India’s cement sector is bracing for intensified competition as the Adani Group announced plans to expand its cement production capacity to 155 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by FY28, strengthening its position as the country’s second-largest producer.
The announcement follows close on the heels of UltraTech Cement’s capacity expansion plan, signalling a renewed race between the two heavyweights for leadership in one of India’s fastest-growing infrastructure-linked industries.Adani’s cement business, anchored by Ambuja Cements and ACC, has scaled rapidly since acquiring Holcim’s Indian operations in 2022. With a current capacity of 107 MTPA, the group aims to add another 48 MTPA in less than three years—largely through debottlenecking and efficiency upgrades rather than new plant construction. This approach will reduce capital expenditure while maximising production from existing assets.
Executives close to the development said the strategy reflects Adani’s intent to “double output without doubling carbon.” By optimising plants, enhancing grinding efficiency through roller press installations, and deploying renewable energy sources, the company hopes to achieve a lower emissions intensity per tonne of cement produced.The move also aligns with India’s broader infrastructure ambitions. Cement demand is forecast to grow 7–8% annually, supported by government spending on housing, logistics corridors, and renewable energy projects. Industry experts note that such growth must be met with cleaner production methods, given that cement remains one of the world’s most carbon-intensive materials.
An analyst tracking the sector observed that Adani’s accelerated expansion “tightens the gap” with UltraTech, which targets 240 MTPA by FY28. “Both companies are now setting the pace for an industry-wide transformation where efficiency, scale, and sustainability are becoming inseparable,” the analyst added.At a time when cities are expanding rapidly, these investments have implications beyond market share. Higher capacity can ease supply constraints, stabilise prices, and ensure steady availability of materials for affordable housing and green infrastructure projects priorities that underpin India’s transition to sustainable urbanisation.
Adani’s focus on process optimisation rather than greenfield expansion suggests a pragmatic shift in industrial growth: doing more with less environmental cost. Analysts caution, however, that such aggressive growth could temporarily pressure sector margins and pricing, especially amid fluctuating raw material costs.As the cement industry races towards higher output, the challenge will be balancing ambition with accountability. If implemented with genuine sustainability measures, Adani’s expansion could signal how India’s industrial giants can grow competitively while aligning with the country’s net zero and resource efficiency goals.
Mumbai Adani Cement To Expand Capacity To 155 MTPA By Fiscal Year 2028
