Medium to long term outlook positive; challenges in the immediate to short term

06 Feb 2020 CW Team

After a record year in 2018, the industry and indeed the economy witnessed a downturn in 2019. “One of the biggest issues being faced by the construction industry was the availability of finance and liquidity,” says Wilfried Theissen, Managing Director, Putzmeister India. He adds, “We expected the budget to address these challenges,” and he shares more on Budget 2020 outcome...

“100 per cent tax expemptions for Soverign Wealth Funds investing in infrastructure projects and enhanced FPI limits should result in increased foreign capital infusion over the medium to long term. Increased foreign investment will also bring with it increased pressure to deliver projects professionally and on time. This should boost the shift to mechanised construction methods, it bodes well for the RMC segment and OEMs.

The extension announced on the partial credit guarantee scheme to cover floated to help HFCs and NBFCs tide over their liquidity crisis shows that the government does indeed recognise the ongoing stresses in this segment. Whether this helps the industry in the short term remains to be seen.

What the Budget has not done is help alleviate any of the industry’s challenges in the immediate to short term. The government has put the ball squarely in the industry’s court to find solutions that will keep business rolling.

The government’s continued emphasis and focus on improving infrastructure in the country is evident from the various plans announced. And, we at Putzmeister are fully prepared to help India meet these objectives.”

Real Estate

08 May 2026

Integrated Waterproofing Strategies

Waterproofing buildings used to be an annual pre-monsoon affair but the evolution of real-estate development has changed that approach. In new developments, developers are weaving waterproofing solutions into both the design and construction phases, an approach that Nikhil Madan, Managing Director, Mahima Group, says, “is all about ensuring lasting durability [of the building] and keeping lifecycle risks including water seepage and extensive maintenance to a minimum.”Watertight by designAluminium formwork systems aren’t commonly thought of as a waterproofing tool but at the Mahima Group,..

GROHE Showcases Water-Led Design At Milan

GROHE unveiled its GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary at Milan Design Week 2026, transforming Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato into an immersive showcase of water, design and wellbeing. Built on the philosophy of ‘Wellbeing Through Water’, the installation reimagined bathrooms as holistic spaces for relaxation, rejuvenation and self-care.The Aqua Sanctuary was presented through three interconnected sanctums. The first showcased the 3D-printed GROHE SPA AquaTree shower and faucet, highlighting bespoke innovation and biophilic design. The second featured the Atrio Private Collection and GROHE SPA x Buster..

Rahee Group Expands Rail Manufacturing Capacity

Rahee Group has outlined a multi-year investment roadmap to expand its operational footprint and strengthen manufacturing capabilities for India’s growing railway and urban transit sector. The Group is expanding in Odisha with a new Track Component Casting Unit, for which the groundbreaking ceremony was held on 8 April 2026 in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.The Group’s flagship EPC arm, Rahee Infratech Ltd, continues to focus on complex rail infrastructure projects, including track systems, bridges, viaducts and ballastless infrastructure. Its wholly owned subsidi..