?Wirtgen offers the broadest range of milling machines in the world and we have over a 70 per cent market share world???wide, says P Ramesh, Managing Director and CEO, Wirtgen India. Excerpts from the interview.

How do you assess the potential for milling and recycling in India?
The potential for milling and recycling in India is huge, considering the ever-growing need to maintain levels in our city roads and highways. Also, the shortage of aggregates in the eastern and northern part of the country further emphasises the need for milling and recycling technologies to be used.

Do you have a take on why these concepts have still not caught on? Has Wirtgen initiated any steps Wirtgen to spread awareness?
The authorities and the contractors have to see the technology in action in India to be sure that it is suitable for Indian conditions. The process has started with some pilot projects which we have taken up with some of the leading road developers in India. Also, the codes have to be modified to promote milling and recycling and the process for revision is on. We also organise seminars and demonstrations to increase awareness and showcase the technology to the concerned authorities.

What is the potential for milling and recycling machines in terms of units?
The use of this technology is still in a nascent stage and it would be too early to talk of numbers. In a small country like France, Wirtgen sells 200 milling machines a year. Last year we sold 400 machines in China.

How constructive are our codes and specs are in terms of propagating the use of RAP?
Definitely, lack of awareness is a challenge. Also, the codes do not encourage the use of RAP and we understand that they are under revision. We are in touch with the authorities and also with the IIT?s to inform them on the latest technologies being used in Europe and USA and also in China, with regard to cold milling and recycling.

What are the major challenges you see that prevent the contracting fraternity from adapting RAP in road construction and repair jobs?
Clarity on the use of RAP is a challenge. On one hand, NHAI states that contractors are free to use the latest technologies which are proven worldwide for over ten years. However, when road developers take the initiative to use the recycling technologies in pilot projects, they face several challenges and hurdles.

Has there been any study done by Wirtgen in India to find the cost savings per km of road constructed using RAP?
The savings depends on the condition of the existing road and the new design to which the road has to be designed. However, the savings can vary between 10 to 25 per cent depending on several factors. But more than the saving on costs, we are saving on precious natural resources like aggregates and bitumen.

Tell us about the range of milling machines offered by Wirtgen and its technical features.
Wirtgen offers the broadest range of milling machines in the world and we have over a 70 per cent market share worldwide. The average age of our products is less than three years and Wirtgen cold milling machines are at least a generation ahead of competition. In India, we currently offer the 0.5, 1, 1.3 and 2 m class of milling machines.