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

14 Oct 2025

Versova–Dahisar Coastal Road Project to Impact 1,200 Trees

The Versova-Dahisar Coastal Road Project in Mumbai will affect over 1,200 trees, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Of these, 990 trees will be replanted, while the remaining will be cut down due to construction requirements. The project, which forms a key extension of the on-going Mumbai Coastal Road corridor, aims to ease traffic congestion in the western suburbs and enhance north-south connectivity along the city’s coastline. The BMC has assured that replantation efforts will be carried out in designated areas to maintain ecological balance and offset the environm..

New Entry-Exit Planned on Vadodara–Mumbai Expressway near Ankleshwar

The Vadodara–Mumbai Expressway is set to get a new entry and exit point near Ankleshwar, aimed at improving regional connectivity and reducing travel time for commuters in south Gujarat. The new interchange, proposed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), will offer smoother access to nearby industrial and residential areas. The project forms part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana initiative, designed to strengthen India’s expressway network and boost economic corridors. Once operational, the new interchange is expected to enhance logistics efficiency by offering improved freight..

PMRDA Launches Rs 5,580 Mn Road Upgrade Plan to Ease Chakan Traffic

The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has launched Rs 5,580 million road infrastructure upgrade plan to address severe traffic congestion in the Chakan industrial region. The initiative aims to improve connectivity between Pune and major industrial hubs, including Talegaon, Moshi, and Alandi. Under the plan, PMRDA will widen existing roads, construct new link roads, and improve junctions across the Chakan–Talegaon and Moshi-Alandi corridors. These measures are expected to streamline the movement of goods and workers, benefiting the area are automotive and manufacturing ..