Economy & Market

Precast tech has a lot of potential in India

Published

6 years ago

January 5, 2020

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– Rajesh S Pandit, Head – QMD (Urban Infrastructure), TATA Projects

What are the basic grounds on which one should prefer precast technology for the infra projects and specifically projects like Mumbai metro?
Precast structures/elements are cast off-site under factory conditions in a large area with all relevant infrastructure in place. The facility is generally called as casting yard. These precast elements are typical in size and are produced continuously like factory production in specific sets of moulds. Many times, being in congested public place, space availability to perform construction activities is very less. Therefore, projects like metro, prefer precast elements, which can be cast at place away from site. It can be brought in at right time/stage and place in position during night times when there is minimum interference to construction or movement of heavy equipment.

Volume and repetition are the key parameters in choosing precast option as these determines the benefit of precast over in-situ if any. For the projects, TATA Projects is executing elevated metro, we are casting girders/segments of girders at casting yard. For underground metro, tunnel ring segments are cast as precast elements in casting yard.

Being produced in controlled conditions and with minimal manual interventions (unlike cast in-situ), it turns out to be of a flawless and superior quality concrete structure with utmost safety. It also creates a scope for speed augmentation as these elements can be produced independent of site activities/constraints and runs as a parallel activity.

Please brief us on where precast technology is used and where cast in situ is used in the present Metro jobs?
Metro projects can be broadly classified into two categories – elevated (above around) and underground. In elevated metro projects, TATA Projects is designing and casting superstructure (above Pier) elements like pier cap, girders or girder segments as precast elements. In case of underground metro, TATA Projects produces tunnel lining ring segments as precast element.

In terms of cost and speed if one uses conventional method of construction over precast, what will be the shortcomings? What are the advantages of using precast?
Precast technology enables to produce parts of structure offsite independently. These activities run simultaneously and does not have to follow sequential progress at site. The structures or elements of the structure can be shifted to site at right time and just to be mounted/erected at required place. As mentioned in previous sections, these elements are cast in factory precision conditions with almost all activities are performed mechanically with minimal human interventions. The safety and quality standards achieved are very high as compared in-situ works. The area for casting yard is big enough to accommodate/stack large number of such elements ahead of time. The process of casting, stacking and despatch of these element is meticulously planned and expedited as well.

Do you use any software package for QC? Are quality audits carried out at what frequency? What is the software used for managing the project?
At TATA Projects, we use in-house developed IT platform for monitoring quality functions for documentation, analysis and MIS purpose. An interactive dashboard and analysis of data serves as an input for decision making for improvement. Quality audits are integral part of quality management process implemented at site. Generally, building projects undergo audits once in six months and metro projects undergo quality audits every three months.

In short what tests are conducted on piles before taking up the job of placing pile cap? What has been overall feedback on pile testing?
Test pile undergoes initial load test. Once this test is completed and results are positive, routine tests are conducted at different frequency on working piles. Routine tests are:

Pile integrity test by sonic logging
Pile Integrity by low strain using ultrasonic pulse velocity
High strain pile dynamic test

Please provide us the details of concrete used in precast and in situ. Grade and minimum cement content? How do you ensure QC parameters?
The concrete grades vary for each structure. If you consider a typical elevated metro project, in-situ structures are pile, pile cap and piers. Pier cap can be in-situ or precast. Girders or girder segments generally fall in precast category. A typical example of precast or cast in-situ structural element details are shared herewith. The minimum cement mentioned in referred table is picked up from contract technical specifications:

Raw material (cement, aggregate, Pozzolanic material and admixture) are carefully selected, which comply with applicable specifications. The concrete is designed in such a way that it not only comply with performance requirement as per technical specifications but also is extremely user-friendly.

It is produced from state-of-the-art fully automatic batching plant. It is regularly inspected and calibrated to ensure it is performing accurately. A well defined quality inspection and test plan is implemented to cover different tests on raw material before it’s use, tests on concrete during and just after production.

A team of an experienced quality control engineer and skilled technicians is deployed round a clock to monitor quality control process. A full-fledged quality control laboratory is established (near batching plant) and is equipped with calibrated equipment, which caters to all testing and monitoring needs.

Statistical analysis tools are adopted to continuously monitor performance Indices of concrete and necessary course corrections are made to keep it optimum. It also helps to predict trend and take proactive actions to avoid surprises.

