Construction Mirror Article detail

“The construction sector in India currently ranks as the world's third-largest. Yet, by fostering collaborative endeavors among stakeholders, and corporations, and through substantial government support, we have the potential to propel it to the top spot within the next five years,” said Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Government of India.

Delivering his Inaugural Address at the 12th edition of CII EXCON 2023, South Asia’s largest construction equipment trade fair organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here today,  Gadkari said that the construction sector will have a significant contribution to the Prime Minister's vision to make India a carbon neutral economy. To achieve this goal, the government is embarking on major infrastructure and industrial projects that implement sustainable fuels.

“Construction and mining operations consume 400 crore liters of diesel, which is quite detrimental to the environment and the economy. By embracing alternative fuels such as ethanol, methanol, and hydrogen, the construction and mining sectors can effectively reduce emissions. Precast concrete emerges as a commendable substitute for traditional concrete. We advocate for industry collaboration to bolster the capabilities of construction through the use of sustainable materials and alternative fuels,” Gadkari added.

The Minister further highlighted substantial business prospects for the construction industry within the state, emphasizing significant opportunities arising from expansive infrastructure development initiatives. These encompass extensive projects encompassing roads, flyovers, industrial infrastructure, and power.

Mr. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry, in the inaugural session said, “Currently, India's construction equipment industry is exporting to over 140 countries. To enhance sustainability and efficiency, private players in the construction sector should focus on automation, the adoption of advanced technologies, global best practices, the use of alternative fuels, and innovations in utilizing waste materials as raw materials for construction projects. This approach aims to reduce both the cost of construction and the rate of pollution.”

While speaking about EXCON, he added, “Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers' Association (ICEMA) is the Sector Partner and the National Highways Authority of India and Builders Association of India are supporting Partners for EXCON. The event spreads over 32,00,000 square feet of display area and attracted over 1000 exhibitors including more than 100 from overseas.   The exhibition also attracted participation from 15 countries including 5 country pavilions from  France, Germany, Italy, Turkey and UK.

While proposing the vote of thanks, Mr. Vivekanand Vanmeeganathan, President, Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association said, “We are grateful for the invaluable guidance provided by Shri Nitin Gadkari in steering India's construction sector. With confidence, we anticipate that in the coming years, the industry will continue to draw upon his insights, striving to become not only the most sustainable but also the world’s topmost innovator.”

EXCON underscores a dedicated commitment to sustainable power solutions, showcasing cutting-edge exhibits of electric and hybrid machinery tailored for low emissions and optimal energy efficiency. Furthermore, the event serves as a platform to spotlight the latest strides in artificial intelligence, IoT, and automation, actively contributing to the evolution of smart construction technologies and fostering a culture of innovation within the industry.