This September showed a sequential positive trend in the economy. The latest CARE Ratings analysis shows that the eight core sectors registering a notable improvement in September 2020 recording a marginal fall of 0.8 per cent compared with negative growth of -7.3 per cent in August 2020 and -5.1 per cent in the corresponding month last year. This recovery in the core sector has been on account of double digit growth in the coal segment and positive growth in the electricity segment for the first time in the last seven months. As per the findings, coal production recorded its highest growth in the new series, registering a double digit growth of 21.2 per cent reflective of resumption of industrial activities and higher thermal power demand. Output of steel sector grew by 0.9 per cent in September, its first positive growth after six consecutive months of negative growth. This corroborates the performance of some of the steel companies which have seen good demand especially from the construction and auto sector. Positive growth recorded in coal, steel and electricity does indicate that the unlock program has had a positive impact on these three segments.

The roads and highways sector has also shown positive vibes with more projects have been awarded and sanctioned in the current fiscal compared to last year. Speaking at the India Construction Festival (ICF) 2020 held virtually, the NHAI Chairman Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu revealed some major plans of the authority in the highways sector. The India Roads Conference held as part of the ICF 2020 deliberated on the ‘Implementation of Highways Proposed under the Bharatmala and Expressways’. The panelists who spoke on the various aspects of project implementation, have made significant recommendations on the importance of using new globally proven technologies, single-window clearance of approvals, quick and timely payments to contractors, among others. The 8th Annual Equipment India Awards 2020 held on Day 1 of the ICF 2020, recognised and felicitated the top performers of Indian construction equipment industry. The 18th Construction World Annual Awards 2020 held on the second day of the ICF 2020, felicitated the winners of the construction industry. Read Cover Story and Special Report for a complete overview of the conferences and awards. Going by indications on progress by the road sector of a spending of Rs 2 trillion scheduled during the year, and the year to be one of the best years in highway construction, the construction equipment sector can very well breathe a sigh of relief. Coal mine auctions too have begun, and mining activity is likely to pick up in Q4. But will the September momentum continue or trail away during Q4 is a critical question. The vehicle scrappage policy is also awaiting a green signal. The true test of economic turnaround lies in the performance of Q4.

Tunnelling jobs in the country have picked up recently in underground construction works and mining. Various metro works and the highway and railway construction works going on in the border regions have seen some challenging jobs in tunnelling. The Feature on tunnelling equipment elaborates on the major tunnelling equipment and technologies used in underground civil construction projects and underground mines.

With the unlocking process is on, more vibrant activities in construction and mining are expected in the coming months.