Rohit Punjabi, Vice President, Business Head – Excavator, LiuGong India

What are the key product launches you are showcasing at Excon 2025?

We have showcased 29 electric machines across categories, including battery-operated, cable-operated and grid-powered equipment. The portfolio ranges from 6-tonne to 60-tonne electric excavators, electric wheel loaders across multiple capacities, material handling equipment such as forklifts, AWPs and scissors lifts, and an electric mining grader. This is the first time in India that an entire construction equipment display has been fully electric.

Customer interest has been strong, largely driven by curiosity and evaluation of electric performance parameters such as battery consumption and operating hours. While electric excavators are still at a concept and evaluation stage, electric wheel loaders are seeing steady sales, with monthly volumes already established. Interest is particularly high from mining and renewable energy-linked applications.

How do you see construction equipment demand evolving over the next 12-18 months? Which segments will drive growth?

Road construction has seen a temporary slowdown but is expected to recover. Mining activity remains at historically high levels, while port development is emerging as a key growth segment. Equipment demand linked to container handling and port maintenance is expected to contribute meaningfully over the coming year.

What is the current direction of localisation in the construction equipment industry?

Localisation is progressing rapidly, with most manufacturers accelerating domestic sourcing to improve cost competitiveness. However, localisation is a phased process. Building R&D, testing and validation capabilities takes time, and meaningful localisation will continue to evolve gradually rather than overnight.