A preview on World of Concrete India 2024

Ahead of the next expo World of Concrete India in Mumbai, industry leaders shared their perspectives on innovation, sustainability, and green building materials.

A preview of “World of Concrete India 2024,” the biggest event in the concrete and construction industries, was held at The Park in Bengaluru by renowned trade show organiser Informa Markets in India. The event is slated to take place at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai from October 16–18, 2024. The relevance of this expo for industry stakeholders is highlighted by the fact that India’s construction sector, currently valued at USD 639 billion, is predicted to reach USD 1.4 trillion by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 6 percent.

Distinguished industry leaders such as Gopinath Krishnan, Managing Director of Ardex Endura; Subodh Nene, Infrastructure Head at MAPEI; Saranya Subramanian, CEO of Merlin Automation Solutions; Manoj Rustagi, Chief Sustainability and Innovation Officer at JSW Cement; Raj Pillai, Founder, Coherent Engineering Services; Halarameshwara Channaveerappa, Founder of DU Buildsure and Honorary Secretary of NARDECO Karnataka State Chapter and Member of Governing Council NARDECO National; and Rajneesh Khatt The panel discussed how the concrete and construction industries are changing, concentrating on important topics including green concrete innovation, sustainable practices, and the industry’s prospects for the future.In order to ensure the sector’s long-term growth and resilience, the discussion also emphasised the difficulties presented by regulatory rules and the necessity of a cooperative approach to spur technological advancements and environmentally responsible solutions.

Manoj Rustagi, Chief Sustainability & Innovation Officer (CSIO), JSW Cement, states “The recent focus on sustainability, particularly within cement and concrete, has driven a deeper commitment to the cause, with efforts concentrated on reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing energy efficiency.

India’s annual consumption of cement stands at approximately 440 million tons, 100 million tons consumed by the U.S. and the less than 200 million tons used by all of Europe. However, India’s current consumption is still far below China’s 2,000 million tons. With India aspiring to be a developed nation by 2047, the potential to reach similar levels is significant, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, housing, and commercial development.

India currently leads in energy efficiency, with specific CO2 emissions at 530 kg per ton, lower than the global average of 580-590 kg. Yet, there is a long journey ahead, with a vision to reduce emissions further in alignment with India’s net-zero goals for 2070. The roadmap is supported by collaborations with organizations like GCCI, CII, FICCI, and NITI Aayog.

Gopinath Krishnan, Managing Director, Ardex Endura, says” India’s urban infrastructure, while progressing, still faces significant gaps when compared to global standards in areas such as safety, hygiene, and longevity. The primary issue lies in planning, where there has been an overwhelming focus on cost-driven innovation. India is at a pivotal moment, with its young population creating significant markets and a growing global presence. The shift towards India as a hub for capability centers, R&D, and manufacturing positions it as a strong competitor in the global arena, especially with the “China plus one” strategy gaining momentum.

The focus must now shift to building long-lasting infrastructure. Frequent repairs compared to countries with durable solutions highlight the need for a life cycle approach, rather than just cost-cutting. Sustainability is key, with carbon credits soon playing a major role. The World of Concrete India offers a vital platform to address these challenges and drive innovation in sustainable infrastructure.

Halarameshwara Channaveerappa, Founder of DU Buildsure, expresses, “The National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) is crucial in bridging technological gaps by collaborating with government bodies and industry stakeholders. NAREDCO is actively engaging with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, through initiatives such as the NIPUN (National Initiative for Promoting Upskilling of Nirman Workers) and NIRED (National Initiative for Promoting Upskilling of Nirman Workers). Despite advancements in construction technologies and materials, a significant challenge remains: the shortage of skilled manpower. Addressing this gap is essential for the industry to keep pace with technological progress.

Developers, particularly those in B and C category sectors, are currently grappling with issues such as statutory compliance, recent RERA regulations, and taxation complexities. While numerous construction technologies are available, the availability of a skilled workforce continues to be the industry’s most pressing challenge. We anticipate that events like the World of Concrete India plays a pivotal role in advancing India’s goal of ‘Housing for All,’ as envisioned by the Honorable Prime Minister. Such initiatives are vital for ensuring that every Indian has access to quality housing.”

In the opinion of Saranya Subramanian, CEO, Merlin Automation Solutions,  “3D printing technology, still emerging in India, shows significant potential. It enables the construction of structures with minimal deviations (less than 3-4 mm), reducing material waste and improving quality. This layer-by-layer concrete printing process enhances precision and reduces the need for extensive finishing work.

Key projects include the construction of 80 bus stops in Tamil Nadu and the development of educational buildings in Arunachal Pradesh. In Chandigarh, a G+2 structure was completed within one month, while two classrooms in Arunachal Pradesh were built within two months, featuring a unique hornbill design. Notably, 28,000 square feet were constructed using the world’s largest 3D printer. Additionally, the technology has been used to construct 10-50 schools, with the initiative supported directly by the Chief Minister’s office in Arunachal Pradesh. Challenges such as site management and process optimization are being addressed through ongoing innovations, including mobile 3D printing systems and new materials. Support from both central and state governments is crucial for advancing this technology.”

Subodh Nene, Infrastructure Head, MAPEI, states“With over 20 years of experience in the concrete industry, notable advancements in India have been observed. India is at the forefront of concrete innovation, setting global standards in both product development and sustainable practices. Efforts are focused on reducing carbon dioxide emissions by utilizing auxiliary cementitious materials and exploring complete replacements for traditional cement. This approach aims to lower the environmental impact of concrete production.

