Cement demand rises but utilisation to remain moderate, ICRA report

03 Aug 2022 CW Team

Cement volumes are likely to increase by 7-8 per cent in FY23 to roughly 388 million MT, boosted by demand from the housing, both rural and urban, and infrastructure sectors, according to a research released on Monday by ratings agency ICRA.

The large rise in capital expenditure to Rs. 7.5 trillion in FY2023 budget estimates over FY2022 revised estimates, headed by Rs. 1.8 trillion for roads and Rs. 1.4 trillion for railways, is projected to bode well for cement demand, according to the report.

Cement capacity additions are likely to expand to roughly 29-32 MTPA in FY2023 from around 25 MTPA in FY2022, owing to solid demand prospects. In FY2023, the eastern area is predicted to dominate the increase, adding over 16-17 MTPA, followed by the central region, which will add roughly 6-7 MTPA. Despite an estimated increase in volumes of 7-8 per cent, capacity utilisation in the cement sector is expected to remain moderate at approximately 68 per cent on an expanded base.

Infrastructure Transport

01 Sep 2025

Rs 2.82 Billion Approved for NH-48 Flyovers, Footbridges

Gurugram’s section of National Highway 48 is set for a significant infrastructure upgrade, with the Central Government approving Rs 2.82 billion for the construction of four flyovers and nine foot overbridges along the Gurgaon–Kotputli–Jaipur corridor. This initiative aims to ease congestion, improve commuter safety, and boost regional connectivity, according to officials.The planned flyovers will be built at Panchgaon Chowk, Rathiwas, near the Hero Company, and Sahlawas. The nine foot overbridges will be constructed at Shikhopur, Manesar, Binola, Rathiwas, Malpura, Jaisinghpurkhera, Sid..

VSL Wins Rs 810-Cr O&M Deal for 810 MWp NGEL Solar Assets

VSL Renewable Services has secured a Rs 810 crore operation and maintenance (O&M) contract for 810 MWp of NTPC Green Energy’s (NGEL) solar power projects spread across Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The contract duration is 36 months.The tender, issued in January 2025, was divided into two lots: Lot 1 for 1,054 MWp and Lot 2 for 810 MWp. VSL emerged as the lowest bidder in both categories, but was awarded only Lot 2 in accordance with NTPC’s tender guidelines.Advanced Monitoring and Tailored StrategiesThe O&M scope will employ artificial intelligence and Internet of..

AP Issues Bid for Rs 34.9 Billion Battery Storage Project

The Transmission Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (APTRANSCO) has invited bids for the development of 1,000 MW/2,000 MWh battery energy storage systems (BESS) across seven substations in the state. The project, with an estimated viability gap funding of up to Rs 34.9 billion, will be executed under a build, own, and operate (BOO) model through tariff-based competitive bidding.Bid Timeline and StructureBids must be submitted by 29 September 2025 and will be opened on 6 October. The VGF support per project is capped at Rs 1.8 million per MWh and will be released in three instalments—20 per cent u..