India’s cement use per person has risen modestly, reflecting sustained construction activity across housing and infrastructure corridors even as overall consumption remains well below global benchmarks. According to recent government data, the nation’s domestic per capita cement consumption now stands at about 290 kg per year — a level that underscores ongoing urbanisation and long-term infrastructure demand, while also highlighting significant room for growth as cities expand and modernise.
Cement is a foundational material for building homes, bridges, roads and transit systems, all of which form the backbone of urban and economic development. The current consumption figure, derived from the latest Economic Survey for 2025-26, captures the aggregate use of cement across residential and public works sectors, but also signals that India has yet to reach consumption levels seen in more developed markets.Urban planners and industry analysts say the rise in per capita use is aligned with government capital expenditure and the acceleration of large infrastructure schemes in tier-one and tier-two cities. Sustained allocations for highways, metro expansions and affordable housing have bolstered demand for concrete and related materials, fuelling growth in cement dispatches despite periodic regional slowdowns in private construction activity. Recent budget announcements reinforce this trend, with increased capital spending aimed at megaprojects and transit-oriented development expected to further lift material consumption.
However, when compared to the global average — typically above 500 kg per person — India’s per capita consumption remains relatively low. This gap points to both latent demand and structural constraints. In rapidly urbanising regions, housing backlogs, limited access to formal credit for construction and the uneven pace of infrastructure execution continue to temper consumption growth. Expanding cement use sustainably, particularly in emerging satellite towns and peri-urban areas, will require balanced policy support that integrates efficient logistics, reduced material waste, and incentives for lower-carbon building solutions.Environmental considerations are increasingly part of this conversation. Cement production accounts for a notable share of industrial carbon emissions, and India’s urban development agenda emphasises climate-resilient construction practices. Industry stakeholders are exploring lower-emission cement blends, energy efficiency measures, and carbon capture strategies as the sector scales to meet long-term demand projections. These efforts are seen as essential to align consumption growth with climate commitments while enabling affordable infrastructure delivery.
Regional variations in demand also shape consumption patterns. Metropolitan clusters and economically dynamic states exhibit higher use rates, buoyed by private real estate investment and public-sector works. Conversely, slower-growing regions display only incremental increases, exposing disparities in urban development that influence overall national averages. Addressing such imbalances is central to fostering inclusive urbanisation that serves both major cities and smaller towns alike.
With projections indicating continued expansion of India’s cement industry capacity and persistent momentum in construction sectors, per capita consumption is expected to climb further. The challenge for policymakers, developers and planners lies in ensuring that this growth supports equitable urban outcomes, reduces environmental impacts, and sustains the delivery of resilient infrastructure across the country.
