Economy & Market

We ensure sustainability throughout our operations

Published

2 years ago

May 17, 2024

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Ganesh W Jirkuntwar, Senior Executive Director and National Manufacturing Head, Dalmia Cement (Bharat), discusses the transformative shift of the cement industry towards greener practices. Going green aligns with global climate goals and presents opportunities for enhanced competitiveness and environmental stewardship.

What is the current sentiment in the cement industry about going green?
Cement, a key component of concrete, is a major contributor to CO2 emissions. Studies show that the cement industry’s worldwide yearly production of 4.2 billion tonnes contributes about 7 per cent of worldwide carbon dioxide yearly emissions. Since the pandemic, India and the world are now pushing harder than ever to meet climate goals. Moreover, for India, the need and importance to cut down on emissions is double; to target climate change and to reduce the current dangerous levels of air pollution.
The usage and demand for cement are only going to increase due to the burgeoning population and the need for housing and infrastructure. India, along with the world, needs to fast-track the journey to zero-carbon. Consumers are also becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the products they use and are seeking more sustainable and eco-friendly options. By going green, cement companies can meet this demand, gaining a competitive edge in the market and establishing themselves as environmentally conscious businesses.
In the cement industry, the problems of emissions lies in the manufacturing of cement. The energy used to heat the kilns that produce the clinker and the chemical processes that convert limestone into calcium oxide are the major causes of these emissions. However, the Indian cement sector has been at the forefront in responding to climate change. Many large cement companies have done huge emission reductions by using supplementary cementitious materials, improving energy efficiency, substituting fossil fuels with alternative fuels, using waste heat to generate electricity, and scientifically trying new production techniques and process improvements.
Technologies like Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) power generation systems, reducing or ceasing the use of fossil fuels, using solar energy, as well as converting current fossil-fuel-based facilities into renewable biomass fuel-based units, are being used by various companies to reduce the emissions during cement production. As the need for energy is paramount in the cement industry, the solution to its emission issues lies in finding renewable electricity that can produce clean, safe, affordable, and infinite energy. Across the globe and in India, companies are in the process of changing their manufacturing techniques to transition to clean energy and reduce their carbon footprint.

Tell us about the key alternative raw materials used for the manufacturing of green cement?
Green cement, which boasts a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional cement, is made using supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Below are some of SCMs, which are typically used in green cement production.
Fly ash: It is a byproduct of coal-fired power plants and contains silica and alumina, which are great for making green cement.
Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS): This is a byproduct of the steel industry. When ground into a fine powder, it can replace traditional materials in cement production and significantly reduce carbon emissions.
Calcined clay: This clay type is heated to high temperatures to enhance its reactivity. It can replace traditional raw materials in green cement production.
These materials help in reduction of clinker, with a very high carbon footprint in cement production and hence reduce the carbon footprint of cement.

How does the use of alternative fuels impact the productivity and efficiency of the manufacturing process?
The use of alternative fuels in cement manufacturing processes has several benefits. It significantly reduces dependency on fossil fuel, which is highly polluting and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, hence a great lever for lowering carbon footprint. Alternative fuels like biomass, municipal wastes and industrial byproducts are being used as a substitute to fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum coke etc. Uses of alternative fuel helps in lowering cost of production as well as help maintain cleanliness of the environment.
However, usage of alternative fuels comes with its set of challenges impacting productivity and efficiency in the manufacturing process. The lower calorific values of alternative fuels compared to fossil fuels impacts the heat balance of the cement kiln. Hence to ensure the correct temperature profile is maintained during the entire process, cement plants need to optimise fuel mix and make operational adjustments of the kiln. Also, careful considerations need to be taken during selection of alternative fuels, ensuring compatibility with the manufacturing process, else it can impact the quality of the clinker and the final product.
Quality and availability of alternative fuels are also vital. As waste and by-products are sourced from other industries, reliable supply chains and strict quality control measures are required to ensure standard quality and availability. There are also additional challenges like health and safety risks to workers handling storage of the alternative fuels and meeting regulatory compliances and standards in terms of use of alternative fuels.
To mitigate these challenges, the cement industry will need to adopt diverse strategies like research and investments in advanced technologies for optimal use of alternate fuels, partnership with other industries for reliable availability and collaboration with regulatory bodies for monitoring compliances.

