When it comes to power and performance, Mohammed Abdul Rahman, CEO of Sahara Industry, explains that it has been observed that electric-powered machines are nearly identical to their diesel counterparts.

How is the earthmoving equipment industry faring in terms of infrastructure trends?
The government’s push for infrastructure development in India, especially transport infrastructure, will help the earthmoving equipment industry flourish as several road projects are planned and awarded. It will drive high growth for earthmoving equipment. It will be a huge demand for other construction equipment, including Excavator, Backhoe loader, Bulldozer, Loader, Motor grader, Trencher, Wheel tractor-scraper, Paver, Compactor, Telehandler, Dump truck etc. According to the latest report by the Indian Construction Equipment manufacturers’ Association (ICEMA), export of construction equipment increased significantly by 60 per cent in FY22, mainly driven by earthmoving equipment, which witnessed a 69 per cent during the last fiscal.

Can you shed some light on the challenges and roadblocks encountered in procuring project equipment?
Identifying and overcoming procurement challenges are time, money, and effort well spent since procurement directly impacts an organisation’s financial credibility. While procurement challenges can vary based on an organisation’s size and line of businesses, more common are supply risks – from identifying the right supplier to keeping track of vendor performance and ensuring a stable supply of quality products, always a major risk in the procurement process. The most common challenges are market risks, potential frauds, cost, quality, and delivery risks. Additionally, compliance risks like anti-corruption, policy adherence, and wrong procurement resulting in loss of time and revenue are also significant.

How do you assess and compare the performance efficiency of diesel-powered equipment versus battery-powered or electric-powered machines?
When it comes to power and performance, it has been experienced that electric-powered machines are nearly identical to their diesel counterparts. The battery-powered machines are used in places where high speed is not required. Noise and vibrate reduction are better in an electric and battery-operated machine than in diesel-run machines.

Do you think electric equipment will drive future projects to increase efficiency and reduce emissions?
The state-of-the-art electric motors are primarily maintenance-free. The lifetime of electric components is equal to or better than the diesel engine on a conventional machine. With environmental pollution and global warming becoming the most significant concerns, diesel-powered machinery will ultimately be replaced by electric machines for better efficiency and to reduce each unit’s emissions and carbon footprints.