Skilling for the Future
The Indian construction equipment (CE) industry stands at the crossroads of transformation, driven by the dual forces of automation and technology. As the sector seeks to become globally competitive and address the growing demands of infrastructure development, one critical aspect stands out—skilling. A robust and future-ready workforce is essential to harness the potential of cutting-edge technologies such as automation, drones, IoT, and telematics. For India’s construction equipment industry to truly take flight on the global stage, it is imperative to not only adopt these innovations but also invest in building a workforce equipped with the skills necessary to operate, manage, and innovate within this rapidly evolving landscape.
Technological Evolution
One of the most significant drivers of change in the construction equipment sector is automation. With the advent of smarter, more efficient machinery, automation is revolutionising the way construction projects are managed and executed. From dumpers with tracking systems to advanced equipment embedded with sensors, automation is enabling real-time monitoring, enhanced productivity, and improved safety.
Rajiv Chaturvedi, Vice President, Hyundai Construction Equipment India, points out the growing need for this technology. However, he acknowledges a significant challenge: the cost. "India is a very price-sensitive country. For technology to truly make an impact, it needs to be affordable and accessible to the masses," he says. "The goal is to integrate these innovative technologies, much like mobile phones became accessible to everyone in the country."
Chaturvedi also highlights the role of safety in this evolution. Technologies such as drones and IoT have become instrumental in monitoring construction sites, ensuring that operations are running smoothly and safely. "Drones are used to scan project sites, gather data on equipment safety, and even pinpoint areas where caution is needed," he explains. This integration of smart technologies is crucial for driving efficiency and mitigating risks, particularly on remote and large-scale construction projects.
Overcoming Barriers to Technology Adoption
While the push for more advanced technology is strong, its adoption is often hindered by limited awareness and financial constraints. Jaideep Shekhar, Managing Director, Terex India, notes that despite the availability of telematics—which can track machine performance, operating hours, and maintenance needs—the adoption rate remains low. “The challenge is not just the technology but also the mindset of the industry,” he says. “Customers often expect these technologies to be provided for free, which is unrealistic. Manufacturers need to find ways to make these technologies affordable while emphasising their long-term value.”
Shekar points out that while India is making strides in adopting technologies such as recycling, a much greater push is required from the government in the form of legislation to incentivise and promote these changes. “The government can play a major role in encouraging the use of sustainable materials and recycling technologies in construction,” he says. Globally, many countries have passed laws that drive the recycling of construction and municipal waste, creating a model India can emulate.
Need for Standardisation and Legislative Support
For India to fully embrace the technological evolution of the construction equipment industry, standardization and regulatory support are essential. Muthu Sekkar, COO, Hailstone Innovation, advocates for the creation of uniform standards across the country. “We need ‘one standard, one quality’. Currently, the inconsistency in standards for materials like sand across states causes inefficiency,” he says. He also calls for legislation to encourage the use of overburden materials—excess material that could be repurposed to replace river sand in construction. "Instead of relying on river sand, we have abundant overburden material that could meet the demand for sand for years to come,” Sekkar explains.
In addition to standardisation, Sekkar also calls for export incentives, which could help India position itself as a manufacturing hub for high-quality construction equipment. “If every district had a unique product, similar to the ‘one district, one product’ model, it would not only boost the local economy but also enhance the construction equipment sector.”
Building a Competitive Edge
The success of India’s construction equipment industry hinges on the development of a strong component manufacturing ecosystem. Upkar Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, New Swan Group, highlights the need for manufacturing that caters both to the domestic market and for export. "India is a low-cost manufacturing base, which gives it a unique advantage. We can develop machines that are globally competitive and cater to the needs of various markets,” Singh states.
In addition to focusing on speed and cost-effectiveness, Singh emphasises the importance of safety and sustainability. “Safety standards in the construction industry need urgent attention. From controlling dust emissions to ensuring worker safety on site, these are key factors that need to be integrated into machinery design and construction practices,” he explains.
The adoption of sustainable practices, such as creating machines that enable faster construction while meeting environmental standards, is also paramount. Singh notes that tenders today increasingly prioritize sustainability, making it a non-negotiable factor for future equipment development.
Skilling the Workforce
While technology, regulation, and manufacturing capabilities are key, none of it will matter without the right talent. To keep pace with the global competition, especially from countries like China, Japan, and Korea, India must focus on developing a workforce skilled in the latest machinery and technologies.
Sandeep Kumar, National Product Head, Liugong India, stresses the importance of creating a robust ecosystem for skill development. "We need collaboration between industry, educational institutions, and the government to create a curriculum that aligns with industry needs. Skilled talent must be developed right from the school and college level," he advocates.
Moreover, Kumar highlights the importance of attracting and retaining skilled workers. “It’s not enough to just train workers; we need to ensure they stay with the industry. At present, workers are lured by other industries offering better work-life balance, which leads to a high turnover rate,” he explains. The focus, therefore, must not only be on imparting technical knowledge but also on ensuring a sustainable and attractive work environment that encourages long-term careers in the construction equipment sector.
Creating a Sustainable Future
The future of the construction equipment industry in India hinges on more than just technological advancements—it depends on an ecosystem that nurtures talent, supports innovation, and enforces policies that facilitate industry growth. The need for a skilled workforce is clear, but it must be accompanied by efforts to make India a hub for manufacturing and technology. As the industry strives to meet global standards, its success will depend on a collective effort to improve quality, affordability, and the sustainability of both the environment and talent.
By focusing on skilling and fostering a collaborative approach between industry, government, and educational institutions, India can ensure that it not only meets the needs of its growing infrastructure but also becomes a leader in the global construction equipment market. The road to success is long, but with the right investments in talent and technology, India is poised to be a key player in the future of global construction.
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