Sanjay Choudhari, Chairman, SBL Energy.
Credit: SBL Energy
With the Union Budget for 2025 slated to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharamanon on February 1, industry leaders are waiting with bated breath for the Union government to reveal its strategy to drive growth and ensure every sector meets its full potential.
Sanjay Choudhari, Chairman of SBL Energy, which is a leading Indian manufacturer and supplier of industrial and mining explosives, including accessories, serving sectors such as mining, infrastructure, and defense, is hoping for significant investments in large-scale infrastructure projects.
"The industrial explosives sector is a cornerstone for India’s mining and infrastructure ambitions. As we look to the Union Budget 2025, we hope for significant investments in large-scale infrastructure projects, especially in sectors like railways, highways, and mining, which directly drive demand for industrial explosives," he told.
Noting the challenges that the rising cost of raw materials, particularly ammonium nitrate brings about, Choudhari believes: "Rationalising import duties or introducing tax incentives on key inputs would provide much-needed relief and enhance competitiveness"
In line with India’s sustainability agenda, he urged the government to encourage innovation in eco-friendly explosives technologies through targeted R&D incentives, in order to enable the sector to align with environmental goals while maintaining operational efficiency.
"Reforms aimed at simplifying regulatory frameworks, particularly around licensing and safety compliance, will foster a more conducive business environment. With the right support, the industrial explosives industry is well-positioned to accelerate the country’s industrial and infrastructure growth, contributing significantly to the vision of a self-reliant India," Choudhari added.