India’s access equipment market is expanding rapidly, fuelled by a surge in technical innovation. From smart safety systems to multi-function equipment and IoT-enabled controls, these technological advancements are making construction faster, safer, and more efficient, setting new benchmarks for the industry.

The Indian market for access equipment, which was estimated to be worth over USD 1.3 billion in 2023, is anticipated to expand rapidly throughout the ensuing years. This increase is driven by several sources, including smart city initiatives, government push for urbanisation, and infrastructure investments such as ports, railroads, and highways. From 2025 to 2030, the market is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6-8% due to rising demand for safe, more effective building methods and high-quality, reasonably priced access equipment.

In this evolving landscape, technological innovations are not just about enhancing machine performance but are intricately linked to improving safety measures and operational effectiveness. As industry leaders unveil new products, features, and solutions, the Indian market benefits from better resource management, lower costs, and heightened safety standards.

A leap towards innovation

The construction industry has long relied on cranes and aerial work platforms to simplify lifting, transportation, and work at height. However, with increasing project complexity, contractors seek more advanced, versatile, and safer solutions. According to Vikram Rana, Director of Abhay Rana Infra Services Private Limited, “The aerial work platform industry is continuously expanding, and there is a growing emphasis on cutting-edge technologies that improve safety, precision, and operational efficiency.”

Technological developments in this space are manifold. One such advancement is the EN 280 compliance—a set of stringent European safety standards that now govern the design and operation of AWPs. These standards ensure that machines are built to withstand harsh environments while protecting workers at height. By complying with these regulations, equipment manufacturers are elevating the reliability and safety of their offerings, ensuring that machines are not just functional but also meet international safety benchmarks.

One of the most significant innovations in access equipment is remote operation technology. Rana explains, “Remote operation allows the operator to control the equipment from a safe distance, ensuring greater control and reduced risk of accidents.” Introducing remote control functionalities, especially in machines like Magni Telehandlers, has revolutionised construction site operations. These multifunctional telehandlers can be used as cranes, forklifts, material handlers, aerial work platforms, or remote-controlled lifting devices. This versatility reduces the need for multiple machines on a site and improves the return on investment (ROI) by consolidating several functions into a single, high-performing unit.

The Magni Telehandlers represent the next wave of multifunctional machinery in construction. Rana states, “While the initial cost may be comparable to traditional equipment, these machines offer an excellent ROI by replacing several units with one. For example, a manlift with the same price range only has one function, whereas a Magni Telehandler offers five.” This added value makes telehandlers a smart choice for contractors looking to streamline operations while reducing costs.

Beyond multifunctionality, safety remains a top priority. The latest models have load and overload sensors, stabilisation control technologies, and emergency stop systems. These safety features work in tandem to prevent mishaps. For example, load sensors ensure that machines are not overloaded, which can result in accidents or equipment failure. Similarly, stabilisation control prevents machines from tipping over uneven surfaces, ensuring that the operator and the site workers are kept safe.

The impact of IoT and AI

While access equipment like telehandlers makes waves in the market, cranes remain integral to many large-scale construction and infrastructure projects. JASO India, a leading manufacturer of cranes, is also tapping into the technological revolution. D Bhattacherjee, VP of Sales and Marketing at JASO India, believes IoT-enabled cranes are the future. However, the adoption of these technologies in India has been slow due to a gap in operator training.

He says, “The real challenge with IoT-enabled cranes is that we need well-trained operators. An untrained operator handling a machine with IoT capabilities could lead to disastrous consequences. While the market is gradually adopting these technologies, it will take time to become mainstream.” The growing integration of smart sensors, real-time monitoring systems, and predictive maintenance in cranes enables operators to continuously monitor and assess machine health. This level of intelligence improves operational efficiency by preemptively addressing maintenance issues and enhancing the overall safety of operations.

Despite these advancements, Bhattacherjee emphasises that the core safety principle must remain central. “At JASO, we design our cranes with a focus on safety, incorporating features like instantaneous braking systems that activate immediately in the event of a power failure, load limiters that prevent overloads, and anti-collision devices to avoid accidents when multiple cranes are operating nearby.”

