Will CE cross its previous peak of 52,500 units achieved in 2011 this year, despite the additional burden caused by GST? The majority feels that the peak is within reach. The prime assurance comes from the jump in government spending, which grew by 13 per cent, year on year, in the two months of April-May 2017 to touch Rs 4.6 lakh crore against Rs 2.9 lakh crore in April-May 2016. Capital expenditure for infrastructure creation and other assets rose 63 per cent in April-May to Rs 54,000 crore from Rs 33,000 crore in the same two months a year ago.

Construction aggregates, required for metros, roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects are facing a challenge in supply due to the ban on some quarries facing environment concerns. Major projects in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) are facing shortage of aggregates due to ban of certain quarries in Turbhe, Navi Mumbai, from where aggregates are being sourced for these projects. Developers and contractors are looking for alternate options to source the required aggregates as they cannot afford major delay in these projects. So agencies are looking for other options to make available the required aggregates. Increasing the capacity of existing quarries that are not affected by restrictions is an option and many quarry owners are now opting bigger capacity crushers at their quarries. The ban on sand mining on river beds in most parts of the country has opened up the prospects of manufactured sand (M-sand). All these trends boost the requirement for efficient high capacity crushers and screens. Our Cover Story is focusing on the growing demand for aggregates and how the higher capacity crushers and screens support this growing need for aggregates.

Equipment Finance market has now become more aggressive with the growth of construction activities and subsequent demand for more construction equipment. Many banks and financial institutions are now actively involved in financing almost all types of construction equipment. Bankers are ready to finance to even first-time buyers, first-time users and used equipment. Apart from corporate clients, they are also financing to retail customers. In the coming days, with more projects are in the execution stage, equipment financing is going to play crucial role. The interest rates too are set for a rejig. Read our Feature on Equipment Finance for more details on the scenario.

Hydraulic Hose and Fittings play major role in the operation of an equipment. A perfect combination of hose and fitting is imperative for a leak-proof system and efficient operation of the equipment. Our CASH Feature elaborates on the importance of hose and fittings, new developments in the market and growth prospects.

Also read our other features, interviews and regular sections for a complete industry insight.