World of Concrete India 2024: Showcases Industry Insights and Global Innovations
The World of Concrete India 2024, one of the most influential events in the concrete and construction industry, successfully concluded at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. Organised by Informa Markets in India from October 16th to 18th, the event marked its 10th edition. It brought together over 15,000 trade visitors, 300 brands and exhibitors from countries like Germany, Italy, the USA, Kuwait, South Korea, Finland, and Japan.
The inauguration of was marked by the presence of distinguished guests, namely, Ramashrya Yadav, Founder & CEO, Integrow Asset Management; Tejas Sura, Treasurer. American Society of Civil Engineers -Indian Section Western Region & Managing Director - Cubic Turnkey; K. Viswanathan, President, Builders Association of India; Jay Morzaria, Chairman, NAREDCO NextGen & Committee Member, NAREDCO Maharashtra; Ish Anand, Board Member – iCapital Ventures and Global Vice President, EiC Corporation; Yogesh Mudras, MD - Informa Markets India; and Rajneesh Khattar, Senior Group Director, Informa Markets India.
Leading companies like Reliance, Adani Cement, Asian Paints, Ammann, Ardex Endura, Thermax, Honda India, Zydex Industries, Mapei, MYK Arment, and UltraTech, exhibited their products and solutions.
Said Ramashrya Yadav, “The real estate and infrastructure private equity is a key driver at the end of the value chain, playing a critical role in shaping long-term economic growth. Two major factors are shaping India’s economic trajectory today: first, India’s transition from a per capita income of $2,300 to $6,000 is fueling a shift in consumer demand, driving growth despite concerns of market overheating at a 27 P/E ratio. This highlights the need to remain committed to India's long-term growth story. Second, with 42% of the population under 25, the infrastructure we develop must be both technologically advanced and sustainable, ensuring it meets the needs of future generations. Addressing these priorities is key to building an eco-conscious and forward-looking infrastructure landscape.”
Observed Jay Morzaria, “Concrete, as the backbone of modern infrastructure, remains fundamental to development. However, today's event theme, 'Reimagining Concrete,' reflects the need to rethink our approach in response to new challenges. Rapid urbanization demands smarter, more sustainable infrastructure, while climate change compels us to build responsibly by reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing the durability of structures. With advancements in technology, we now have innovative tools to transform construction. Sustainability and innovation must go hand in hand, and it's essential to explore how we can make concrete greener, more efficient, and aligned with sustainable development goals.”
Said K. Viswanathan, “As President of the Builders Association of India (BAI), which represents over 200,000 construction houses across 220+ branches, BAI is recognized by both state and central governments for its policy contributions. We play a pivotal role in advancing innovation, technology, and efficient management within the construction sector. The World of Concrete India exhibition highlights key developments in areas like concrete, precast solutions, 3D printing, and construction software—critical to modernizing the industry. With ongoing labor shortages, mechanization is essential to improving efficiency and speeding up project timelines. Sustainability is central to our approach, focusing on green building and zero-energy construction, aligning with BAI’s theme, 'Resilient Today for a Sustainable Future.'
Tejas Suration informed that the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is the world’s largest and oldest civil engineering society, with nearly 150,000 members globally. “As we approach our 175th anniversary, ASCE remains focused on enhancing the image of civil engineers and ensuring their contributions to society are impactful. Civil engineering is becoming increasingly global, requiring awareness of international issues like climate change, sustainability, aging infrastructure, energy, water shortages, natural disasters, and environmental concerns. We must develop innovative solutions, adopt sustainable practices, and support initiatives like our Prime Minister's 'Lifestyle for Environment' mantra. With exciting developments in infrastructure, especially in India, we must train the next generation to manage mega projects sustainably, prioritizing quality, safety, and environmental responsibility. Innovative solutions like bacteria-based self-healing concrete and strategies for net-zero emissions by 2050 will revolutionize the industry."
Said Ish Anand, “The real estate, construction, and infrastructure sectors are among the top three contributors to India's GDP, creating significant opportunities for revenue generation, job creation, and global innovation. Events like World of Concrete India play a crucial role in advancing industry standards by exposing us to global practices, fostering knowledge exchange, and pushing Indian companies to compete on a global level. We must prioritize ESG and sustainability compliance, as seen in the European Union. India is steadily moving in that direction, with premium projects already embedding sustainable practices. However, the challenge lies in accelerating this process across all segments. By integrating best practices and innovation at the grassroots level, we can ensure the future of the industry is both sustainable and competitive on the global stage."
Said Yogesh Mudras, "India's concrete and cement sectors are critical drivers of the country's infrastructure and economic resilience. In 2024, the construction industry is expected to reach INR 25.31 trillion, with a projected CAGR of 9.6% between 2024 and 2028. This growth acts as a catalyst for several allied industries, including cement, steel, and real estate. The rapid expansion of the housing market, along with the government's consistent infrastructure initiatives, has significantly propelled the construction industry over the past few years. World of Concrete India 2024 is a unique platform for all stakeholders in the concrete, construction, and infrastructure sector to network, learn about the latest trends and technologies, and explore sustainable solutions.”
The event provided a platform for suppliers, manufacturers, and industry professionals to collaborate and discuss the evolving concrete and construction technologies. A session titled "The Changing Face of Construction: Women Leaders as Catalysts" highlighted the role of women in reshaping the construction landscape, emphasizing leadership and empowerment. This was followed by the Builders Association of India Programme, which further delved into innovations driving the future of construction.
The Evolving World of Ready-Mix Concrete featured insightful presentations on "Challenges and Opportunities in the Indian Ready-Mix Concrete Market" by Anil K. Banchhor; "Concrete Urbanization: RMC's Impact on Commercial and Residential Construction" by Samidha Pathak; "3D Concrete Printing" by Mallikarjun Hulgabali; while a panel discussion was held on "Advanced Materials and Chemicals in Construction – What’s New and the Way Forward".
The Drycotec Drymortar Association emphasised emerging technologies with discussions on topics like "The Business of Adhesives," "Dry Concrete & Other Game-Changing Products," and "The Drymortar Business 2030 – Aspirations." Masterclasses on “Exploring Sustainable Concrete Materials for Modern Structures,” Lean Design and Structural Innovation, Next-Generation Flooring Systems, Precast Projects -Latest Trends and Advancements among other areas.
World of Concrete India 2024 has solidified its position as a leading event, showcasing the latest innovations in the industry through a variety of product launches, exhibitions, masterclasses, B2B meetings, and specialized pavilions. The event featured a well-rounded agenda, including an insightful panel discussions, CEO and CTO conclaves, and Women in Construction sessions, all aimed at promoting extensive knowledge-sharing across the sector. The Industry Awards recognized outstanding achievements and innovations.
The expo was supported by the National Real Estate Development Council, (NAREDCO) Maharashtra, Builders Association of India, the Indian chapter of the American Concrete Institute, Ready Mix Concrete Manufacturers Association, Drycotec – Dry Mortar Association, Architects, Engineers and Surveyors Association (AESA), Indian Concrete Institute (Mumbai and Pune Chapter) and the Ferrocement Society (India).
