Domestic technical textiles Industry Segment-wise consumption of ...

At present, majority of manufacturers of geotextiles follow ASTM and EN standards. BIS has
formulated the standard [TX 30 (0934)] for geo-synthetics made from poly-olefin or polyester
material for highways however, it is in draft stage and still has to be finalised.
Geo-membranes used as lining for canals, ponds and reservoirs to control seepage and for proper
disposal of industrial effluents etc.are governed by IS 15351:2008.
11. Impediments to growth in domestic and export market
The major impediments to growth in the domestic market are as follows:
• Road Projects in India have traditionally been awarded on the lowest cost bid model, based on
specifications provided by the state agency (NHAI/PWD etc). Road construction projects,
even in NHDP contracts, are low margin businesses. Consequently, major contractors
hesitated to use significant quantity of Geosynthetics despite its clear benefits. However with
changing norms such as introduction of DBFO model wherein concessionaires have the
freedom to design independently, and being responsible for maintenance also have an interest
in ensuring longevity of construction at optimal cost, it is likely that some of the pitfalls of the
L1-system can be avoided.
• Many of key end-users and Government agencies are of the opinion that while Geotextiles
may be beneficial, it is just one of many civil engineering solutions and hence its usage has to
be seen on a case by case basis depending on cost, availability, time criticality.
Understandably, this conservatism also impacts the adoption of Geotextiles in many projects.
Otherwise, State level government agencies (PWD etc) need more awareness about the
benefits of Geotextiles.
• Lack of adequate testing facilities was cited as a major impediment by most end-users. Lack
of certification often leads to delay as there are no obvious means at project sites to verify if
the material will actually confirm to the design specifications. Contractors often work on tight
timelines and budgets and are unwilling to order material much in advance.
• Alongside awareness, availability of trained technical personnel is also critical for
manufacturing to improve.
• Geotextiles are not included in the ‘Schedule of Rates’ of tenders floated by Public Works
Departments at both Centre and State levels as well as in the IRC guidelines. This inhibits the
consumption of Geotextiles since the contractors prefer to use the materials mentioned in the
Schedule of Rates.
In the export market, Indian manufacturers are currently at small scale compared to European or
even Chinese manufacturers who benefit from economy of scale.