Cement Prices Edge Up in January Despite Mixed Regional Trends

09 Jan 2025 CW Team

Cement prices continued their upward trajectory in January 2025, with the average trade price increasing by Rs 2 per bag to Rs 343 from Rs 341 in December 2024, according to Nomura analysts. Despite the price rise, demand growth remains uncertain, with regional variations in pricing trends across the country. The Eastern region saw the sharpest increase, with prices rising Rs 5 month-on-month (MoM) to Rs 314 per bag, driven by a Rs 20 hike in West Bengal. In the Western region, the average price rose by Rs 3 MoM to Rs 353 per bag, buoyed by a Rs 10 hike in Gujarat, which was the only region to experience notable volume growth in December 2024. In contrast, the Central region witnessed a Rs 3 MoM decline in prices, settling at Rs 365 per bag due to weak demand in December. Dealers anticipate subdued activity until mid-January, citing cold weather that hampers construction. Prices in the Southern region remained stable at Rs 323 per bag, reflecting weak volumes in Hyderabad attributed to slower real estate and construction activity. Dealers in the South expect muted demand in early January, impacted by labour shortages due to regional festivals like Pongal. However, demand may pick up later as government projects in Kerala with March 2025 deadlines gather pace. Nomura notes that the Central region is the only area experiencing a 1% price drop, while other regions have recorded mild to significant price increases. Analyst Recommendations Among cement manufacturers, Nomura continues to favour UltraTech Cement, maintaining a "buy" rating alongside Shree Cement, Ambuja Cement, and Ramco Cement. The brokerage holds a "neutral" stance on Nuvoco Vistas Corporation and ACC, while recommending a "reduce" rating on Dalmia Bharat. While price trends suggest resilience, demand recovery is expected to remain uneven across regions through mid-January. (moneycontrol)

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..