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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

World Cement Association Annual Conference 2026 in Bangkok

Global leaders to focus on decarbonisation and digitisation

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The World Cement Association (WCA) will host its 2026 Annual Conference from 19–21 April 2026 at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. The two-day programme will convene global cement industry leaders, policymakers, technology providers and stakeholders to examine strategic, operational and sustainability challenges shaping the sector’s next phase of transformation. The conference theme of shaping a sustainable future through digitisation, innovation and performance will frame sessions and networking opportunities across the event.\n\nThe programme will open with a comprehensive assessment of the global economic environment and its impact on cement markets, alongside regional outlooks across Asia and Europe. Speakers will address regulatory developments including carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAM) in Europe, progress in China’s carbon trading system and market dynamics in Thailand and South East Asia, and will outline practical decarbonisation pathways such as alternative fuels, next-generation supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and calcined clay developments. Sessions will also examine AI-enabled kiln optimisation and other digital approaches to improve plant performance.\n\nDay two will focus on overcapacity challenges and industry restructuring, using case studies and regional perspectives to provide delegates with practical insights into unlocking performance while accelerating decarbonisation. Discussions will explore digital maturity and AI-driven plant operations, manufacturing optimisation, sustainable building solutions and circular concrete models, together with evolving customer requirements across the construction value chain. The event will include the WCA Awards Ceremony at the Awards Gala Dinner on 20 April to recognise excellence in sustainability, innovation, safety and leadership.\n\nPhilippe Richart, chief executive officer of the WCA, said the sector was navigating a period of profound transformation, from managing overcapacity and market volatility to deploying AI and delivering measurable decarbonisation, and that the Annual Conference would bring global leaders together to exchange practical solutions and strengthen collaboration. Registration is open and tickets include admission to the two-day event, all sessions, refreshments and lunch, exhibition access and the Awards Gala Dinner. Further information on the programme is available via the WCA Annual Conference 2026 event page and queries on sponsorship or exhibition may be directed to events@worldcementassociation.org.

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Concrete

Assam Chief Minister Opens Star Cement Plant In Cachar

New plant aims to boost local industry and supply chains

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Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the Star Cement plant in Cachar on 28 February 2026, marking the opening of a manufacturing facility designed to serve the region. The event was attended by state officials and company representatives, and it was reported with inputs from ANI. The plant is positioned as a strategic addition to the industrial landscape of southern Assam and is expected to improve the availability of construction materials for local projects.

The establishment is expected to generate employment opportunities and to stimulate ancillary businesses in the supply chain, including transport and local vendors. State officials indicated that the plant will enhance logistical efficiency by reducing the need to transport cement over long distances, which may lower construction costs for public and private projects. Observers said the presence of a regional cement facility can support housing and infrastructure initiatives that are underway or planned.

Government representatives reiterated that the state seeks to attract responsible investment that complements regional priorities and that the administration will continue to facilitate infrastructure and connectivity to support industrial operations. The inauguration was presented as consistent with broader efforts to diversify the industrial base in the northeast and to create an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises that supply goods and services to larger manufacturers.

Company sources and the state leadership underlined the importance of maintaining environmental safeguards while pursuing industrial growth, and they signalled that compliance with applicable norms will be a priority at the new facility. The announcement was framed as a step towards balanced development that links job creation, regional supply chains and local economic resilience. The report was prepared by the TNM Bureau with inputs from ANI.

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Concrete

Adani Cement, NAREDCO Form Strategic Alliance

 Partnership to advance skills and sustainable construction

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Adani Cement has entered into a strategic partnership with the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) to support India’s expanding housing and infrastructure requirements aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The collaboration brings together Adani Cement’s building materials portfolio, research capabilities and technical expertise with NAREDCO’s network of over 15,000 member organisations. The partnership will focus on skill development, knowledge exchange, technology adoption and sustainable construction practices across the real estate ecosystem.
Joint initiatives will include certification programmes for masons and contractors, along with training modules for site supervisors from NAREDCO member organisations to strengthen execution standards and quality control. The partners will also promote modern construction technologies, green materials and integrated building solutions, including ready-mix concrete, while exploring support for affordable housing.
Vinod Bahety, CEO – Cement Business, Adani Group, said, “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to nation-building and to creating an ecosystem where quality, innovation, and sustainability are integral to every project. By working closely with NAREDCO, we aim to equip developers with advanced materials, deeper technical support, and structured knowledge platforms that can improve performance across the entire project lifecycle.”
Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman, NAREDCO, stated that the association aims to encourage responsible construction practices and promote adoption of green building norms across expanding urban centres.

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