Gadkari calls for cheaper options to cement, steel to reduce prices
Cement

Gadkari calls for cheaper options to cement, steel to reduce prices

The Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) said he has asked some people from Indian Institutes of Technology to carry out research on alternatives to ceme...

The Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) said he has asked some people from Indian Institutes of Technology to carry out research on alternatives to cement and steel. Amid rising steel prices in the country, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on last Monday highlighted the need to explore alternatives to steel as well as cement, for bringing down their prices. The Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) said he has asked some people from Indian Institutes of Technology to carry out research on alternatives to cement and steel. “Steel prices have increased by 65 per cent in the last six months,” Gadkari said adding that the steel and cement rates will reduce once cheaper alternatives are available. Addressing an event to launch products prepared under the Deen Dayal Upadhayay Vigyan Gram Sankul Pariyojana, the minister also cited the example of soyabean cakes. He said when used for mass consumption, they can be served as cheaper alternatives to mutton while alleviating the problem of malnutrition, due to their high protein content of 49 per cent. “I believe that chicken and mutton are spoiling our mindset,” the minister said. He, however, added that this should not become a controversial matter, as even though he is a vegetarian, a lot of people in the country are non-vegetarian. Gadkari also said lakhs of jobs could be created by empowering the village industry, which has the potential of achieving the annual turnover of Rs 5 lakh crore. He added that by exploring new marketing avenues and export potential, the contribution of India’s MSMEs could further be increased from 30 per cent at present to 40 per cent in the next 5 years.

Next Story
Technology

Constructive Automation

On most construction sites, the rhythm of progress is measured by the clang of steel, the hum of machinery and the sweat of thousands. But increasingly, new sounds are entering the mix: the quiet efficiency of algorithms, the hum of drones overhead, and the precision of robotic arms at work. Behind the concrete and cables, an invisible force is taking hold: data. It is turning blueprints into living simulations, managing fleets of machines, and helping engineers make decisions before a single brick is laid. This is not the construction of tomorrow; it is the architecture of today – built on ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Google India’s New Campus

India continues to cement its position as a global digital powerhouse – and Google’s latest milestone reinforces this trajectory with the inauguration of Ananta, one of its largest offices worldwide. CW explores the design, sustainability and construction aspects of this landmark campus in Bengaluru.Significance of AnantaLocated in Mahadevapura, Bengaluru, Ananta spans 1.6 million sq ft and is situated within Bagmane Tech Park. Named after the Sanskrit word for ‘infinite’, this state-of-the-art, 11-storey facility is Google’s fourth office in Bengaluru. It is designed to foster colla..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Indian Delegation Visits South Africa for Trade and Investment Talks

A nine-member Indian delegation participated in the second session of the India-South Africa Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment (JWGTI) held in Pretoria from 22 to 23 April 2025. Discussions were conducted in a cordial atmosphere, focusing on expanding trade ties, boosting investments, and fostering greater people-to-people exchanges. The meeting was co-chaired by Malose Letsoalo, Chief Director, Bilateral Trade Relations, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, and Priya Nair, Economic Adviser, Department of Commerce, India. Delegates from the High Commission ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?