India's waterproofing industry is approaching a market size of Rs 150 billion and is expected to surpass the $2 billion milestone, according to speakers at the 2nd India International Waterproofers Conference & Expo 2026 organised by the Waterproofers Association of India (WAI) in New Delhi.

The two-day event brought together more than 20 speakers, 55 international delegates and 53 exhibition booths, with discussions focusing on climate-resilient construction, advanced waterproofing technologies and international collaboration.

Inaugurating the event, Durga Shanker Mishra, former Secretary, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, said infrastructure should be designed for a lifespan of 100 years rather than 10-20 years. He emphasised the need to shift from prioritising low initial material costs to focusing on long-term structural durability and lifecycle sustainability.

Sandeep Chaudhry, President, WAI, said waterproofing remains one of the most overlooked aspects of construction despite its critical role in protecting buildings and infrastructure. He noted that the association is promoting technical skill certification, applicator training and standardised specifications to improve quality across the sector.

The conference also highlighted opportunities for international collaboration. Hu Xibao, Chairman of the China Building Waterproof Association, said China's $16 billion waterproofing industry is ready to collaborate with Indian companies by providing advanced equipment and technologies suited to local climatic conditions.

Technical sessions focused on basement waterproofing, containment structures, tunnel construction, chemical protection systems and climate-resilient engineering. Mehul Parikh, Advisor to Pidilite Industries, stressed that changing weather patterns require updated waterproofing specifications, citing rising temperatures and increasing instances of intense rainfall. He advocated advanced insulation systems, spray polyurethane foam and green roofs in place of conventional waterproofing practices.

The event also featured discussions with NAREDCO on improving design, tendering and supervision practices to reduce waterproofing failures in construction projects.