Informa Markets in India, a prominent organiser of B2B trade events, recently hosted an industry roundtable at Hyatt Place, Hyderabad, in the lead-up to the 11th edition of World of Concrete India (WoC India) 2025, scheduled for 8–10 October at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The event featured insights from senior executives and technical experts representing major stakeholders in the construction and infrastructure ecosystem.
Speakers included Rohit Vora (CEO, Jindal Panther Cement), Dr Er Ar SP Anchuri (Consultant/Architect), Somnath Ghosh (Vice President, CEAI), Nivedha R (Founder & CEO, WOW Material), Pranav Desai (Chief of Innovation & R&D, Birla Nu), Vijay K Kosaraju (Founder & MD, ROBOMATIC Precon Pvt Ltd), and Rajneesh Khattar (Senior Group Director, Informa Markets in India). The discussions covered the evolving role of materials technology, sustainability imperatives, and infrastructure opportunities across South India.
India’s construction sector continues to expand, driven by public infrastructure investment, a steady pipeline of private projects, and supportive policy frameworks. Key government initiatives such as the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP)—with a total outlay of INR 111 lakh crore—and incentives for low-carbon manufacturing are reshaping the landscape for cement, concrete, and allied industries. The government is also preparing a ₹5,000 crore national mission to promote green steel production, a move expected to complement decarbonisation efforts in cement and concrete manufacturing.
Vijay K Kosaraju, MD of ROBOMATIC Precon, highlighted the rapid growth of the precast concrete market, which stood at $6.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $11.2 billion by 2030. He noted that with India adding 700–900 million sq. m. of built-up area annually, solutions like precast wall systems can significantly reduce construction time and improve performance on key metrics such as sound and water absorption.
“Concrete is central to India’s infrastructure. Precast technologies can address labour shortages, improve speed, and meet sustainability goals,” he said. “Policy support and tax rationalisation will be critical to accelerating adoption.”
Rohit Vora, CEO of Jindal Panther Cement, spoke on integrating advanced technologies and sustainability in cement production. The company’s current capacity of 3 million tonnes is set to expand to 10 million tonnes over three years.
“We’ve reduced our carbon footprint to 300 kg per tonne of cement—well below the industry average of 500 kg. Our AI-powered plant and use of EVs in logistics reflect our approach to efficient, responsible manufacturing,” he noted.
Nivedha R, CEO of WOW Material, presented an alternative to conventional shuttering plywood: recycled plastic shuttering boards. These boards outperform traditional options in durability and lifecycle, offering a viable solution to both plastic waste and deforestation.
“These innovations support circular economy goals and reduce construction costs. However, widespread adoption will depend on favourable GST structures and incentive mechanisms, much like the renewable energy sector has seen.”
World of Concrete India 2025 will bring together over 250 exhibitors, 350+ brands, and more than 15,000 professionals across construction, real estate, engineering, and infrastructure development. The event will serve as a comprehensive platform for showcasing products and technologies covering the entire concrete supply chain.
Participation from global players including Jindal Panther Cement, UltraTech Cement, JSW Cement, Godrej Construction, Sika India, WOW Material, Sicoma Mixers, and Fosroc Chemicals underscores the platform’s relevance. The event will also host international pavilions from Germany, South Korea, China, the USA, and Spain.
Supporting organisations include the Precast Manufacturers Association of India, Builders Association of India, Ready Mix Concrete Manufacturers Association, and several other national and regional trade bodies. The southern region, particularly Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, is witnessing a surge in construction activity. Hyderabad now has over 200 completed high-rise buildings, with 250 more under construction, reflecting demand in both residential and commercial segments.
Telangana’s construction sector contributed ₹80,000 crore to the state economy in FY 2024–25, recording 11.97% growth. The government’s Indiramma Housing initiative, aiming to deliver 500,000 affordable homes, is another driver for materials demand and innovation.
Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director of Informa Markets in India, said “With infrastructure demand rising and the push toward sustainability gaining momentum, platforms like WoC India are essential for bringing together stakeholders to share knowledge, showcase innovation, and accelerate progress.”
Rajneesh Khattar, Sr Group Director, added “India is on the path to becoming a global leader in infrastructure. WoC India 2025 is well-aligned with this vision, offering a platform that reflects the sector’s aspirations and its commitment to modern, efficient, and sustainable construction practices.”
