What products have you showcased this year and why are they significant? 
Excon is particularly important for us because construction and industrial applications form a key growth segment for BKT. This year, we have displayed mining tyres designed for 190-tonne dump trucks supplied to multinational OEMs globally. Our flagship EARTHMAX All Steel Radial ranges showcase BKT’s years of intensive R&D, deep market insight and precision engineering. We have also showcased tyres for large loaders, which are widely used internationally but have limited penetration in India due to cost and supply-chain constraints. By combining cutting-edge technology with real-world application insights, BKT continues to create solutions that maximize performance, efficiency, and longevity. EXCON 2025 offers the perfect platform for us to demonstrate these innovations and connect with partners who are shaping the future of India’s infrastructure growth.

You have also spoken about track solutions. Has manufacturing begun? 
Manufacturing is already underway, and the products are currently undergoing validation. Once this process is complete, they will be launched commercially. While the products are still in the pre-market phase, our intention is to thoughtfully expand our offerings beyond tyres, in a way that aligns with the needs of our customers and partners.

How do you see demand for OTR tyres evolving with India’s infrastructure push? 
Infrastructure development is central to a growing economy. India is currently investing heavily in roads, ports, dams, railways and other large projects. Tyre manufacturers are also focusing on advanced rubber compounds and improved tread designs that enhance cut resistance, traction on rough terrains. Additionally, sustainability is emerging as a key priority, driving a stronger focus on longer-lasting tyres and the adoption of more environmentally conscious materials and processes. There is also a transition from traditional bias-ply tyres to advanced radial tyres. Radial construction offers superior benefits for construction and infrastructure applications, including less rolling resistance, better fuel efficiency, longer tread life, better heat dissipation and improved traction. This naturally drives demand for construction and mining equipment, and consequently for OTR tyres. From that perspective, the long-term demand fundamentals remain strong.

Construction equipment sales have seen some moderation. How has this impacted tyre demand?
The construction equipment market in 2025 has been relatively subdued, largely due to the transition to new emission norms. However, we expect this to normalise. Looking ahead to 2026, we anticipate a recovery, with equipment sales potentially growing by around 5 to 8 per cent, which should support tyre demand as well. BKT has a strong global position, and a major reason for this success is our core philosophy of offering the right tyre for the right application. This approach, engineering tyres precisely for the machine, terrain, and operating conditions, has helped us consistently deliver superior performance, safety, and efficiency across construction, mining and industrial sectors.

Are customers in India moving decisively towards radial tyres?
Globally, the transition to radial tyres has already taken place. In India, the shift is underway, both in agriculture and certain construction equipment categories. Adoption is happening, but at a measured pace, influenced by cost considerations and operating practices.

What are customers prioritising today — fuel efficiency or tyre life? 
Customers expect both. They want tyres that deliver longer life as well as better fuel efficiency. Ultimately, customers are looking for overall value in operation, rather than trade-offs between performance parameters. Tyres plays a critical role in enhancing the productivity and efficiency for our partners by delivering maximize traction, minimise downtime, and optimize fuel consumption. Our tyres are engineered using advanced compounds and technology that provide stability, and reliability This ensures that construction machinery operates at peak performance across tough terrains. Every BKT tyre is developed with a deep understanding of field challenges, resulting in products that contribute directly to operational efficiency and cost savings for our customers.