Tell us about the cement blends or products from your organisation that are lower in their carbon content.
We offer cement blends that are designed to have lower carbon content. Blended cements are made by mixing two or more materials, with at least one being a cementitious material like Portland cement, fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), silica fume or limestone. In India, we manufacture several types of blended cements, including:
Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC): This blend includes Clinker and pozzolanic materials such as fly ash. Known for its strength and durability, PPC is commonly used in construction projects like dams, bridges, and high-rise buildings.
Portland Slag Cement (PSC): PSC combines Clinker with GGBS, a by-product of the iron and steel industry. PSC offers high strength, low heat of hydration, and resistance to sulfate and chloride attacks, making it ideal for marine and coastal structures. Dalmia Bharat is the largest manufacturer of PSC in India, known for its lowest carbon footprint.
Composite Cement: This blend includes OPC/Clinker along with other cementitious materials like fly ash or GGBS, as well as additives such as limestone or silica fume. It’s commonly used when high durability and strength are needed in construction projects.
Our blended cement is available under the brand names Dalmia INFRAPRO and Dalmia INFRAGREEN, among others, covering various categories mentioned above. We also offer other brands such as Dalmia DSP and Konark Cement.

Tell us about your Net Zero Goals. How much have you achieved so far?
We were the first cement company in the world to commit to a net zero and carbon-negative roadmap in 2018 setting an ambitious precedent. By embracing a circular economy model, we focused on recycling materials, reusing resources, and adopting alternative raw materials and fuels in our production cycle. This strategy has allowed the company to avoid a substantial 8.6 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, with a targeted reduction to 15 million tones per year by 2027. We have established around 72 MW of waste heat-based power generation capacity, contributing 20 per cent of our total power needs. This shift to waste-fueled power not only enhances overall efficiency but also facilitates a clean energy transition away from fossil fuels. We are 14 times water-positive and were among the first to pioneer alternative fuels in cement kilns. We also commenced our transition to electrical vehicles by joining the EV100 initiative, becoming the first to join the triplet of RE100, EP100 and EV100 globally. We have also been integrating circularity into our products and processes and have become a plastic waste recycling positive company.
Currently, the company boasts one of the lowest net carbon footprints in the global cement industry at 456 CO2 emission-Kg/tonne.

How do you incorporate sustainability in your cement manufacturing process?
As a company we strongly believe in the business philosophy ‘Clean and Green is Profitable and Sustainable’. We ensure sustainability throughout our operations through several key approaches.

Use of alternative raw materials like fly ash and slag in the manufacturing process which helps to reduce emissions and lowers carbon footprint. This has enabled us to reduce the use of natural resources.
Implementation of sustainable mining practices to minimise environmental impact like minimising water usage, use of eco-friendly mining techniques, restoring mined lands and protection of biodiversity in that region.
Use of water conservation techniques like recycling and reusing water to reduce water usage through optimal processes. Eg. Using rainwater harvesting to reduce dependency on freshwater resources.
Controlling air emissions through upgraded technology, alternative fuels, and systematic monitoring of emissions with our plants and surrounding areas. To manage ‘fugitive’ emissions, we have also implemented measures like enclosed conveyors, installation of dust collection systems and regular equipment maintenance to prevent leaks. We also train our employees to identify and report any air quality issues.
Beyond environmental concerns, we also deeply focus on health and safety, people management and community engagement, promoting sustainable measures across our operations.

Can incorporation of automation and technology further the green initiative of the cement industry?
Use of advanced technologies and automation systems can help cement manufacturers become more sustainable by reducing energy consumption, increasing efficiency and minimising waste generation.
One of the key benefits is optimisation of cement manufacturing process is decrease in energy consumption and limited greenhouse gas emissions. For example, automated kiln control systems can help maintain precise temperature and pressure conditions, allowing for efficient fuel burning and reduced emissions.
Advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, can assist in real-time monitoring and identifying any inadequacies or areas of improvement, helping manufacturers to optimise their operations and reduce waste and emissions.
Using sensors and data analytics for predictive maintenance of equipment allows for timely repairs and replacements. This approach can help minimise unexpected breakdowns and reduce related maintenance costs.
Additionally, digital solutions can track and report sustainability metrics, allowing cement manufacturers to monitor their environmental performance.
Overall, use of automation and technology can increase efficiency, reduce downtime and boost productivity whilst minimising environmental impact.

