Lifting the Industry
India’s construction sector is on an upward trajectory, bolstered by large-scale infrastructure projects ranging from highways and railways to metro systems and smart cities. This boom in development is pushing the demand for construction machinery, particularly crawler cranes, which are indispensable for high-lifting tasks involved in these projects. By 2033, the market for crawler cranes in India is projected to reach a significant $805.95 million.
The demand for crawler cranes is largely driven by the ongoing construction of essential infrastructure, which includes high-rise buildings, bridges, industrial complexes, and transportation hubs. Additionally, port infrastructure investments are gaining momentum as India seeks to enhance its maritime trade capabilities, further increasing the need for crawler cranes. These versatile machines, capable of lifting heavy loads in challenging environments, play a critical role in ensuring the success of such large-scale projects.
Rise of Smaller Capacity Cranes
While the demand for high-capacity cranes has been considerable, the market for lower-capacity cranes is poised for growth as well. A key trend emerging in the Indian crawler crane market is the increasing demand for medium and small-capacity machines. The shift can be attributed to several factors, including the high cost of acquiring newer, larger cranes and the increasing preference for renting smaller equipment rather than investing in larger units with long-term maintenance costs.
In India, crane rental companies are finding it more challenging to invest in medium and heavy-duty machines due to elevated interest rates and the high upfront costs. Many crane rental firms are now focusing on offloading existing equipment, with international buyers, particularly from Australia and Eastern Europe, showing interest in well-maintained second-hand cranes. This trend is expected to drive the market for smaller capacity crawler cranes, which will be in greater demand for shorter-term, specialised jobs.
Another factor driving the demand for lower capacity crawler cranes is the emergence of new, first-time rental companies. These companies, often operating on modest margins, will primarily focus on smaller cranes, which are more affordable and easier to manage. This shift represents a significant trend in the Indian construction sector as companies adjust to the evolving dynamics of the market.
Sany India, one of the leading manufacturers of construction equipment, recently achieved a significant milestone with the delivery of 8 units of its SCC7500A 750-tonne crawler cranes to Sanghvi Movers (SML), one of India’s largest crane rental companies. This delivery, which took place in the first quarter of the financial year 2023-24, brings SML’s fleet of Sany cranes to a total of 10 units, marking the largest fleet of Sany cranes owned by any company worldwide.
Sanghvi Movers, which has been a trusted name in the crane rental industry for over three decades, relies on the quality and reliability of its fleet to meet the growing demands of its clients. Deepak Garg, Managing Director, Sany India, highlighted the strong partnership between Sany and SML, emphasising the role of these high-capacity crawler cranes in meeting the challenges posed by the country’s infrastructure projects.
In a similar vein, Rishi Sanghvi, Managing Director, Sanghvi Movers, expressed his gratitude for the continued support from Sany, noting that the newly delivered cranes would enable the company to tackle even the most demanding construction tasks. For rental companies like SML, owning a fleet of such advanced machinery is essential to remain competitive and cater to a diverse range of customer needs.
The increasing complexity of infrastructure projects is pushing construction companies to adopt more advanced, sustainable, and digital technologies. Manish Mathur, CEO, Action Construction Equipment (ACE), commented that the construction equipment sector is undergoing a transformation, driven by rising environmental concerns, digitalisation, and the need for operational efficiency.
As the demand for eco-friendly machinery grows, ACE is aligning itself with these trends by integrating sustainability and digital features into its product offerings. This includes producing fuel-efficient machines equipped with advanced telematics for remote monitoring and predictive maintenance. By providing real-time data, these digital capabilities allow project managers to make informed decisions, improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
However, Mathur also acknowledged that the industry faces challenges in balancing sustainability with rising material and technology costs. As infrastructure projects become more complex, there is an increasing need for skilled operators who can efficiently use the advanced machinery being introduced. To address these challenges, ACE is investing heavily in research and development, focusing on creating cost-effective, eco-friendly products. Additionally, the company is expanding training programs to ensure that operators are well-equipped to handle the increasingly sophisticated equipment.
The Indian government's accelerated infrastructure initiatives, including large-scale projects in roads, ports, and urban development, have further fuelled the demand for construction machinery. ACE’s extensive product range, which includes cranes, earthmoving equipment, and material handling machinery, is well-positioned to support these ambitious projects. The company’s ability to provide reliable equipment with robust after-sales support ensures that it remains a key player in India’s growing construction sector.
Bigger is Better
As India’s infrastructure projects become more ambitious and complex, there is a marked increase in the demand for high-capacity cranes. According to Karan Gandhi, Executive Director, Express Equipment Rental & Logistics, “the future of India’s crane market lies in larger and more specialised cranes capable of handling complex lifting tasks. The growing need for heavy lifting and precise positioning is especially evident in the development of large-scale infrastructure projects such as tall buildings and oil refineries.”
Praveen Sharma, Managing Director, ABC Infra, cited several examples of large crane operations in India, including the use of 1,200-tonne crawler cranes at the Pachpadra Oil Refinery in Rajasthan. “These high-capacity cranes were essential for lifting massive loads while maintaining precision, underlining the importance of such machinery in India’s evolving construction landscape. Refinery projects, petrochemical plants, and steel manufacturing facilities are driving the demand for these heavy-duty machines, as they require the ability to lift and move enormous materials.”
The availability of affordable cranes from suppliers, especially Chinese manufacturers, has also contributed to the rise in demand for larger cranes. Favourable credit terms and shorter delivery timelines make it easier for Indian companies to acquire high-capacity machines. The Indian market’s demand for quick delivery and customisation further drives the popularity of larger cranes, especially for urgent and complex tasks.
In the super tonnage crane segment, which includes cranes over 800 tons, demand is expected to increase significantly, from about 10 units last year to over 40 units by the end of the current year. This growth is driven by sectors such as renewable energy, particularly the wind energy sector, which is expected to benefit from the Indian government’s push for a 500 GW non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity by 2030. Large cranes are essential for the installation of wind turbines and other renewable energy infrastructure, further fuelling the need for specialised equipment.
Road ahead
India’s booming construction and infrastructure sectors are creating unprecedented opportunities for the crane industry, with significant demand for both high-capacity and smaller crawler cranes. The continued expansion of infrastructure projects, coupled with the rise of digital technologies and sustainable practices, is reshaping the market. Leading manufacturers are strategically positioning themselves to meet these growing needs.
As the country accelerates its efforts to build world-class infrastructure, the crane industry is likely to continue its upward growth trajectory, driven by the need for specialised, reliable, and technologically advanced equipment. Whether it’s supporting massive oil refineries, wind energy projects, or urban construction, cranes are essential tools in transforming India’s landscape for the future.
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