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Satish Chander, Chief Manufacturing Officer, Shree Cement, talks about growth, sustainability, and energy efficiency

How is the cement industry doing in India?

India's cement industry is on a robust growth path, supported by government-led infrastructure initiatives and affordable housing schemes under PM Awas Yojana. While short-term challenges from elections and seasonal factors exist, the long-term outlook remains positive. India's per capita cement consumption is still below the global average, which signifies further growth potential.

With consolidation efforts like restructuring and recent acquisitions, larger players are increasing market share for operational efficiency and enhanced service offerings. Shree Cement is scaling up its capacity to over 80 million tons by FY28 through a balanced mix of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. This expansion strategy is backed by investments in renewable energy, new projects and product diversification, including ready-mix concrete.

Sustainability is key in the industry, with companies prioritizing emission reductions and operational efficiency. Support from green credit incentives helps the sector align with environmental standards and manage regulatory risks. Shree Cement, in particular, stands out with its strong financial footing and zero-debt status, which enables it to fund growth internally. In essence, the Indian cement industry is steadily growing, propelled by expansion, consolidation and sustainability efforts.

What are the key challenges faced by the industry currently in terms of raw materials, production and sales?