What are the major challenges in reducing the carbon content of cement manufacturing?
There are several key challenges:
Emissions from raw material: One of the key challenges is the emissions associated with calcination of raw materials – limestone. It accounts for almost 60 per cent of the CO2 emissions in the cement sector. Unlike other industries where emissions mainly come from burning fossil fuels, this is a challenging issue for cement production, as there are no simple alternatives available yet.
High energy requirement: Cement production requires very high temperatures, typically achieved through the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. This reliance on fossil fuels makes it hard to switch to cleaner energy sources, complicating efforts to reduce emissions.
High technology costs: Many decarbonisation technologies, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), are capital-intensive and require large investments. This high cost can be a significant barrier, especially for smaller cement manufacturers.
Regulatory and policy support: The cement industry needs government driven regulatory frameworks and policies that support the adoption of low-carbon technologies. However, establishing effective policies and regulations that encourage decarbonisation while ensuring competitiveness and addressing potential trade-offs is a challenge for policymakers.
Lack of financial incentives: Decarbonising cement production requires substantial investments in new technologies, equipment, and infrastructure. But limited financial incentives and regulatory frameworks for promoting low-carbon cement can inhibit the adoption of sustainable practices.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, including technological innovation, supportive policies, financial incentives and collaboration among governments, industry stakeholders and research institutions. Continuous research and development are also crucial to find and scale up effective decarbonisation technologies for the cement sector.

How do you measure the impact of your green cement on the environment?
Measuring the impact of green cement on the environment and society involves a comprehensive approach considering its entire life cycle. Several steps are taken to gauge this impact:
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): An EIA is conducted to evaluate how Cement production affects the environment. This includes assessing material extraction, manufacturing processes, energy and water usage, and the product’s
carbon footprint.
Social Impact Assessment (SIA): SIA evaluates how Cement production influences local communities, such as job opportunities and community development. Stakeholder engagement and local knowledge play a crucial role in
this assessment.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): LCA measures the overall environmental impact of Cement, from extraction to disposal. Identifying areas for improvement helps minimise environmental harm.
Environmental reporting: Regular reporting on environmental performance and progress toward sustainability goals ensures transparency. This includes data on carbon emissions, water usage, and waste generation, aiding stakeholders in staying informed.
Stakeholder engagement: Engaging with stakeholders helps understand their concerns and perspectives. This collaboration identifies opportunities for improvement and ensures sustainability strategies align with stakeholder expectations.

–Kanika Mathur

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Economy & Market

The Road Ahead Begins Here

Published

1 day ago

August 11, 2026

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The future of India’s roads took centrestage at RAHSTA Expo 2026, where policymakers, contractors and industry leaders came together under one roof. The event blended thought leadership, technology showcase and industry recognition into a single powerful platform.

India’s roads and highways community gathered in full strength at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, for the 16th edition of the RAHSTA Expo (Roads and Highways Sustainable Technologies & Advancement). Over two action-packed days, the event brought together policymakers, contractors, consultants, developers, equipment manufacturers, material suppliers, technology providers and investors to deliberate on the future of India’s ,infrastructure while showcasing the latest innovations driving the sector.

The event culminated in the prestigious RAHSTA Awards, where Shri. Ajay Tamta, Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, felicitated organisations and professionals for their outstanding contributions to road construction, engineering, safety, sustainability and technology. With leading contractors, senior government officials, industry veterans and technology providers under one roof, the event reaffirmed RAHSTA’s position as one of India’s most influential platforms for the roads, highways, bridges and tunnels ecosystem.

Organised by FIRST Construction Council in association with ASAPP Info Global Group, RAHSTA has steadily evolved beyond an exhibition into a platform where policy, technology, engineering and business converge to address the opportunities and challenges shaping India’s next generation of transport infrastructure.