How about the placement of seismic arrestors in the structure? Seismic arrestors are installed above pier cap and there is a groove where the shear key fits in our elevated metro projects currently in execution phase in Mumbai. How many shapes of Girders used in the super structure?
Generally, in metro projects (elevated), "U" shape, "C" Shape and "I" shape of girders are prevalent. Whereas, infrastructure projects (major bridges) are also designed with trapezoidal box (hollow from inside) girders (or segments) commonly.

It is learnt that for using precast technology of construction, one needs trained and highly skilled man power. What is the situation in our country with specific reference to your project?
The use of precast technology is evolving in India and is predicted as future of construction tomorrow by industry pundits. Factors like ever increasing paucity for skilled manpower, need for speed, quality and safety, etc. necessitated mechanisation of construction activities as much as possible.

The employment of skilled people who can handle formwork, casting with required quality/safety, transport of precast elements and safe heavy lifting operations at site for placement are very critical to successful management of precast construction. However, still Indian industry has a long way to go. We, in TATA projects, invest considerably in resources to induct/train continuously our skilled workers, front line supervisors and engineers in different activities before commencement of the critical activity for ensuring "first time right" and "Zero Rework" approach. Specialised vendors and industry experts are also roped in to train our workers for specific activities. The company has also rolled out technical handbooks covering almost all aspects of construction and home grown good practices in all streams (civil/mechanical/ electrical, etc).

Good practices are also shared through daily "quality triggers" across the organisation. Quality parks are established and utilised for training the workforce with mock-ups, models and samples for easy understanding. Daily quality toolbox talks are organised by field quality engineers to the workforce before start of any activity at site.

Kindly brief our readers on the use of technology as it is practised at your projects. How does it compare with that being used in other parts of world?
Automation in cutting and bending steel, usage of system form work, 3D and 4D, BIM, drone monitoring, HeliCranes in transmission and distribution projects, tunnel boring machines in tunnels for underground metro.

Can 3D printing technology become applicable to precast technology? Is it used in any part of the world?
Generally speaking, 3D printing is an in-situ casting without any mould/formwork with a machine whereas precast technology produces concrete elements by pouring concrete in a mould in a factory environment. Both may be complimentary for a total solution.

What do you think is the future of pre cast technology in India?
India is also going through rapid urbanisation and this has created a huge demand for adequate infrastructure and affordable housing segment which cannot be met through conventional construction and hence modernisation of construction industry must take place. It is not the infrastructure segment but also the building segment is showing immense interest in Precast technology.

Big developers and contractors like Amrapali, Purvankara, Brigade and BG Shirke are constructing millions of square feet in a year by precast technology and a lot of others are taking steps to implement precast technology. However, for the technology to truly take off, the Indian government has to provide favourable tax benefits to developers to implement modern technologies. There is definitely a lot of potential in India to become a major global market for precast technology. A few good examples will set the pace right and there won’t be any looking back then.

In the US, AASHTO has developed standard beam design for various load and geometrical condition and standard concrete beams are available for various spans and load conditions for ready usage. Unfortunately, this is not the situation India because there are no standard size available in India codes – even for road over bridges crossing railway where a good amount of standardisation can be done. There are a few technical challenges like filling the gaps between panel joints, waterproofing, thermal expansion/contraction, etc. Structural joints in seismic zones are difficult to achieve.

Moulds for the precast segments of underground metro.

Stacking of finished segments in casting yard

Precast girder segments for infra project (bridge)

Concrete

Budget 2026–27 infra thrust and CCUS outlay to lift cement sector outlook

Published

14 hours ago

February 2, 2026

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Higher capex, city-led growth and CCUS funding improve demand visibility and decarbonisation prospects for cement

Mumbai

Cement manufacturers have welcomed the Union Budget 2026–27’s strong infrastructure thrust, with public capital expenditure increased to Rs 12.2 trillion, saying it reinforces infrastructure as the central engine of economic growth and strengthens medium-term prospects for the cement sector. In a statement, the Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) has welcomed the Union budget 2026-27 for reinforcing the ambitions for the nation’s growth balancing the aspirations of the people through inclusivity inspired by the vision of Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, for a Viksit Bharat by 2047 and Atmanirbharta.

The budget underscores India’s steady economic trajectory over the past 12 years, marked by fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation, and offers strong demand visibility for infrastructure linked sectors such as cement.

