Innovations for FUTURE needs

The growing demands for sustainability and safety in wires and cables are pushing more innovations in the sector with new products and technologies emerging. Construction Times finds out the industry trends.

Wires and cables play a major role in the infrastructure and real estate sector growth. The market has evolved over the years with modern sustainable products and solutions by various players in the industry. A notable demand driver for wires and cables is the renewable power generation sector in India which is experiencing significant growth. Additionally, compliance with stringent government regulations regarding electric wires and cables is a critical challenge and trend in the market. These regulations ensure safety and quality, ultimately benefiting consumers and the industry as a whole.

What is trending?

The Indian wires & cables market is evolving rapidly, fuelled by urbanization, infrastructure development, and government initiatives. As cities grow and modernize, there is a rising need for reliable wiring solutions in residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. Government initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure, such as increased funding for affordable housing and urban development, are significantly boosting demand for electrical wiring solutions. Additionally, the expansion of renewable energy sources and the rapid growth of the telecommunications sector, particularly with the rollout of 5G networks, are further fuelling this demand. The rise of industrialization and the establishment of data centres are also contributing to market growth.

Sustainability has emerged as a core priority for the industry, with a heightened focus on eco-friendly cables crafted from recyclable materials and produced through energy-efficient processes. Technological innovations such as smart grids, automation systems, and Industry 4.0 solutions are reshaping the market. However, the critical need for zero downtime and higher productivity makes advanced cable and connection technologies indispensable. These factors collectively indicate a strong and dynamic future for the wires and cables market in India.

Innovations in wires & cables

There is a growing demand for fire-resistant and fire-survival cables, especially in critical infrastructure like hospitals, data centres, and high-rise buildings.

The power and data cables sector are witnessing a wave of innovation, driven by the need for enhanced performance, energy efficiency, and alignment with emerging technologies. Innovations in the wires and cables sector are focused on enhancing safety and efficiency. Moreover, there is a growing emphasis on energy-efficient solutions, with manufacturers investing in advanced materials and technologies that reduce energy consumption while improving performance. Arvind Agrawal, Senior Vice President, Havells India, elaborates, “Notable innovations include Halogen-Free Flame Retardant (HFFR) wires, which minimize toxic emissions during fires, and Heat Resistant Flame Retardant (HRFR) cables designed to withstand higher temperatures while maintaining safety standards. The incorporation of S3 technology enhances safety by significantly reducing current leakage, while smart wiring solutions enable conventional switches to be upgraded to smart switches, aligning with the growing demand for home automation.”

Amit Mathur, President - Sales and Marketing, Finolex Cables, highlights, “A prominent trend is the development of flame-retardant and low-smoke cables, which are essential in reducing fire hazards in densely populated structures. These advanced cables ensure that, in case of fire, the risk to occupants is minimized by limiting smoke and harmful gas emissions.” According to Mathur, another major innovation is the use of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation, which enhances thermal resistance, durability, and the ability to handle higher power loads—perfect for industrial applications and challenging conditions.

In the power cable segment, cutting-edge developments such as high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables are revolutionizing long-distance electricity transmission by reducing energy loss and improving efficiency. Smart cables embedded with sensors are another breakthrough, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance to enhance reliability. Sumit Mitra, Managing Director, LAPP India, says, “In the data cable domain, the rise of 5G networks and increasing data traffic have accelerated the optimization of fibre optic cables for high-speed, secure transmission. Hybrid cables, which combine power and data capabilities, are becoming increasingly popular for integrated applications.”

Looking ahead

The future of India’s wires and cables market appears strong, with projections estimating a 7.87% CAGR through 2032, driven by infrastructure expansion, 5G rollout, and renewable energy projects. Driving factors are infrastructure development, renewable energy, telecommunications, real estate. According to Rajesh Lohiya, BU Head – Wires, Cables and Tapes, PEWIN, Panasonic Life Solutions India, the overall wires and cables market in India is set for substantial growth, driven by diverse and robust demand factors. He adds on the company’s plans, “We are monitoring the demand in B2B and B2G segment of wires & cable. We are developing RoHS complied material for other ranges of wire and cable supplied by us. We are implementing eco-friendly practices and producing cables that have a lower environmental impact. These strategies are essential for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving market and ensuring that the future demand for wire and cable.” 

To meet the anticipated demand, Polycab has strategically expanded its manufacturing facilities and increased investment in R&D, focusing on eco-friendly, high-performance cables suitable for modern applications. Bhushan Sawhney, Executive President & Chief Business Officer (Cables), Polycab India, elaborates, “Polycab’s diversification into products that support smart cities and renewable energy demonstrates foresight in aligning with India’s future infrastructure needs. The sector’s growth is noted to be supported by investments in urban development and digital infrastructure, which necessitate a steady supply of high-quality cables.”

With rapid urbanization, significant investments in infrastructure and energy sectors, and a renewed growth in sustainability initiatives, the wires and cables industry in India is expected to grow further in the years ahead.