Beyond expansion, towards value

The conference opened with a thought-provoking address by Pratap Padode, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Construction World, who observed that India’s highways sector has reached an important inflection point. Introducing this year’s theme – ‘From Expansion to Value: The Next Phase of India’s Highways’ – he noted that while the country has successfully expanded its road network over the past two decades, the industry’s priorities are now shifting towards building infrastructure that delivers greater lifecycle value, durability, safety and operational efficiency. With funding pressures, asset monetisation and evolving project models changing the sector’s dynamics, he said the focus must now move beyond kilometres constructed to the quality and long-term performance of every asset.

Dr Brijesh Dixit, Managing Director, Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC), reminded delegates that successful infrastructure delivery is ultimately a collective effort. Emphasising on collaboration between government, industry and engineering professionals, he remarked, “There is no loser in a winning team, and there is no winner in a losing team,” urging stakeholders to work together to deliver projects with quality, financial sustainability and technological excellence.

Delivering the keynote address, Bidur Kant Jha, Director, New Technologies for Highway Development, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), outlined the Government’s long-term vision for India’s highway network. Highlighting the country’s 6.26 million km roads network, he spoke about the growing adoption of digital planning tools such as BIM and GIS, bridge health monitoring systems and Integrated Smart Transport Corridors under the Vision 2047 roadmap. He emphasised that while India remains open to global innovations, every new technology must be adapted to Indian conditions before large-scale deployment.

Addressing the gathering during the awards ceremony, Tamta underlined the increasing role of specialised equipment and modern construction technologies in executing complex infrastructure projects across diverse terrains. Referring to challenging tunnel projects in Uttarakhand, he noted how advanced machinery has transformed execution capabilities, while also acknowledging the rapid evolution of Indian contractors into globally competitive infrastructure companies. Recognising excellence through industry awards, he said, motivates organisations to continually raise performance standards and embrace innovation.

Meanwhile, Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA, highlighted that infrastructure development must increasingly focus on integrated urban mobility. Reflecting on Mumbai’s engineering journey – from its historic underground utility network to the Coastal Road and other transformative projects – he underlined that future infrastructure planning must seamlessly integrate roads, metro systems and public transport to create efficient, multimodal cities.

Uttar Pradesh takes centrestage

One of the highlights of the second day was Uttar Pradesh’s comprehensive presentation on its infrastructure-led industrial transformation.

Srihari Pratap Shahi, IAS, Additional CEO, Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), demonstrated how the state’s expanding expressway network is evolving into a catalyst for industrial development through integrated manufacturing and logistics clusters. Expressways, he noted, are no longer merely transport corridors but engines of economic competitiveness.

Building on this narrative, Deeksha Jain, IAS, Additional Chief Executive Officer, Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA), showcased the state’s rapidly expanding industrial ecosystem supported by extensive expressway connectivity, dedicated freight corridors, airports, industrial townships and investor-friendly policies. She highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s strong manufacturing growth, expanding industrial land bank, plug-and-play infrastructure and increasing use of digital governance to facilitate investments.

Further underlining the significance of the platform, Deepak Kumar, IAS, Infrastructure & Industrial Development Commissioner, Government of Uttar Pradesh, remarked, “RAHSTA provides an excellent platform for states to showcase our infrastructure progress and investment ecosystem. Uttar Pradesh has transformed significantly over the past decade, backed by more than 34 investor-friendly industrial policies, and platforms like RAHSTA help communicate these developments to industry stakeholders from across the country.”

Ideas that shaped the industry conversation

The two-day conference featured seven panel discussions, each examining a critical dimension of India’s evolving roads and highways sector.

The opening discussion on ‘Financing Roads & Highways in a Capital-Constrained Era’ brought together experts from Cube Highways, NIIF, SBI Capital Markets, Centrum Capital and Bandhan Infra Fund, who examined how the financing landscape is changing. Discussions revolved around asset monetisation, InvITs, institutional investments and new funding structures, with panellists agreeing that better project preparation, transparent governance and predictable returns will be crucial for attracting long-term capital into infrastructure.

Attention then shifted to execution realities during the panel on ‘Contractors’ Perspective: Execution Realities, Risks & the Quality Imperative.’ Representatives from GHV Infra Projects, PNC Infratech, NCC and Maccaferri candidly discussed the challenges of delivering projects amid contractual complexities, land acquisition delays, rising costs and tight timelines. While execution pressures remain significant, the discussion reinforced that better collaboration across the project value chain is essential for achieving both speed and quality.

