With the downturn in infra projects and real estate activity in the country, the cement industry has been adversely hit. The core sector industry is staring a dead investment to the tune of Rs 55,000 crore in the short term on account of capacities built up in the recent years. Cement makers are keeping their fingers crossed and expect some relief to start trickling by the end of the year. Deepak Khetrapal, managing director and chief executive officer, Orient Cements Ltd, lends a peek into demand trends and expectations from future in an interview with Deepak Goel. Excerpts:
