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Concrete

Automation, AI and Collaboration

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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.

Concrete

JSW Cement commissions additional 1 MTPA grinding unit in Rajasthan

The Nagaur expansion takes JSW Cement’s total grinding capacity to 25.10 MTPA.

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JSW Cement has commissioned an additional 1 million tonne per annum (MTPA) cement grinding unit at its Nagaur Integrated Plant in Rajasthan. The commissioning takes the company’s total cement grinding capacity to 25.10 MTPA. 
JSW Cement’s total clinker manufacturing capacity, including its joint venture JSW Cement FZC, now stands at 9.74 MTPA.
The company began operations in North India in March 2026 with the Nagaur Integrated Plant, comprising a 3.30 MTPA clinkerisation unit and a 2.50 MTPA cement grinding unit. With the latest expansion, the plant’s total grinding capacity has increased to 3.50 MTPA.
The additional capacity will cater to cement demand across Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the National Capital Region (NCR). The expansion has been funded through a combination of equity and long-term debt.
During the quarter ended September 30, 2026, JSW Cement also commissioned an Alternate Fuel Handling System and a Waste Heat Recovery System (WHRS) at the Nagaur plant.
Nilesh Narwekar, CEO, JSW Cement, said the additional grinding capacity was a strategic priority for the company’s expansion in North India. He added that the Alternate Fuel Handling System and WHRS were expected to reduce production costs.

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Concrete

JSW Cement Boards Approve Proposed Shiva Cement Merger

JSW Cement will issue five shares for every 41 Shiva Cement shares

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The Boards of Directors of JSW Cement and its listed subsidiary Shiva Cement have approved a scheme of arrangement for the amalgamation of Shiva Cement with and into JSW Cement. The proposed merger is intended to create a unified cement platform and generate operational, financial and management synergies.

The consolidation will pool the companies’ financial, managerial, technical, distribution and marketing resources. It will also support backward integration through Shiva Cement’s clinker facility, which is expected to reduce reliance on external procurement and improve supply chain efficiency.

The companies said the transaction would provide greater funding flexibility, reduce financing costs and eliminate inter-company guarantees. It is also expected to simplify the corporate structure by reducing administrative duplication, compliance requirements and consolidation efforts, while aligning the financial statements of both entities.

Under the approved share-exchange ratio, JSW Cement will issue five equity shares with a face value of Rs. 10 each for every 41 equity shares with a face value of Rs. 2 each held in Shiva Cement. The issuance will apply to Shiva Cement shareholders other than JSW Cement and will give the subsidiary’s public shareholders direct ownership in a larger listed company.

The scheme remains subject to approvals from the stock exchanges, the Securities and Exchange Board of India, the National Company Law Tribunal, the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation and other applicable statutory and regulatory authorities. Approval from the companies’ shareholders and creditors may also be required under applicable laws or directions from the tribunal. The transaction is expected to be completed within 12 to 14 months, subject to the timely receipt of these approvals.

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Concrete

JSW Cement commissions additional 1 MTPA grinding unit at Nagaur

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With this commissioning, JSW Cement’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 25.10 MTPA, 
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JSW Cement, one of India’s leading green cement producers and part of the diversified JSW Group, today announced the successful commissioning of an additional 1.00 MTPA cement grinding unit at Nagaur, Rajasthan. The commissioning marks another significant milestone in the Company’s growth strategy.

With this commissioning, JSW Cement’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 25.10 MTPA, while its total clinker manufacturing capacity, including clinker capacity at its joint venture, JSW Cement FZC, stands at 9.74 MTPA.

JSW Cement had commenced operations in North India in March 2026 with the Nagaur Integrated Plant, comprising a 3.30 MTPA clinkerisation unit and 2.50 MTPA cement grinding unit. With the commissioning of the additional 1.00 MTPA cement grinding unit, the plant’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 3.50 MTPA, enhancing the company’s ability to cater to the growing cement demand across Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the National Capital Region (NCR). The expansion has been funded through a strategic mix of equity and long-term debt.

During the quarter ended 30th September 2026, JSW Cement has also commissioned the Alternate Fuel Handling System and the Waste Heat Recovery system (WHRS) at the Nagaur Integrated Plant.

Nilesh Narwekar, CEO, JSW Cement, said: “The commissioning of additional 1.00 MTPA grinding capacity at Nagaur is a key strategic priority for us and will accelerate JSW Cement’s expansion into North India. We look forward to servicing the growing needs of the region and contributing to the economic growth of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the NCR area. I am delighted to share that the company has commissioned this grinding unit within the expected timeline, showcasing our project execution capabilities. Further, the Alternate Fuel Handling System and the Waste Heat Recovery system (WHRS) are expected to substantially reduce our production costs going forward.”

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