CMA applauds the Union Budget 2025-26 for promoting infrastructure, sustainability, and growth. Increased investment will boost cement demand, innovation, and job creation, hence boosting the industry’s role in India’s economic development.

The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) welcomes the Union Budget 2025-26, delivered by Honourable Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman. CMA Member Companies have been at the vanguard of nation-building, making important contributions to infrastructure development, job creation, and economic growth. The CMA believes that the Budget shows a respectable strategy for India’s future, with significant investments in people, the economy, and innovation.

Commenting on the Budget, Neeraj Akhoury, President, of the Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) and Managing Director, of Shree Cement Limited, states, “CMA hails the Union Budget, announced under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its comprehensive focus on holistic and inclusive development. The Budget reinforces a transformative journey towards building a resilient economy for advancing India’s development goals. The various initiatives announced by the Government balance people’s aspirations with the future requirements for the Country’s economic growth. The focus on increased investments in infrastructure across States amplifies opportunities and avenues for the growth of the Cement sector. We appreciate the sustained core focus on infrastructure and reiterate our commitment to being partners in the Nation’s progress. 

The increased spending on large-scale housing and infrastructure projects will drive demand for construction materials allowing capacity expansion and promotion of innovation in sustainable practices. We are certain that despite challenges these measures will support the Cement Industry in achieving a consistent CAGR growth rate of more than 6 per cent of installed cement capacity in the present financial year. Policy reforms in Budget 2025-26 signal a  reaffirmation of the Government’s intent to augment socio-economic growth across core sectors.”

The cement industry is critical to producing direct and indirect employment in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and construction, thereby supporting millions of livelihoods. Furthermore, the industry continues to contribute significantly to the government’s revenue through taxes, charges, and levies, so bolstering the country’s budgetary structure.

Parth Jindal, Vice President, the Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) and Managing Director, of JSW Cement Limited, says, “The Budget presented by Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman is a forward-looking roadmap that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s cement industry, in line with the country’s vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047. It prioritises growth in key sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology. The increased investment in technology will accelerate advancements in green cement solutions, driving sustainability and innovation within the industry. Notable allocations, including ₹20,000 crore to foster innovation and ₹1.5 lakh crore in 50-year interest-free loans to states for capital expenditure on infrastructure development, are expected to significantly bolster growth in the core sectors, including cement sector.

He further adds, “The Budget’s focus on a three-year pipeline of projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) model will incentivize private sector investment and catalyze a transformation in the infrastructure landscape. Additionally, the establishment of five National Centers of Excellence for skill development, as part of the ‘Make for India, Make for the World’ initiative, will ensure that India’s emerging workforce is well-equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly growing economy.”

In light of recent Budget announcements that prioritise infrastructure expansion and affordable housing, the cement industry is well-positioned to capitalise on these opportunities by ensuring consistent and sustained supplies of cement to meet the nation’s growing domestic market and infrastructure demand, combined with sustainable and innovative technologies. With a strong commitment to sustainability and efficiency, the cement industry will continue to drive India’s economic growth and resilience.