India envisions as global leader in construction equipment manufacturing by 2028

Government of India Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari

“The construction sector in India currently ranks as the third largest in the world. The industry, by fostering collaborative endeavours among stakeholders, and corporations, and through substantial government support, we have the potential to propel it to the top spot within the next five years,” said the Government of India Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari.

He noted it as the Chief Guest of the inauguration at the 12th Edition of CII EXCON 2023, South Asia’s largest construction equipment trade fair organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Tuesday 14. Gadkari said that the construction sector will have a significant contribution to the Prime Minister’s vision to make India a carbon neutral economy. To achieve this goal, the government is embarking on major infrastructure and industrial projects that implement sustainable fuels.

“Construction and mining operations consume 400 crore litres of diesel, which is quite detrimental to the environment and the economy. By embracing alternative fuels such as ethanol, methanol, and hydrogen, the construction and mining sectors can effectively reduce emissions. Precast concrete emerges as a commendable substitute for traditional concrete. We advocate for industry collaboration to bolster the capabilities of construction through the use of sustainable materials and alternative fuels,” Gadkari added.

The Minister further highlighted substantial business prospects for the construction industry within the state, emphasising significant opportunities arising from expansive infrastructure development initiatives. These encompass extensive projects encompassing roads, flyovers, industrial infrastructure, and power.

Confederation of Indian Industry Director General Chandrajit Banerjee, in the inaugural session said, “Currently, India’s construction equipment industry is exporting to over 140 countries. To enhance sustainability and efficiency, private players in the construction sector should focus on automation, the adoption of advanced technologies, global best practices, the use of alternative fuels, and innovations in utilising waste materials as raw materials for construction projects. This approach aims to reduce both the cost of construction and the rate of pollution.”

While proposing the vote of thanks Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association President Vivekanand Vanmeeganathan said, “We are grateful for the invaluable guidance provided by Shri Nitin Gadkari in steering India’s construction sector. With confidence, we anticipate that in the coming years, the industry will continue to draw upon his insights, striving to become not only the most sustainable but also the world’s topmost innovator.”

EXCON underscores a dedicated commitment to sustainable power solutions, showcasing cutting-edge exhibits of electric and hybrid machinery tailored for low emissions and optimal energy efficiency. Furthermore, the event serves as a platform to spotlight the latest strides in artificial intelligence, IoT, and automation, actively contributing to the evolution of smart construction technologies and fostering a culture of innovation within the industry.

The CII EXCON event witnessed a significant milestone with the ‘Women Building India - Equal Opportunity Awards,’ a platform dedicated to recognising and promoting gender inclusivity in the construction industry. Schwing Stetter India Ltd Managing Director V. G. Sakthi Kumar was recognised as the Committed Leader, embodying unwavering dedication towards fostering gender diversity. Meanwhile, Cummins India earned acclaim for fostering “Inclusive Workplace”, a testament to their commitment to diversity and equal opportunities. Additionally, JCB was recognised for their innovative special initiative for the ‘Shopfloor’ garnered acknowledgment, showcasing their pioneering efforts in creating a more inclusive and dynamic work environment. These awards not only commend exemplary achievements but also serve as beacons inspiring further progress toward a more diverse and equitable construction industry.

Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (ICEMA) is the Sector Partner and the National Highways Authority of India and Builders Association of India are supporting Partners for EXCON.

Over 1000 exhibitors from more than 100 countries showcased their products and a number of companies launched new products and services. The exhibition also attracted five country pavilions from France, Germany, Italy, Turkey and UK, while OTR Wheel Engineering Lanka Ltd, participated from Sri Lanka. OTR Managing Director Asanka Rajapakse said that participation at this exhibition has created an opportunity to explore their services to the huge Indian market and estimated to reach minimum $ 6 million exports to the Indian market within the next three years by 2027.

Schwing Stetter India Managing Director V.G. Sakthikumar receiving the award from TVS Supply Chain Solutions CII Chairman, President and Chief Guest R. Dinesh