Day 2 opened with a technically rich discussion on ‘Designing Roads for Sustainability, Durability & Climate Resilience’. Experts from CSIR-CRRI, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, Zydex Group and SRMB Steel explored advanced pavement technologies, recycled materials, climate-resilient designs and scientific construction practices that can significantly improve durability while lowering lifecycle costs. Sustainability, they agreed, must become an integral part of road design rather than an afterthought.

The subsequent session on ‘Bridges & Tunnels: Complex Engineering, Safety & Future Readiness’ highlighted the growing complexity of India’s infrastructure projects. Panellists discussed advances in structural engineering, digital monitoring, risk management and safety practices that are enabling the successful delivery of increasingly ambitious bridge and tunnel projects across the country.

Technology remained a recurring theme during the discussion on ‘Technology as a Risk-Mitigation Tool for Developers & Investors’. Experts explained how AI, BIM, drones, predictive analytics, digital twins and intelligent monitoring systems are helping improve project planning, minimise execution risks, strengthen quality assurance and enhance asset management throughout the infrastructure lifecycle.

The construction equipment panel brought together leading industry experts to examine how technology, sustainability and digitalisation are redefining construction equipment in an era of rising cost pressures. Discussions centred on enhancing productivity, reducing lifecycle costs and preparing the industry for India’s infrastructure ambitions leading up to 2047.

The conference concluded with an engaging CXO Forum on ‘Rebuilding Confidence in India’s Roads & Highways Sector’, where senior industry leaders emphasised that stronger governance, better project preparation, digitalisation, transparent contracting and closer public-private collaboration will be essential to sustain India’s infrastructure growth over the coming decades.

Technology and recognition under one roof

Beyond the conference halls, RAHSTA Expo reflected the technological transformation underway across India’s road infrastructure ecosystem. Leading equipment manufacturers, technology companies and material suppliers showcased advanced construction equipment, intelligent digital platforms, pavement technologies, structural materials and productivity-enhancing solutions designed to improve project efficiency and asset performance. The exhibition created valuable opportunities for contractors, consultants, government agencies and project developers to evaluate new technologies while interacting directly with solution providers.

The event also served as a celebration of excellence through the RAHSTA Awards 2026, which recognised outstanding achievements across road construction, contracting, materials, equipment, technology, safety, sustainability and infrastructure development. Presented by Minister Tamta, the awards honoured organisations that are setting new benchmarks for quality, innovation and execution across India’s roads sector.

RAHSTA Expo 2026 also received extensive support from across the infrastructure ecosystem. Alongside leading corporate sponsors, the event was backed by industry bodies including the Builders Association of India (BAI), Construction Equipment Rental Association (CERA), Consulting Engineers Association of India (CEAI), International Road Federation (IRF), CSIR-CRRI, CILT India, All India Transporters Welfare Association, Hydraulic Trailer Owners Association (HTOA), Gujarat Contractors Association, Bitumen Forum, Fluid Power Society of India, Indian Institute of Material Management, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya and Mumbai First, reflecting the industry’s collective commitment to advancing India’s road infrastructure.

As the curtains came down on the two-day event, one message resonated throughout the conference: India’s highways story is entering a new chapter. While expansion will continue, the future will increasingly be defined by smarter planning, stronger partnerships, digital transformation, sustainable engineering and long-term value creation. By bringing together the entire infrastructure value chain on a single platform, RAHSTA Expo 2026 once again demonstrated why it has become one of the country’s most influential forums for shaping the future of roads, highways, bridges and tunnels.

Economy & Market

Fornnax Names Lukas Baur as Authorised Service Partner to Bolster EU Operations

Published

3 weeks ago

July 23, 2026

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Strapline: Fornnax Technology has appointed NOBA Maschinenservice’s Lukas Baur as its authorised service partner for the European Union, strengthening its commitment to delivering fast, reliable, and localised after-sales support across the region.

Fornnax Technology, a leading manufacturer of industrial shredding solutions, has announced the appointment of Mr. Lukas Baur of NOBA Maschinenservice as its authorised service partner for the European Union. The partnership, formalised under the authorisation of Fornnax CEO Mr. Jignesh Kundaria, reinforces the company’s commitment to providing dependable, localised service support to its expanding customer base across Europe.

