

Cement Prices Set To Stay Under Pressure In July

Monsoon and weak demand keep prices under strain

Published

12 hours ago

July 6, 2026

admin

A report by Centrum said cement prices are expected to remain largely flat in July as the monsoon and weak demand weigh on the sector. The report said demand during the first quarter of FY27 remained range-bound and below expectations, with dealers across markets pointing to subdued construction activity, labour shortages, elections, heatwaves and slower execution of government projects as key reasons. It noted that some recovery was witnessed in June due to delayed onset of the monsoon and quarter-end volume push.\n\nDealers across most markets do not expect any meaningful price increases in July, the report said, adding that attempts to raise prices in some markets are aimed at defending existing levels rather than achieving significant gains. The sharp correction following the rollback of April hikes has largely played out across most regions, limiting scope for further immediate increases. Seasonal slowdown in construction activity during the monsoon is expected to continue affecting demand and pricing in the coming months.\n\nCentrum indicated that pricing pressure is likely to persist through the second quarter of FY27 as monsoon-related softness continues. Dealers remain cautious about sustainability of any price rise attempts and do not rule out further weakness during the peak monsoon period. The combination of subdued demand and seasonal factors is likely to constrain the industry’s ability to raise prices in the near term. While June saw some improvement in volumes because of delayed rains and quarter-end sales efforts, the broader demand environment remains challenging.\n\nCement companies are therefore expected to focus on maintaining current price levels rather than pursuing aggressive increases as the sector navigates weak demand and seasonal headwinds. The report suggested that unless demand conditions improve significantly, limited scope will exist for meaningful price recovery. Market participants remain watchful for any shifts in execution of infrastructure projects or construction activity that could alter the outlook.

Concrete

TARIL Secures Ultra Mega Transformer Order From PGCIL

Order for manufacturing transformers to be delivered in 30 months

Published

12 hours ago

July 6, 2026

admin

Transformers and Rectifiers (India) Limited has received Notifications of Awards from Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) for multiple contracts to manufacture transformers and undertake associated works. The company submitted the disclosure to BSE and the National Stock Exchange under Regulation 30 of the SEBI Listing Regulations. The submission cited security code 532928 and trading symbol TARIL, and the filings cite the award reference and confirm execution in accordance with the terms and conditions stipulated in the notifications.

The contracts are described as an Ultra Mega Order under the company classification, indicating a value at or above Rs 10 billion (bn) on conversion. The filing identifies the contracts as domestic orders and specifies a scheduled delivery period of 30 months. The scope covers manufacturing of transformers of various ratings together with all associated work. The order size places it in the highest project classification defined in the company’s disclosure.

The disclosure states that the promoter group and group companies have no interest in the awarding entity and that the contracts do not constitute related party transactions. The company noted that the awards will be executed in the normal course of business and not fall within related party transactions. The document reiterates that the company is committed to delivering high quality products and services and has established itself as a leading manufacturer of transformers in the country over time.

Chief Financial Officer Mehul Shah authorised the filing and requested the exchanges to take the information on record, with the company providing the requisite filing reference in its submission. The company indicated that the orders will be executed as per the notifications of awards and the applicable regulatory framework. The original filing is available on the stock exchange portal at the provided link.