Snehal B Dhamdhere
Head – Sales & Marketing
The Bombay Textile Research Association (BTRA)
India’s geotextiles industry is experiencing strong growth in 2025, despite facing tough global trade conditions. These special fabrics, which help build stronger roads and protect the environment, are becoming increasingly important for India’s development plans. However, new trade barriers are creating both challenges and opportunities for the industry.
Market Growth: Strong Numbers Despite Challenges
The Indian geotextiles market is showing impressive growth in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 658 million by 2030, growing approx. at 8.00% yearly. This represents more than doubling in size over the next nine years. The non-woven geotextiles segment, which includes the most commonly used products, is growing even faster.
The market has grown significantly, showing how these materials are becoming more popular in construction projects. India now uses about 100 million square meters of geotextiles annually, with growth expected at 10-12% per year.
Government Support: Major Investment in Infrastructure
The Indian government is strongly supporting geotextiles through several programs. The National Technical Textiles Mission has allocated ₹1,480 crore from 2020-2026, with ₹393.39 crore already spent on research, development, and market promotion.
The Union Budget 2025-26 increased textile ministry funding by 19% to ₹5,272 crore, showing a continued commitment to the sector. Key government initiatives driving demand include:
- Bharatmala Project
- Smart Cities Mission
- PM GATI SHAKTI
- Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
The government also allows 100% Foreign Direct Investment in the construction sector, which helps bring in international expertise and funding.
Geotextiles in Action: Real-World Applications
Road Construction
Geotextiles are most commonly used in road building, where they help create stronger, longer-lasting roads. In challenging locations like in earthquake-prone mountainous terrain, geotextiles provided crucial reinforcement and drainage during construction.
Coastal Protection
With India’s long coastline facing erosion challenges, geotextiles are increasingly used for shoreline protection.
Rural Development
Natural fiber geotextiles made from jute and coir are being promoted for rural road construction. These materials, produced locally from India’s abundant natural fiber resources, provide cost-effective solutions while supporting rural economies.
Infrastructure Projects
Major infrastructure developments, including highways, railways, dams, and airport runways, increasingly incorporate geotextiles for improved performance and durability.
Global Trade Challenges: Tariffs Affecting the Broader Textile Industry
While geotextiles represent a smaller portion of India’s textile exports, the broader textile industry is facing significant challenges from new trade policies, particularly from the United States.
Market Diversification Opportunities
These challenges are pushing Indian textile companies, including geotextile manufacturers, to explore new markets:
- European Union: Offers moderate tariff rates of 8-15%
- United Kingdom: New trade agreements have reduced tariffs to 2-5%
- Middle East and Southeast Asia: Neutral markets with growing infrastructure needs
- Domestic market: Growing rapidly with increased government infrastructure spending
Technology Development
Companies are investing in advanced materials and manufacturing processes. focusing on specialty fibers and innovative applications. Sustainable Solutions – There’s growing emphasis on environmentally friendly geotextiles, including: Biodegradable materials from natural fibers, Recycled materials like rPET (recycled polyester) & locally sourced jute and coir products
Manufacturing Excellence
Major Indian manufacturers like Garware Wall Ropes, Techfab India, Kusumgar Projects, and Strata GeoSystems are expanding their capabilities and working with international partners to meet growing demand.
Regional Growth Patterns
Western India, particularly Maharashtra and Gujarat, leads the geotextiles market due to extensive infrastructure projects and coastal protection needs. These states benefit from:
- Major port development projects
- Highway construction programs
- Industrial expansion requiring ground improvement
- Coastal erosion control initiatives
Other regions are also showing growth, with the North-Eastern states receiving special attention through government programs promoting natural fiber geotextiles.
Market Challenges and Solutions
Awareness and Education
Despite their benefits, geotextiles face adoption challenges due to limited awareness among engineers and contractors about their applications and benefits. The government and industry are addressing this through:
- Training programs for engineers and contractors
- Demonstration projects showing successful applications
- Development of technical standards and guidelines
Quality and Standards
The industry is working to establish better quality control and technical standards to ensure consistent performance and build user confidence.
Competition from Imports
While domestic production is growing, competition from international suppliers requires continued focus on innovation and cost competitiveness.
Future Outlook: Strong Growth Potential
The geotextiles market in India shows excellent prospects for continued growth:
Strategic Recommendations for Industry Growth
For Manufacturers
- Invest in technology to develop higher-value products that can compete globally
- Focus on quality to build trust with domestic and international customers
- Develop partnerships with construction companies and government agencies
- Expand into new applications beyond traditional road construction
For Government
- Continue infrastructure investment to maintain domestic demand growth
- Promote exports through trade missions and international partnerships
- Support research and development in advanced materials and applications
- Develop technical standards to ensure quality and performance
for the industry
- Build awareness among engineers and contractors about geotextile benefits
- Develop skilled workforce through training and education programs
- Strengthen supply chains to ensure reliable material availability
- Focus on sustainability to meet growing environmental requirements
Conclusion: Building a Strong Foundation
India’s geotextiles market in 2025 represents a success story of steady growth supported by strong government commitment and increasing infrastructure development. With the market expected to more than double by 2030
While global trade challenges affecting the broader textile industry create some uncertainty, geotextiles benefit from strong domestic demand driven by India’s massive infrastructure spending plans. The combination of government support, growing awareness, and increasing infrastructure needs provides a solid foundation for continued growth.