World of Concrete India 2026 to Drive Technology, Sustainability and Innovation in Construction Sector

India’s construction sector is witnessing a major transformation driven by mechanisation, modular construction, sustainability, and digital technologies, industry leaders said during a media and industry roundtable ahead of World of Concrete India 2026.

Highlighting the sector’s evolving needs, Mr. Appasaheb D. Bhosle, Past Secretary and EC Member of the Indian Concrete Institute, said India faces significant challenges related to skilled manpower shortages, pollution, and construction waste management. He stressed that greater mechanisation and modular construction are essential to improve efficiency and sustainability across the industry.

According to Bhosle, technologies such as precast modular systems can reduce on-site construction activities, minimise labour dependency, and lower pollution levels, especially in dense urban redevelopment projects. He also emphasised the importance of improving construction waste recycling rates in India, which currently stand at nearly 15 per cent compared to global benchmarks ranging from 60 to 90 per cent.

He further noted that platforms such as World of Concrete India play a crucial role in spreading awareness around construction technology, safety, IoT-enabled systems, AI-driven machinery, and modern construction practices through the Indian Concrete Institute’s nationwide network of nearly 40 centres.

Speaking on the need for stronger policy direction and accountability in sustainable construction, Prof. A.A. Mahesh Bangad, Chairman, AESA EC / EC, stated that the industry must move beyond viewing concrete purely as a material or contracting activity and instead recognise it as an ecosystem involving technology, machinery, innovation, education, and implementation.

He stressed the need for stronger awareness, better specifications, localised construction solutions, and clearer sustainability mandates to drive responsible growth in the sector. He added that World of Concrete India can support industry-wide awareness, encourage accountability, and help establish much-needed standards and norms.

Commenting on India’s rapid infrastructure growth, Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director of Informa Markets, said the country’s real estate sector is projected to reach USD 1 trillion by 2030, with cities such as Pune emerging as major growth hubs due to expanding industrial activity and infrastructure projects like Metro networks and Ring Roads.

Mudras said the demand for resilient, sustainable, and high-performance construction materials is increasing significantly as India accelerates urban development and smart city initiatives. He added that World of Concrete India 2026 aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and encourage the adoption of advanced solutions such as geopolymer concrete to improve cost-efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Rajneesh Khattar, Senior Group Director at Informa Markets in India, described the event as more than an exhibition, calling it a strategic platform where innovation, leadership, and actionable industry insights converge to shape the future of construction in India.

The event will feature product showcases, live demonstrations, B2B and B2G meetings, startup and investor zones, country pavilions, and dedicated knowledge forums including the CEO Conclave, Open Tech Forum, and Innovation Theatre.

Supported by leading industry organisations such as the Builders Association of India, Readymix Concrete Manufacturers Association, and Precast Manufacturers Association of India, the exhibition will also host 12 conference sessions featuring more than 100 global speakers.

Major participating brands include UltraTech Cement, Sika India, JSW Cement, Mapei, Fosroc, and Asian Paints among others.

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