Q. Which of the following statement/s is/are correct regarding the Indian cement industry?
1) Around 87% of India’s cement industry is concentrated in a few major states like Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
2) India is the largest producer of cement in the world.
3) Most cement plants in India are located far from raw material sources and near to the ports to support exports.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1
b) 2
c) 1 and 3
d) More than one of the above
Correct Answer : a) 1
Question from BPSC PT 71, 2025
Correct Answer: a) 1
Explanation:
– Statement 1: Correct. The cement industry is highly regionalized and concentrated in a handful of states with large limestone reserves. States such as Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka account for the bulk (roughly 80–90%) of capacity. So “around 87% … in a few major states like Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh” is broadly correct.
– Statement 2: Incorrect. India is the second-largest producer of cement in the world; China is the largest.
– Statement 3: Incorrect. Cement is a weight-losing, bulky, low-value product; plants are typically located near raw material sources (especially limestone), not near ports. Exports are a small share of output, so siting near ports is not the norm.
