The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has constructed 12,349 km of national highways in 2023-24 - the second highest achievement. How do you look at the scenario in road construction in 2024-25?

The government’s steadfast commitment to infrastructure development, backed by a host of initiatives like the Bharatmala Pariyojana, reflects that road construction will remain a priority. With the government constructing 12,349 km of national highways in 2023-24, the sector is poised to experience continued growth in 2024-25. This year, we expect to see a further surge in the pace of highway construction, with an emphasis on extending connectivity to remote and underserved regions. 

Advanced construction technologies, such as pre-fabricated structures and smart construction techniques, will significantly help in improving project efficiency and reducing construction time. This will not only aid in meeting the ambitious targets set for the sector but also support holistic economic growth by improving logistics and reducing travel time. As the sector continues to evolve, we foresee a strong focus on sustainability, with green construction practices becoming widespread, further powering innovation and growth in the road construction industry. 

How was the demand/sale of road equipment such as compactors, graders, pavers, during this period?

The vigorous growth in highway construction during 2023-24 has positively impacted the demand and sales of road equipment such as compactors, graders, and pavers. There was a visible surge in demand for efficient, dependable, and cutting-edge machinery amid the government’s push for timely project completion. The construction sector, particularly in road building, exhibited a greater reliance on equipment that could handle large-scale projects with accuracy and speed. 

Sales of these machines went up substantially as contractors and developers sought to optimise their operations and meet rigorous project deadlines. Additionally, the drift towards mechanisation and automation in construction has further strengthened the demand for modern road equipment, as it provides more control over quality and efficiency. On the whole, the demand for road construction machinery remained robust, propelled by the sector’s expansion and the imperative of keeping up with the rising pace of infrastructure creation.

What opportunities do you see for compactors, graders, pavers and other road equipment? How are you planning to capitalise on this? 

The sustained expansion of road construction activities affords considerable opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers of road equipment such as compactors, graders, and pavers. The government’s efforts on boosting infrastructure, particularly in rural and remote areas, will likely drive continuing demand for high-grade, reliable machinery. There is a need for more advanced and versatile equipment due to the growing intricacies of road construction projects, which frequently involve tough geographical terrain and tight deadlines. To exploit these opportunities, we aim to expand our product line by introducing machines that feature the latest technologies, such as GPS-enabled grading systems and automated compaction monitoring. 

In order to ensure that customers have access to timely maintenance and spare parts, we also plan to reinforce our after-sales support network. Furthermore, by moulding strategic partnerships with major infrastructure corporations, we can offer custom-made solutions that satisfy precise project requirements. This approach will help us corner a bigger share of the market, thereby establishing us as a principal supplier of road construction equipment in the coming years.

There are many road projects coming up in the border and hilly terrains. What types of road equipment are in demand for such projects?

Road construction projects in border and mountainous terrain come with unique challenges, necessitating specialised hardware that can function efficiently in difficult conditions. The demand for rugged, sturdy, and easily manoeuvrable machinery is especially high in these regions. To ensure the precision and stability of road construction in precipitous and rocky landscapes, machines such as all-terrain compactors, which can tackle uneven surfaces and graders with advanced slope control technology, are essential. 

Pavers designed to work on narrow, winding roads are also in high demand for projects in hilly regions. The need for such specialised equipment is expected to rise as the government continues to emphasise infrastructure development in border areas and remote locations. We are continuously upgrading the capabilities of our machines to fulfil these demands, ensuring they can operate optimally in the most gruelling conditions, thus supporting the nation's strategic infrastructure requirements.

How are the IoT and digital technologies gaining momentum in road equipment in the new normal working conditions? 

The assimilation of IoT and digital technologies in road construction equipment is swiftly altering the industry, especially in a time where efficiency and precision are paramount. These technologies support real-time monitoring and data collection, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing downtime, which is crucial in upholding project timelines. For instance, IoT sensors embedded in compactors can relay data on compaction quality, helping operators make instant adjustments to achieve optimal results.

Similarly, graders outfitted with GPS and telematics can deliver accurate grading, even on rough terrains. These technologies also boost safety on construction sites by giving operators improved control and supervision of the equipment. Digital platforms that collate and analyse data from various machines can provide key insights for project managers, helping to optimise resource allocation and overall project efficiency. We are working to integrate these innovations into our products as the adoption of IoT and digital technologies spreads, thus making sure our customers reap the benefits of the latest advancements in road building technology.

What will be trending in road equipment (compactors/graders/pavers) in the next two to three years? 

Riding on technological innovations and the growing emphasis on sustainability, the road equipment sector is projected to witness key trends over the next two to three years. One of the key trends will be the increased uptake of automation and artificial intelligence in equipment like compactors, graders, and pavers. These technologies will allow machines to execute tasks with superior precision and efficiency, reducing the need for human oversight and minimising errors. 

Another important trend will be a move towards green machinery, with manufacturers developing electric and hybrid-powered equipment that mitigates carbon emissions and fuel consumption, as industries gravitate towards sustainable construction practices. There will also be a rising appetite for equipment with advanced telematics and remote monitoring capabilities, allowing operators and project managers to monitor performance, identify and resolve issues, and make data-driven decisions in real-time. As these developments influence the future of road construction, we are investing resources in research and development to create groundbreaking, eco-friendly, and technologically advanced products as we endeavour to be at the vanguard of the industry.