Ongoing innovations in supplementary materials are enhancing concrete properties without compromising quality. India’s leadership in these advancements highlights its significant role in shaping global concrete industry practices.”

In the insights of Raj Pillai, Founder, Coherent Engineering Services, “The evolution of technology from roadside mixing to modern truck systems has been remarkable. India is poised to experience significant growth in construction, potentially leading to global development over the next few decades. Current infrastructure needs are extensive, including roads, highways, airports, and housing. Despite advancements, challenges remain in delivering world-class quality and ensuring that end users receive the benefits they deserve.

The focus should be on adopting global benchmarks in construction. Issues such as low-bid contracts and regulatory hurdles undermine quality. By aligning with international standards and practices, India can advance its infrastructure and achieve superpower status. World of Concrete India serves as a platform to showcase global practices and set new benchmarks for construction quality in India.”

Yogesh Mudras, the Managing Director of Informa Markets in India, delivers the following statement regarding the announcement of the World of Concrete India 10th Anniversary Edition: “India’s concrete industry is central to our nation’s infrastructure development and economic growth, with promising advancements on the horizon. The revised GDP forecast of 7 percent for FY2024-25, driven by increasing rural consumption and robust domestic demand, reinforces India’s position as the fastest-growing major economy among emerging markets. As sustainability becomes paramount, the emphasis on eco-friendly and energy-efficient concrete solutions is crucial. World of Concrete India 2024 offers a significant platform for networking and business development, making it an indispensable event for staying abreast of the latest trends and innovations in the construction sector” he adds.

Senior Group Director of Informa Markets in India, Rajneesh Khattar, explains “Infrastructure development is vital for India’s economic growth, with road networks serving as the backbone of logistics and commerce. The Government of India’s Sagar Mala project focuses on coastal port development, while efforts to enhance airports and create 100 smart cities aim to improve connectivity and urban infrastructure. The real estate sector, driven by the ‘Housing for All’ initiative, supports residential, commercial, and industrial growth, reflecting the interconnected nature of infrastructure and real estate demands.

Technological advancements like 3D printing in concrete are transforming construction, though adoption in India is still emerging compared to global leaders. Embracing sustainability through energy-efficient practices and reducing environmental impacts is crucial for long-term progress. India’s construction market, the third largest globally after China and the US, is growing rapidly but must address workforce challenges and ensure proper training and fair labour practices. This commitment to advancing infrastructure and sustainable practices highlights India’s progress on the global stage while addressing national priorities.”

The World of Concrete India’s tenth anniversary edition promises to be a significant occasion for the building sector, building on the triumph of its predecessors. More than 15,000 business professionals are expected to attend this year’s show, which will include over 300 international companies and exhibitors from nations including Germany, Italy, the USA, Kuwait, South Korea, Finland, Japan, and so on. The event emphasises the expanding significance of concrete, masonry, and building within the industry by showcasing a wide range of products and technologies connected to these fields. It acts as a vital networking platform where building professionals may interact and share ideas, expertise, and innovations with manufacturers, suppliers, and industry experts. Participants will include project managers, purchasing and construction managers, subcontractors, and contractors as end users. Influencers from the real estate industry, government, state businesses, investors, planning engineers, consultants, architects, and structural and civil engineers will also be in attendance.

World of Concrete India 2024, which will take place over three overflowing business days with a focus on innovation and sustainability, will provide a major stage for showcasing cutting edge concrete technology, machinery, and revolutionary industry advancements. A comprehensive three-day information forum and conference centred on contemporary developments including digital transformation and sustainable building methods will be part of this event. A variety of events are scheduled for attendees, such as a groundbreaking ceremony, lively panel discussions, special CEO and CTO conclaves, a Women in Construction session, product demonstrations, master workshops, business-to-business meetings, and speciality pavilions. Along with honouring industry accomplishments with major awards, the occasion will create a comprehensive experience that promotes creativity, investigates emerging trends, and honours excellence in the building industry.

Brands including Reliance, Adani Cement, Asian Paints, Ammann, Ardex Endura, Thermax, Honda India, Zydex Industries, Mapei, MYK Arment, UltraTech, and many more will be present at the expo this year. Prominent organisations include the Builders Association of India, the American Concrete Institute’s Indian chapter, RMCMA, and Drycotec – Dry Mortar Association will also sponsor the event. Additionally, industry awards honouring excellence in the field will be given out.

Bengaluru strongly impacts Karnataka’s economy, providing 43.65 percent to the state’s GSDP and 8.2 percent to the national economy. Bengaluru is the country’s biggest market for ready-mix concrete, making up one-third of the 3.5 million cubic meters consumed nationwide. Building activity in the city is booming in both the residential and commercial domains. In addition, because of its high employment elasticity, Bengaluru has seen the registration of almost 900,000 MSME units, drawing talent from other states. The local construction industry is changing as a result of the use of green building materials and cutting-edge technology like 3D printing and BIM.

Bengaluru hosted the World of Concrete India 2024 show preview, which highlights the city’s crucial position in the industry. This event showcased Bengaluru’s status as a leading centre for the concrete and construction industry, giving attendees a sneak peek at the innovations and improvements that will be on display at the main exhibition.

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