In the heart of Bengaluru, the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) recently played host to one of South Asia’s most significant events – Excon 2023. From December 12 to December 16, this bustling hub witnessed the convergence of over 1,200 exhibitors, both domestic and international, marking the 12th edition of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) organised extravaganza. The sprawling 30 lakh sq. ft display area was a testament to the grandeur of an event that has become synonymous with innovation, collaboration, and the future of India’s construction industry.

Excon 2023 was not merely a local affair; it was a global rendezvous. The event attracted exhibitors from countries as diverse as Austria, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Romania, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. This international participation underscored the global recognition of India's position as a hub for construction equipment manufacturing.

Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road, Transport and Highways, Government of India, inaugurated the event. While delivering his inaugural speech, he expressed optimism about India's construction sector becoming the world's largest within the next five years. “The construction sector in India currently ranks as the world's third largest. Yet, 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.”

He 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.

Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry, 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.”

Vivekanand Vanmeeganathan, President, Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association (ICEMA), said, “We are grateful for the invaluable guidance provided by 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.”

As we stand on the cusp of 2023, the construction industry is undergoing a profound technological revolution. Generative Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the design process, creating highly efficient and innovative structures. Technology has become the bedrock for gradual expansion and enhanced efficiency in the sector. It’s not just about building; it's about building smarter, more sustainably, and with a keen eye on inclusiveness.

The highlight of the event was the world’s first hydrogen powered JCB in India. For a long time, India has been a strong advocate of green hydrogen and the introduction of the hydrogen JCB falls in line with the vision of the Indian government which views green hydrogen as the fuel for the future.

JCB backhoe loader features a hydrogen internal combustion engine, which has been developed as a result of JCB’s Euro100 million project aiming to address carbon emissions in the construction sector. 

Caterpillar India introduced a new series of excavators in this edition, emphasising improved fuel efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and enhanced durability. Amit Bansal, Director Sales & Marketing-BCP Division, Caterpillar India, stated, “The machines can operate from -32oC to 52oC, suitable for use from the Himalayas to Rajasthan.”

Volvo CE India showcased a monumental step towards sustainability with the largest display of electric machines in the country. The EC500 Electric excavator, L120 Electric wheel loader, and other electric machines demonstrated Volvo CE's commitment to reducing carbon footprints. The Equipment-as-a-Service (EaaS) business model and new-age service solutions underline Volvo CE's dedication to customer success and maximum uptime.

SANY India unveiled a groundbreaking lineup of 15 new models, including revolutionary electric construction machines. Spearheading the industry's shift towards sustainability, these electric machines promise superior operating economics without compromising safety or efficiency. The showcased products range from the futuristic Electric Wheel Loader SW956E to the powerful Crawler Crane SCS800A, setting a new standard for the construction landscape.

CASE Construction Equipment showcased its commitment to innovation and sustainability by unveiling BS (CEV) V-compliant offerings. The new products, including the loader backhoe 770 NX Plus and soil compactor 1107 NX-PD, feature advanced safety measures and emphasise sustainability.

Liebherr took centre stage by unveiling a remarkable display of five cutting-edge machines. From tower cranes to wheel loaders and crawler dozers, Liebherr's showcase exemplified its commitment to providing customised solutions for the evolving needs of the Indian construction industry. The emphasis on design, functionality, and versatility marked Liebherr's presence as a key player in the construction machinery sector.

Komatsu India (KIPL) and Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) showcased their technological prowess and service capabilities, introducing hybrid technology and bio-fuel compatibility in construction equipment. The exhibition highlighted a comprehensive suite of services, including smart construction solutions and advanced oil analysis programmes.

The importance of the construction sector in India’s economic progress cannot be overstated. The government has recognised this and earmarked a substantial allocation of Rs 10 lakh crore (approximately $130.57 billion) to fortify the sector. This financial injection is a clear signal of the government's commitment to infrastructure development.

As part of a technology sub-mission under PMAY-U, the government identified 54 innovative global technologies, marking the dawn of a new era in Indian construction technology. This initiative is anticipated to pave the way for a more inclusive roadmap for all stakeholders. The vision is clear - to harness the immense potential of technology within the construction landscape.

Excon 2023 wasn’t merely about showcasing the latest construction machinery. It was a multi-faceted platform, addressing diverse aspects of the industry. Alternate fuels, Artificial Intelligence pavilion, Aatma Nirbhar Bharat, skills, women operating construction equipment, conferences on defense and paramilitary, green construction focusing on sustainability, Internet of Things, and automation in the construction engineering sector were among the many highlights.

The event was more than just a trade show; it was a dynamic catalyst propelling India towards continuous progress. As Deepak Garg, Managing Director, Sany India, aptly put it, “Excon 2023 is more than just an event; it serves as the driving force behind India’s continuous progress, symbolising our robust infrastructure development and solidifying India's prominent global position in the construction equipment manufacturing sector.”

The voices of industry leaders echoed the sentiment of a sector in the midst of transformation. Amarnath Ramachandran, Managing Director, ARX Mining & Construction Equipment, stated, “Excon is an excellent platform for us to display our machines and connect with contractors nationwide. In 2024, we expect significant growth, exceeding market indicators.”

Vijay Kumbhani, Director Business Development, Kaushik Engineering Works, shared the long-standing relationship his company has with Excon, stating, “We’ve been actively participating in Excon for the past two decades, starting from the very first edition. Excon has proven to be a valuable platform, providing us with good leads not only from all over India but particularly from South India.”

Yasunori Fujii, Managing Director, Komatsu India, said, “Excon is a major event for us. This year, we’re showcasing the PC01. The highlight is our first hybrid excavator, a certified premium equipment refurbished with a beautiful roof and standard warranty. We’re particularly proud that it’s entirely manufactured in India.”

As the industry propels itself into the future, Excon remains a vital cog in the wheel, driving India's infrastructure development requirements. The commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity was palpable throughout the event. Excon 2023 was not just about building structures; it was about building tomorrow - a tomorrow where India stands tall as a global leader in construction equipment manufacturing.