Strengthening Service Through Proven Expertise

With over two decades of experience in servicing, maintaining, and overhauling industrial shredders, Mr. Baur brings extensive technical expertise to the partnership. His capabilities span welding, hardfacing, shaft and knife rebuilding, complex assembly, hydraulics, and complete electrical engineering services, delivered in collaboration with a trusted partner company based in Halle/Saale.

Operating from Worbis, Germany, Mr. Baur is strategically positioned to provide emergency support across the European Union within 24 hours, covering an operational radius of approximately 1,000 kilometres.

Supporting this capability is a well-equipped service infrastructure comprising 12 Mercedes Sprinter service vans, a team of 24 skilled technicians, specialised bearing-change tools, a fully equipped hydraulic workshop, and a 1,000-square-metre facility with a five-ton crane track. Together, these resources position his team to manage the complete spectrum of Fornnax’s European service requirements efficiently and reliably.

Partnership Driven by Industry Insight

Having spent years servicing Eldan, Lindner, and Vecoplan shredders across the European recycling industry, Mr. Baur’s decision to collaborate with Fornnax is rooted in his understanding of market needs and customer expectations. His experience has provided valuable insight into what recycling plant operators require—not only from their machinery but also from the service teams supporting them.

According to Mr. Baur, Fornnax’s reputation for robust machine construction, superior wear protection, and maintenance-friendly design made the partnership a natural fit.

The collaboration comes at a time when Europe’s tyre recycling industry is facing mounting challenges, including rising cost pressures, shrinking margins, delayed investments, and a shortage of skilled labour. Mr. Baur believes these conditions reinforce the need for technically strong service partners capable of delivering rapid, dependable support.

Commenting on the partnership, he said, “Fornnax, with its exceptional price-performance ratio and superior quality, has the potential to become a market leader in Europe. We would like to be their service partner in this journey.”

Comprehensive Support Across the Equipment Lifecycle

As Fornnax’s authorised service partner, Mr. Baur will oversee the complete lifecycle support of the company’s equipment throughout the European Union. His responsibilities will include installation, commissioning, preventive maintenance, emergency repairs, and spare parts support across mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems.

Looking ahead, he also plans to develop a centralised spare parts distribution hub for European customers, particularly if Fornnax establishes a warehouse facility in Worbis to facilitate faster deliveries. To further strengthen service coverage, Mr. Baur intends to expand operations by adding two to three additional service teams and vehicles each year, progressively increasing capacity across the continent.

A Shared Commitment to Customer Excellence

Highlighting the strategic importance of the partnership, Mr. Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO of Fornnax, said:

“We strongly believe that by continuously improving our service quality and customer satisfaction index, we can build long-term relationships with our customers. Higher customer satisfaction leads to greater trust, which significantly increases repeat orders and ultimately drives sustained growth in our sales revenue.”

This customer-first philosophy underpins Fornnax’s strategy of building a dedicated European service partner network instead of relying solely on remote support. With Mr. Baur joining this network, customers across the European Union will benefit from faster response times, expert technical assistance, and dedicated on-ground support from a partner with extensive experience in high-throughput shredding operations.

Mr. Baur’s appointment also reflects Fornnax’s broader ambition to establish itself as the preferred shredding solutions provider for the European recycling industry, marking another important milestone in the company’s international growth strategy.

Concrete

Nuvoco Vistas launches Limla cement plant, expands Gujarat footprint

Published

1 month ago

July 13, 2026

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Nuvoco Vistas opens a 2 MMTPA grinding unit at Limla, entering Gujarat and advancing its target of 35 MMTPA capacity by FY 2028.

Surat (Gujarat)

Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Ltd, a part of Nirma Group and one of India’s leading building materials company, has inaugurated the Limla Cement Plant in Surat (Gujarat), one of Vadraj Cement Limited’s (VCL) principal manufacturing facilities. The commissioning represents a key milestone in Nuvoco’s acquisition and restoration of VCL, while supporting the company’s expansion across the Western Indian cement market.

Vadraj Cement Limited is a subsidiary of Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Limited and has installed cement capacity of 6 MMTPA across its assets. The Limla inauguration therefore represents the first operational step in the acquired platform’s wider revival, while the Kutch facilities provide clinker supply, mineral security and coastal logistics support for the western business.

