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 Urban

25 Apr 2025

DDA Approves Rs 87.2 Billion Budget for 2025-26

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has approved a budget of Rs 87.2 billion for the financial year 2025-26, with a strong emphasis on civic infrastructure development, green space rejuvenation, housing, and sports facilities, according to an official statement. Chaired by Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, the budget meeting highlighted several large-scale projects, including the revitalisation of the Yamuna floodplain, creation of expansive parks, and upgraded civic amenities. Out of the total outlay, Rs 41.4 billion has been earmarked for capital expenditure, covering new roads, infrastruc..

Vi Taps Cisco to Power Next-Gen Network

Telecom operator Vodafone Idea (Vi) has joined hands with US-based tech major Cisco Systems to revamp its transport network infrastructure across India. The strategic partnership aims to enhance network performance, scalability, and user experience for both retail and enterprise customers. As part of the agreement, Vi will deploy Cisco’s advanced Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) technology to create a high-capacity, software-driven transport network. This will significantly improve the telecom player’s ability to manage surging data traffic and support data-heavy digital services such..

GPT Infra Commissions New Steel Girder Plant Near Kolkata

GPT Infraprojects announced the successful commissioning of its steel girder and components manufacturing facility in West Bengal on April 24, 2025. Located in Village Majinan, Hooghly district—about 60 km from Kolkata—the plant begins operations with an initial capacity of 10,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA). The company stated that the facility is in the process of securing RDSO (Research Designs and Standards Organisation) approval for manufacturing steel bridge girders. Once approved, this unit is expected to become a key asset for the company’s steel bridge segment, catering to c..