• The 10th Anniversary
edition of World of Concrete India 2024 set to take place during 16-18the
October 2024 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai
• As a Preview, the Show
held an insightful roundtable discussion with Key Industry Speakers in
Bengaluru
• The event is estimated to
attract over 300 Exhibitors, 15,000 trade visitors, esteemed policymakers,
decision-makers, influencers, technical experts and professionals.
Informa Markets in India, a
leading trade exhibition organiser, hosted an exclusive roundtable discussion
today at The Park, Bengaluru, as a
preview to ‘World of Concrete India 2024,’ the most significant event in the
concrete and construction industry. The event is scheduled to take place from October 16th – 18th October 2024, at
the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. With India's construction sector
currently valued at USD 639 billion and expected to grow at a CAGR of 6%, it is
projected to reach USD 1.4 trillion by 2025, underscoring the importance of
this expo for industry stakeholders.
The roundtable discussion
in Bengaluru brought together a panel of esteemed industry leaders, including Mr. Gopinath Krishnan, Managing
Director of Ardex Endura; Mr. Subodh
Nene, Infrastructure Head at MAPEI; Ms.
Saranya Subramanian, CEO of Merlin Automation Solutions; Mr. Manoj Rustagi, Chief Sustainability
and Innovation Officer at JSW Cement; Mr.
Raj Pillai, Founder, Coherent Engineering Services, Mr Halarameshwara Channaveerappa, Founder of DU Buildsure and
Honorary Secretary of NARDECO Karnataka State Chapter and Member of Governing Council NARDECO
National and Mr Rajneesh Khattar,
Senior Group Director, Informa Markets in India. The panel delved into the
evolving landscape of the concrete and construction industry, focusing on key
areas such as sustainable practices, innovation in green concrete, and the
industry's future outlook. The discussion also highlighted the challenges posed
by regulatory policies and the need for a collaborative approach to drive
technological advancements and eco-friendly solutions, ensuring long-term
growth and resilience in the sector.
Mr.
Manoj Rustagi, Chief Sustainability and Innovation Officer (CSIO), JSW Cement,
said
“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.
Mr.
Gopinath Krishnan, Managing Director, Ardex Endura, said "
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.
Mr.
Halarameshwara Channaveerappa, Founder of DU Buildsure, said, “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.”
Ms.
Saranya Subramanian, CEO, Merlin Automation Solutions, said
“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.”
Mr.
Subodh Nene, Infrastructure Head, MAPEI, said “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.”
Mr.
Raj Pillai, Founder, Coherent Engineering Services, said
“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.”
Speaking on the
announcement of the 10th Anniversary Edition of World of Concrete India, Mr Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director,
Informa Markets in India said, “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% 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 added.
Mr.
Rajneesh Khattar, Senior Group Director, Informa Markets in India, said
“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."
Building on the success of
previous editions, the 10th Anniversary edition of the World of Concrete India
is set to be a pivotal event for the construction industry. This year’s
exhibition will gather over 15,000 industry professionals and feature more than
300 brands and exhibitors from around the world, from countries such as
Germany, Italy, USA, Kuwait, South Korea, Finland, Japan etc. Showcasing a wide
range of products and technologies related to concrete, masonry, and
construction, the event highlights its growing significance within the
industry. It serves as a critical platform for networking, where construction
professionals can engage with suppliers, manufacturers, and industry experts to
exchange ideas, knowledge, and innovations. Attendees will include end-users
such as contractors, sub-contractors, purchasing and construction managers, and
project managers. Influencers, including architects, consultants, structural
and civil engineers, as well as buyers from real estate, government, municipal
authorities, state corporations, investors, and planning engineers, will also
be present.
Centred on the themes of
innovation and sustainability, World of Concrete India 2024 will run over three
business-packed days, offering a significant platform to highlight advanced
concrete technologies, equipment, and game-changing industry innovations. This
event will include an extensive three-day knowledge forum and conference,
focusing on emerging trends such as digital transformation and sustainable
construction techniques. Attendees can expect a range of activities, including
an inaugural ceremony, dynamic panel discussions, exclusive CEO and CTO
conclaves, Women in Construction session, product showcases, masterclasses, B2B
meetings, and specialized pavilions. The event will also recognize industry
achievements through prestigious awards, creating a holistic experience that
encourages innovation, explores future trends, and celebrates excellence in the
construction sector.
This year, the expo will
see participation from brands such as Reliance, Adani Cement, Asian Paints,
Ammann, Ardex Endura, Thermax, Honda India, Zydex Industries, Mapei, MYK
Arment, UltraTech and many more.
Additionally, the event will be supported by prominent associations such
as the Builders Association of India, the Indian chapter of the American
Concrete Institute, RMCMA, and Drycotec – Dry Mortar Association. Industry
Awards will also be presented, recognizing excellence within the sector.
Bengaluru significantly
impacts Karnataka’s economy, contributing 43.65% to the state's GSDP and 8.2%
to the national economy. As India’s largest market for ready-mix concrete,
Bengaluru accounts for one-third of the country’s total consumption of 3.5
million cubic meters. The city is experiencing a surge in construction
activities across both commercial and residential sectors. Additionally,
Bengaluru has seen the registration of approximately 900,000 MSME units,
attracting talent from other states due to its high employment elasticity. The
adoption of green building materials and advanced technologies like BIM and 3D
printing is transforming the local construction landscape.
The show preview of World
of Concrete India 2024, held in Bengaluru, showcased the city’s pivotal role in
the sector. This event provided a glimpse into the advancements and innovations
that will be featured at the main exhibition, highlighting Bengaluru’s position
as a leading hub for the concrete and construction industry.
