The National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB) has partnered with Delhi Technological University (DTU) to boost research and skill development in the cement and construction industry. This collaboration aims to foster joint research, innovation in cement technologies, and provide training opportunities for students and professionals. It also focuses on enhancing skill development and capacity building in the sector.
The initiative will facilitate the exchange of knowledge between academia and industry, promoting best practices and technical expertise. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry highlighted that this partnership will play a crucial role in advancing sustainable infrastructure in India and strengthening the construction ecosystem through improved technical capabilities and institutional cooperation.
Recent reports indicate a significant increase in public spending, driving private investments and demand for core industries like steel and cement. The government’s infrastructure spending is expected to benefit capital-intensive sectors such as cement and metals. Cement demand is projected to increase by 6-7%, while steel demand is estimated to rise by approximately 8%.
Cement manufacturers are anticipated to experience a rise in profitability of about 2.5% to 3.5% in the current fiscal year, attributed to increased realizations from higher volumes and premiumization. Cement volumes are forecasted to grow by 6.5-7.5% year-on-year, with a surge in the second half driven by pent-up demand and improved liquidity. Realizations in the first half of the fiscal year saw a 5% increase, with a more modest growth of 0-2% expected in the second half.
