Yes, that is one important parameter for reduced specific energy consumption. Generally, Indian cement plants are ahead of others in this. By operating in this manner, the overall key indicators - kWh/tonne of cement and kcal/kg of clinker will be less which is an indicator of the energy efficiency levels.

At present, we are operating at 90 per cent of our capacity. On thermal energy, we are better off; we shall rate ourselves ´good´ as our thermal energy consumption is 690 kcal per kg of clinker. However, on electrical energy, we need to improve our performance.

Cement industry should give AMC for the whole plant / area wise to avoid repeated breakdown and to increase the life of all the machine parts and finally to run the plant smoothly

During calculation, we consider the product recovery, energy efficiency, emission standard, lowest maintenance and fit and forget system for few years, says Arnav Mahapatra, Chief Executive Officer, Ruedo Engineering.

Under a fresh initiative, ACC´s new logistics management system has made concerted efforts to achieve best-in-class logistics performance in terms of cost-to-serve and time-to-serve.

The challenges are more to do with infrastructure related to road, rail and seamless movement of cargo through surface transportation of kinds between states as well as policies to make logistics more cost effective.

Major challenge is the absence of large organized players who can provide end-to-end solution for cement transportation and distribution.

In terms of longer hauls for the places wherever it is feasible, water transport is a desirable option. But for the coastal movement and inland waterways in particular, the infrastructure is not good. The coastal movement to a large extent is confined to the west coast of India.

There is scope for inland water transport in North-East through the River Barak. There are barge services from Kolkata through this waterway.