Nuvoco completed its acquisition of Vadraj Cement Limited, then under the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process, after paying a consideration of Rs 1,800 crore in June 2025. VCL’s asset portfolio comprises a clinker unit at Kutch and a grinding unit at Limla in Surat. It also includes high-quality captive limestone reserves and a captive jetty at Kutch, supporting more efficient logistics. Following the takeover, Nuvoco began an extensive programme of restoration, refurbishment and expansion at both locations, leading to the commissioning of the Limla plant.

The Limla Cement Plant is expected to support a phased increase in sales volumes across Gujarat. It will also help Nuvoco supply neighbouring markets in Western Maharashtra and release cement capacity from its northern plants, which can consequently be redirected towards markets in North India. The plant will manufacture a full portfolio comprising Ordinary Portland Cement, Portland Slag Cement, Portland Pozzolana Cement and Portland Composite Cement. It will additionally produce the complete Nuvoco Duraguard range, including the premium Nuvoco Duraguard Microfibre product. The acquisition is also expected to generate operational synergies with Nuvoco’s existing plants at Nimbol and Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, improving logistics optimisation and market reach across important regional markets.

The grinding unit at the Limla Cement Plant was completed ahead of schedule, with 2 MMTPA of capacity now inaugurated to expand Nuvoco’s operating scale and customer reach. After Vadraj Cement’s assets become fully operational, plants in North and West India are expected to account for nearly 40 per cent of Nuvoco’s total cement capacity. This will broaden the company’s manufacturing network, strengthen access to high-growth markets and support its plan to increase consolidated cement capacity to 35 MMTPA by FY 2028, reinforcing its longer-term growth strategy.

Commenting on the development, Jayakumar Krishnaswamy, Managing Director, Nuvoco Vistas Corp Ltd, said: “The inauguration of the Limla Grinding Unit in Surat is an important milestone in Nuvoco’s growth journey and demonstrates our commitment to disciplined, value-accretive expansion. Gujarat is strategically significant for Nuvoco, with substantial opportunities arising from infrastructure investment, industrial growth, rapid urbanisation and continuing demand from the housing and construction sectors. The facility strengthens our regional footprint, improves operational flexibility and increases our ability to serve customers across northern and western markets with greater reliability and efficiency.”

He added: “Through the Vadraj acquisition, we have refurbished and restarted a strategically important asset, returning it to operations in record time through strong execution and collaboration between teams. The achievement demonstrates our ability to create value from acquired assets, fulfil our commitments and retain the confidence of stakeholders. It also highlights the strength of our project delivery capabilities and our continued focus on building sustainable, profitable growth over the long term.”

Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Limited is a building materials company whose vision is to build a safer, smarter and more sustainable world. It is among the leading players in East India and has a significant presence across North and West India. Nuvoco began operations in 2014 with a greenfield cement plant at Nimbol, Rajasthan. It later acquired Lafarge India Limited, which had entered India in 1999, followed by Emami Cement Limited in 2020 and Vadraj Cement Limited in April 2025. The company has also announced an expansion in eastern India through a new grinding mill at the Arasmeta Cement Plant, supported by several debottlenecking programmes involving equipment upgrades, process improvements and internal capacity initiatives. These developments place Nuvoco on track to achieve total cement capacity of approximately 35 MMTPA. The company reported total income of Rs 11,362 crore in FY 2025-26, reflecting its continuing growth trajectory.

Nuvoco operates a diversified portfolio across three segments: Cement, Ready-Mix Concrete and Modern Building Materials. Its cement portfolio includes Concreto, Duraguard, Double Bull, PSC, Nirmax and Infracem, covering Ordinary Portland Cement, Portland Slag Cement, Portland Pozzolana Cement and Portland Composite Cement. Its pan-India RMX business provides value-added products under Concreto for performance concrete, Artiste for decorative concrete, InstaMix for ready-to-use bagged concrete, X-Con covering M20 to M60 grades, and Ecodure for specialised green concrete. Nuvoco has supplied materials to projects including the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train, Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Aquatic Gallery at Science City in Ahmedabad, and metro railway projects in Delhi, Jaipur, Noida and Mumbai.