Cement Sector Investment Hinges on Profitability: Report

30 Dec 2024 CW Team

The Indian cement industry must significantly boost its profitability, with EBITDA surpassing Rs 1,000 per tonne, to justify future investments, according to an IKIGAI Asset Manager report. Despite strong demand and consolidation, achieving this profitability requires substantial pricing support. Currently, the industry achieves an EBITDA of Rs 800 per tonne, with a post-tax return on capital employed (ROCE) of only 3 per cent after accounting for depreciation and capacity utilization. To justify incremental investments, profitability needs to double. The report also highlights challenges such as the expiration of over 25 per cent of limestone mines by 2035 and the need for enhanced efficiencies and better pricing strategies. Renewable energy costs, offering cheaper alternatives to grid power, could help improve margins. The report stresses that cement pricing power remains weak, with prices increasing by just 50 per cent in the past decade, far behind inflation in other sectors. The next phase of growth for the industry will depend on optimising pricing strategies, increasing green energy use, and enhancing operational efficiencies to sustain profitability. (ANI)

Infrastructure Transport

18 Dec 2025

RVNL secures Rs 1.65 billion railway bridge project from North Eastern Railway

Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) has received a Letter of Award (LoA) from North Eastern Railway for a Rs 1.65 billion railway infrastructure project, strengthening its order book and showcasing its expertise in complex railway construction.The project involves constructing the substructure of a major railway bridge over the Gandak River, located between Paniyahwa and Valmikinagar stations. This is part of the doubling of the Gorakhpur Cantt–Valmikinagar railway section, aimed at improving line capacity and operational efficiency.The bridge will feature 14 spans of 61 metres each, built on double D-t..

Raebareli’s Modern Coach Factory rolls out 15,000th railway coach

The Modern Coach Factory (MCF) at Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh has achieved a major manufacturing milestone with the rollout of its 15,000th railway coach on December 15, the Ministry of Railways said.In a press note, the ministry said that MCF has already produced 1,310 coaches in the current financial year 2025–26, reflecting sustained high output at one of Indian Railways’ most advanced passenger coach manufacturing units.Established in 2007 at Lalganj in Raebareli district, MCF was built at a cost of Rs 31.92 billion with an initial annual production capacity of 1,000 coaches. The factor..

RailTel wins Rs 260.88 million IT infrastructure order from VOC Port

Navratna public sector undertaking RailTel Corporation of India has secured an IT infrastructure order worth Rs 260.88 million from V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port), strengthening its presence in port-led digital transformation projects.According to an exchange filing dated December 16, 2025, RailTel has received a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from VOC Port Authority for the implementation of advanced IT infrastructure at the port. The project is domestic in nature and is scheduled to be completed by August 15, 2026.The company said the order has been awarded in the normal course of ..