World of Concrete India 2024, one of the most influential events in the concrete and construction industry, successfully concluded at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. Organised by Informa Markets in India, the event marked its 10th Anniversary Edition and has already set new benchmarks for the sector. This three-day event, spanning from October 16-18, 2024, brought together over 15,000 trade visitors, 300 brands, and exhibitors from around the globe, including key markets such as Germany, Italy, the USA, Kuwait, South Korea, Finland, and Japan.
The inauguration ceremony was marked by the presence of distinguished guests, including Ramashrya Yadav, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Integrow Asset Management; Tejas Sura, Treasurer, American Society of Civil Engineers - Indian Section Western Region & Managing Director, Cubic Turnkey Private Limited; K. Viswanathan, President, Builders Association of India; Jay Morzaria, Chairman, NAREDCO NextGen & Committee Member, NAREDCO Maharashtra; Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets India and Rajneesh Khattar, Senior Group Director, Informa Markets India.
Ramashrya Yadav, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Integrow Asset Management, said, “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.”
Jay Morzaria, Chairman, NAREDCO NextGen & Committee Member, NAREDCO Maharashtra, said, “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.”
K. Viswanathan, President, Builders Association of India, said, “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 Sura, Treasurer, American Society of Civil Engineers - Indian Section Western Region & Managing Director Cubic Turnkey Private Limited, said, “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."
Ish Anand, Board Member – iCapital Ventures and Global Vice President, EiC Corporation, said, “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."
Speaking on the occasion, Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, said, "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 Rs 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 opening day of the event provided a remarkable platform for professionals, suppliers, manufacturers, and innovators to collaborate and discuss the evolving landscape of concrete and construction technology. A key 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, further delving into the innovations driving the future of construction.
Day 2 of the event focussed on The Evolving World of Ready-Mix Concrete, featuring insightful presentations such as "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; and "3D Concrete Printing" by Mallikarjun Hulgabali. Additionally, there was a panel discussion on "Advanced Materials and Chemicals in Construction – What’s New and the Way Forward”.
Day 3 emphasized on Drycotec Drymortar Association – 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.
The expo was supported by esteemed associations such as National Real Estate Development Council, (NAREDCO) Maharashtra, the 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 Ferrocement Society (India).
