The Bullet Train dream is beginning to take shape. Japan is funding the project with a soft loan over 50 years with a 15-year moratorium. But even before we get onto a Bullet Train, the metro rail projects have kicked up a storm.

Considered as one of the most expensive construction equipment, the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is no more a luxury in Indian construction sector. With Mumbai itself spending over Rs 100,000 crore for metro rail projects with nine lines, another seven cities constructing and 18 others planning, the tunnelling equipment never had it so good here. The construction in the country has reached a level where 17 TBMs are going to be used in a single project of the Mumbai Metro Line 3, the first underground metro project in the city. Though TBMs were in use for underground tunnelling projects in India earlier, this is the first time TBMs are going to be used in such magnitude. This indicates a new era in the Indian construction sector that is going to raise the bar of quality and punctuality in project execution. But necessary support from across the departments and ministries is required for the successful completion of the projects.

Roads and highways continue to be in the centre of action with many expansion projects and greenfield projects underway while more projects in the pipeline. Being the major equipment category in road construction, compactors continue to enjoy growth in demand for the past few years. Going forward, the growth rate is expected to be higher according to the industry input. Compactor manufacturers have introduced machines with added features that can increase the efficiency and productivity and help contractors execute projects faster without compromising on quality. Read the Cover Story to know more on the new products and solutions offered by leading players.

Demand for motor graders saw a steep growth after 2014 and in 2016, the demand was at its peak. The positive trend is going to continue as the use of motor graders is now mandatory in NHAI projects while many state authorities also instructed the contractors to use motor graders in road projects. The Feature elaborates more on the technology and innovation offered by the motor grader manufacturers. Hydraulics, the lifeline of construction and mining machinery, has come a long way with a host of new features and cutting-edge technologies inbuilt and provided optionally. The CASH Special Focus on Equipment Hydraulics provides an overview of the development of hydraulic systems in construction equipment.

Let's hope projects accelerate and light up the festive season.

Happy Diwali and the best wishes for the season!