Crane safety is more than just preventing mishaps; it is also about ensuring that the equipment performs optimally in a variety of conditions. JASO’s cranes, which come in single-girder (SG) and double-girder (DG) versions, can carry up to 150 tons and offer flexibility with adjustable spans. The company’s cranes are also designed to operate in tough environments, such as steel manufacturing plants and heavy-duty infrastructure projects, where safety and durability are paramount.

Sustainability and cost considerations

With an increasing emphasis on sustainability across all sectors, the access equipment market is seeing a rising demand for machines that balance cost-effectiveness with long-term performance. TIL’s Whole Time Director and President, Alok Kumar Tripathi, highlights that the company’s commitment to sustainability includes aftermarket services such as rebuilds, repairs, and recon solutions. “We are heavily investing in our aftermarket services to ensure that machines can be rebuilt and given second or even third lives. This provides customers with cost-effective options while supporting sustainability goals.”

TIL’s strategy of refurbishing and extending the lifespan of existing machinery is aligned with the growing market for used and refurbished equipment. As construction projects become increasingly budget-conscious in India, contractors are leaning towards affordable, reliable solutions like refurbished cranes and used access equipment. This trend contributes to an evolution in procurement strategies, where long-term operational savings become crucial in the decision-making process.

Moreover, the increasing importance of life cycle cost management pushes companies like TIL to develop innovative solutions that provide value beyond the initial purchase price. “We recognise that cost is not just about the upfront investment but also the overall life cycle of the machine. Our customers value reliability and durability, so we focus on enhancing our products’ longevity,” Tripathi says.

This focus on reducing waste and ensuring that products last longer is gaining traction in India’s rapidly growing construction and infrastructure sectors. The government’s push for green and sustainable infrastructure further reinforces the demand for equipment that supports these goals.

Scaling new heights

The future of India’s access equipment market is promising, with several key trends shaping the landscape. As the Indian economy continues to expand, there will be a significant increase in the demand for infrastructure development, particularly in areas such as smart cities, railway modernisation, and road building. According to industry reports, the market for access equipment is expected to surpass USD 2 billion by 2030, driven by these ongoing and future mega-projects.

Integrating cutting-edge technologies, from AI-driven cranes to IoT-enabled access platforms, will become the norm, not the exception. Automation, including remote operation and predictive maintenance systems, will make construction sites safer and more efficient. As the market also moves towards green technologies and sustainable equipment, companies will continue to innovate to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.

Implementing global standards and safety protocols, like EN 280 compliance and ISO certifications, will push equipment manufacturers to meet higher safety benchmarks. The demand for machines that reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and safeguard workers is expected to rise significantly, prompting manufacturers to refine their safety features.

As smart city projects and mega infrastructure developments continue to proliferate, the access equipment market will likely experience rapid growth. However, the key to success will be balancing technological innovation, cost efficiency, and safety.

In the next decade, companies in the access equipment sector must align with India’s sustainability, efficiency, and safety goals to thrive in a competitive and rapidly evolving marketplace. As the market matures and technological advancements become more widely accepted, India’s construction industry will be well-positioned to lead the way in safe, efficient, and sustainable construction practices.

Quotes

“Remote operation allows the operator to control the equipment from a safe distance, ensuring greater control and reduced risk of accidents.”
–        Vikram Rana, Director, Abhay Rana Infra Services Private Limited

“The real challenge with IoT-enabled cranes is that we need well-trained operators. An untrained operator handling a machine with IoT capabilities could lead to disastrous consequences.”
–        D Bhattacherjee, VP Sales & Marketing, JASO India

“Safety remains our top priority in crane design. Our cranes have state-of-the-art safety features, including overload protection, anti-collision systems, and fail-safe braking systems to secure load handling even during power failures.”
–        P. V. S. Nageswara Rao, Board Director, Mechtrotech Projects Pvt. Ltd

“We recognise that cost is not just about the upfront investment but also the overall life cycle of the machine. Our customers value reliability and durability, so we focus on enhancing our products’ longevity.”
–        Alok Kumar Tripathi, Whole Time Director and President, TIL