Cement Dealers Raise Prices Amid Demand Surge

11 Dec 2024 CW Team

Cement prices across India have seen an upward trend this December after remaining flat for nearly five months, a period that strained dealer margins and affected cement company profits. Dealers attribute the hikes to increased demand from the real estate sector, spurred by improved labour availability post-festive season, and growing infrastructure projects. In western India, prices rose by Rs 5-10 per 50 kg bag, with current rates ranging between Rs 350-400, according to dealers and B2B platform listings. Northern regions, including Delhi, witnessed a Rs 20 per bag increase, with prices now between Rs 340-395, depending on brand and quality. Southern India, traditionally known for its lower cement prices, experienced a sharp hike of up to Rs 40 per bag, bringing rates to approximately Rs 320. Eastern India, too, saw a rise after months of stability, with prices increasing by Rs 30 per bag, fuelled by post-festive momentum in real estate and infrastructure sectors. An InCred Equities report suggests that prices will climb by Rs 10-15 per bag across all regions this month, as dealers feel the market has "bottomed out." The report highlights that while government capital expenditure is expected to bolster demand in the latter half of FY25, aggressive price hikes may face resistance due to increasing production capacities. Industry analysts also note that the full impact of these price hikes may be limited. Attempts in September to raise prices failed, and while improving government spending post-elections signals potential price stability, large players might focus on increasing market share rather than pushing for substantial price changes. (ET)

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

MMRDA Installs 325-Tonne Steel Spans on Mumbai Metro Line 4

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved a key construction milestone on Metro Line 4 with the successful installation of three large steel spans at Bhandup West during overnight operations.The spans, together weighing 325 metric tonnes, were launched using eight heavy-duty cranes and 12 multi-axle vehicles. The operation required precise engineering and meticulous planning to minimise disruption in the densely populated suburban area.Due to effective inter-agency coordination, the work—originally scheduled across four nights—was completed within just two n..

CMRL Targets March 2027 Opening for Vadapalani–Panagal Park

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is progressing as scheduled to open the Vadapalani–Panagal Park section of Phase II’s Corridor 4 by March 2027. The 3.5 km underground stretch is part of the 26.1 km Corridor 4 connecting Lighthouse with Poonamallee Bypass.Construction activities are advancing steadily, with tunnelling works between Vadapalani and Panagal Park already completed. Track-laying operations are expected to commence shortly. At Panagal Park station, structural works have reached the concourse and platform levels, while excavation continues at the lowest level.CMRL is also consid..

Maha-Metro Invites Pune Metro Civil Maintenance Bids

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has invited bids for the annual civil maintenance contract of the Pune Metro Rail Project. The tender, bearing ID and number P1-O&M-20/2025, is scheduled to close on 23 February 2026, with a pre-bid meeting slated for 10 February 2026. The earnest money deposit (EMD) for the contract is Rs 3,50,500, and the duration of the contract is one year.The scope of work includes annual civil maintenance of 28 elevated and underground stations, 28.079 km of elevated viaduct including steel bridges, 12.15 km of tunnels, and two depots under the ..