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.

Increasing cost of raw materials, power and labour are the key drivers which make it imperative to opt for process optimisation. There is competition and it is getting intense with new players entering market with latest technology.

Overall cement demand will go up which will increase the present capacity utilisation levels from 50-60 per cent to around 80 per cent, says Faisal Alam, President-Sales & Marketing, Kalyanpur Cement

With most of the regulations following international standards, it is not far that internationally accepted cleaning systems would be a part and parcel of the cement plants across India

The size of Indian cement industry is about 315 million tonne per year while capacity utilisation is about 70-80 per cent. Per capita consumption of cement in India is below 200 kg per person, which is almost half when compared with that of the developed

Cement transport thorough waterways, especially via sea routes, is highly economical for companies located near coastal areas. Capt. Ashok Shrivastava gives his perspective on how logistics via waterway will benefit the cement industry.

Government policies must be so framed as to encourage bulk cement transport in India. There are many ways to boost logistical efficiencies at plant and government level. Yogesh Mehta shares with ICR what Shree Cement