COVER STORY READY TO ROLL Ready-mix concrete segment is banking on the government’s environmental initiatives to take off from the present level of activity in a big way   Yet to reach all corners  The organised segment continues to focus on innovative special concrete, quality and timely delivery, while the unorganised players tend to reduce the operating costs by lower compliances tax evasions and employing unskilled labour at cheaper costs, says Atul Desai.   FEATURE: MATERIAL TRANSPORT Innovative Technology  Though blowers and conveyors are being used for short and long distance material transport respectively in cement companies, the innovative air cushion technology promises to be cost effective in the long run.   Friction-free conveyors are the way to go”  Frank Wang, General Manager, and U.K. Mullick, Chief Consultant of Sagta, say it is a maintenance free and environment friendly technology.   VIEWPOINT Optimising Concrete Precasting  Precast concrete technology adds value and reduce cost of the project as compared to cast in-situ built.   INTERVIEW “We wish to share best practices by encouraging collaboration”  Benjamin Sporton, CEO, GCCA discusses how the global body seeks to develop and strengthen the sector’s contribution to sustainable construction.   “Next phase of capacity enhancement to come from greenfield projects”  Dr Shailendra Chouksey, Whole-Time Director,JK Lakshmi Cement says that infrastructure creation will drive demand growth of cement.   PERSPECTIVE Taking Freight Forward to 2019  Some of the key trends in freight digitisation and investments across the industry have been discussed in the article.