The Budget’s strong infrastructure push, with public capital expenditure rising from Rs 11.2 trillion in fiscal year 2025–26 to Rs 12.2 trillion in fiscal year 2026–27, recognises infrastructure as the primary anchor for economic growth creating positive prospects for the Indian cement industry and improving long term visibility for the cement sector. The emphasis on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities with populations above 5 lakh and the creation of City Economic Regions (CERs) with an allocation of Rs 50 billion per CER over five years, should accelerate construction activity across housing, transport and urban services, supporting broad based cement consumption.

Logistics and connectivity measures announced in the budget are particularly significant for the cement industry. The announcement of new dedicated freight corridors, the operationalisation of 20 additional National Waterways over the next five years, the launch of the Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme to raise the modal share of waterways and coastal shipping from 6 per cent to 12 per cent by 2047, and the development of ship repair ecosystems should enhance multimodal freight efficiency, reduce logistics costs and improve the sector’s carbon footprint. The announcement of seven high speed rail corridors as growth corridors can be expected to further stimulate regional development and construction demand.

Commenting on the budget, Parth Jindal, President, Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA), said, “As India advances towards a Viksit Bharat, the three kartavya articulated in the Union Budget provide a clear context for the Nation’s growth and aspirations, combining economic momentum with capacity building and inclusive progress. The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) appreciates the Union Budget 2026-27 for the continued emphasis on manufacturing competitiveness, urban development and infrastructure modernisation, supported by over 350 reforms spanning GST simplification, labour codes, quality control rationalisation and coordinated deregulation with States. These reforms, alongside the Budget’s focus on Youth Power and domestic manufacturing capacity under Atmanirbharta, stand to strengthen the investment environment for capital intensive sectors such as Cement. The Union Budget 2026-27 reflects the Government’s focus on infrastructure led development emerging as a structural pillar of India’s growth strategy.”

He added, “The Rs 200 billion CCUS outlay for various sectors, including Cement, fundamentally alters the decarbonisation landscape for India’s emissions intensive industries. CCUS is a significant enabler for large scale decarbonisation of industries such as Cement and this intervention directly addresses the technology and cost requirements of the Cement sector in context. The Cement Industry, fully aligned with the Government of India’s Net Zero commitment by 2070, views this support as critical to enabling the adoption and scale up of CCUS technologies while continuing to meet the Country’s long term infrastructure needs.”

Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Vice President, CMA, said, “The government’s sustained infrastructure push supports employment, regional development and stronger local supply chains. Cement manufacturing clusters act as economic anchors across regions, generating livelihoods in construction, logistics and allied sectors. The budget’s focus on inclusive growth, execution and system level enablers creates a supportive environment for responsible and efficient expansion offering opportunities for economic growth and lending momentum to the cement sector. The increase in public capex to Rs 12.2 trillion, the focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and the creation of City Economic Regions stand to strengthen the growth of the cement sector. We welcome the budget’s emphasis on tourism, cultural and social infrastructure, which should broaden construction activity across regions. Investments in tourism facilities, heritage and Buddhist circuits, regional connectivity in Purvodaya and North Eastern States, and the strengthening of emergency and trauma care infrastructure in district hospitals reinforce the cement sector’s role in enabling inclusive growth.”

CMA also noted the Government’s continued commitment to fiscal discipline, with the fiscal deficit estimated at 4.3 per cent of GDP in FY27, reinforcing macroeconomic stability and investor confidence.

Concrete

JK Cement Crosses 31 MTPA Capacity with Commissioning of Buxar Plant in Bihar

Published

3 days ago

January 30, 2026

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JK Cement has commissioned a 3 MTPA Grey Cement plant in Buxar, Bihar, taking its total capacity to 31.26 MTPA and placing it among India’s top five grey cement producers. The ₹500 crore investment strengthens the company’s national footprint while supporting Bihar’s infrastructure growth and local economic development.

JK Cement Ltd., one of India’s leading cement manufacturers, has announced the commissioning of its new state-of-the-art Grey Cement plant in Buxar, Bihar, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory. With the commissioning of this facility, JK Cement’s total production capacity has increased to 31.26 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), enabling the company to cross the 30 MTPA threshold.

This expansion positions JK Cement among the top five Grey Cement manufacturers in India, strengthening its national footprint and reinforcing its long-term growth strategy.

Commenting on the strategic achievement, Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director, JK Cement, said, “Crossing 31 MTPA is a significant turning point in JK Cement’s expansion and demonstrates the scale, resilience, and aspirations of our company. In addition to making a significant contribution to Bihar’s development vision, the commissioning of our Buxar plant represents a strategic step towards expanding our national footprint. We are committed to developing top-notch manufacturing capabilities that boost India’s infrastructure development and generate long-term benefits for local communities.”

The Buxar plant has a capacity of 3 MTPA and is spread across 100 acres. Strategically located on the Patna–Buxar highway, the facility enables faster and more efficient distribution across Bihar and adjoining regions. While JK Cement entered the Bihar market last year through supplies from its Prayagraj plant, the Buxar facility will now allow the company to serve the state locally, with deliveries possible within 24 hours across Bihar.

Sharing his views on the expansion, Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint Managing Director & CEO, JK Cement, said, “JK Cement is now among India’s top five producers of grey cement after the Buxar plant commissioning. Our capacity to serve Bihar locally, more effectively, and on a larger scale is strengthened by this facility. Although we had already entered the Bihar market last year using Prayagraj supplies, local manufacturing now enables us to be nearer to our clients and significantly raise service standards throughout the state. Buxar places us at the center of this chance to promote sustainable growth for both the company and the region in Bihar, a high-growth market with strong infrastructure momentum.”

The new facility represents a strategic step in supporting Bihar’s development vision by ensuring faster access to superior quality cement for infrastructure, housing, and commercial projects. JK Cement has invested approximately ₹500 crore in the project. Construction began in March 2025, and commercial production commenced on January 29, 2026.

In addition to strengthening JK Cement’s regional presence, the Buxar plant is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment opportunities and attract ancillary industries, thereby contributing to the local economy and the broader industrial ecosystem.

Economy & Market

From Vision to Action: Fornnax Global Growth Strategy for 2026

Published

2 weeks ago

January 19, 2026

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Jignesh Kundaria, Director & CEO, Fornnax Recycling Technology

As 2026 begins, Fornnax is accelerating its global growth through strategic expansion, large-scale export-led installations, and technology-driven innovation across multiple recycling streams. Backed by manufacturing scale-up and a strong people-first culture, the company aims to lead sustainable, high-capacity recycling solutions worldwide.

As 2026 begins, Fornnax stands at a pivotal stage in its growth journey. Over the past few years, the company has built a strong foundation rooted in engineering excellence, innovation, and a firm commitment to sustainable recycling. The focus ahead is clear: to grow faster, stronger, and on a truly global scale.

“Our 2026 strategy is driven by four key priorities,” explains Mr. Jignesh Kundaria, Director & CEO of Fornnax.

First, Global Expansion

We will strengthen our presence in major markets such as Europe, Australia, and the GCC, while continuing to grow across our existing regions. By aligning with local regulations and customer requirements, we aim to establish ourselves as a trusted global partner for advanced recycling solutions.

A major milestone in this journey will be export-led global installations. In 2026, we will commission Europe’s highest-capacity shredding line, reinforcing our leadership in high-capacity recycling solutions.

Second, Product Innovation and Technology Leadership

Innovation remains at the heart of our vision to become a global leader in recycling technology by 2030. Our focus is on developing solutions that are state-of-the-art, economical, efficient, reliable, and environmentally responsible.

Building on a decade-long legacy in tyre recycling, we have expanded our portfolio into new recycling applications, including municipal solid waste (MSW), e-waste, cable, and aluminium recycling. This diversification has already created strong momentum across the industry, marked by key milestones scheduled to become operational this year, such as:

Installation of India’s largest e-waste and cable recycling line.
Commissioning of a high-capacity MSW RDF recycling line.

“Sustainable growth must be scalable and profitable,” emphasizes Mr. Kundaria. In 2026, Fornnax will complete Phase One of our capacity expansion by establishing the world’s largest shredding equipment manufacturing facility. This 23-acre manufacturing unit, scheduled for completion in July 2026, will significantly enhance our production capability and global delivery capacity.

Alongside this, we will continue to improve efficiency across manufacturing, supply chain, and service operations, while strengthening our service network across India, Australia, and Europe to ensure faster and more reliable customer support.

Finally: People and Culture

“People remain the foundation of Fornnax’s success. We will continue to invest in talent, leadership development, and a culture built on ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement,” states Mr. Kundaria.

With a strong commitment to sustainability in everything we do, our ambition is not only to grow our business, but also to actively support the circular economy and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Guided by a shared vision and disciplined execution, 2026 is set to be a defining year for us, driven by innovation across diverse recycling applications, large-scale global installations, and manufacturing excellence.