“SDLG is at the forefront of revolutionising electric equipment, driving sustainable growth, and reducing expenses.”

Surat Mehta, Head for SDLG Business India, in an interview with B2B Purchase Magazine, talks about their commitment to providing comprehensive solutions with enhanced efficiency and safety in their equipment range.

How is the Indian government working towards achieving its target of constructing 6,000 kilometres of new highways by 2024,?
The objective is to reach a target of 60,000 kilometres. The government has ensured budget allocation for the current financial year, with an increase of approximately 37 percent compared to the previous year, specifically for this sector. The aim is to ensure the availability of funds and expedite project execution on time, which is crucial for the government. However, this year’s primary focus is completing projects rather than receiving awards. While awards will still be given, numerous contracts have experienced significant delays in recent years due to rising commodity prices, COVID-related challenges, and disruptions in global logistics. Nevertheless, this year’s priority will be to regain the pace of project completion and reduce overall logistics costs in the country, which currently stand at around 14 percent. The objective is to bring it down to 8 percent. By improving operational efficiency and reducing the turnaround time for commercial vehicles, the utilisation of assets increases, leading to enhanced overall system efficiency. The third important aspect involves increasing the country’s cargo handling capacity. Currently, there are limitations on moving goods from one place to another. If the overall capacity is expanded, it will result in higher revenue generation. This, in turn, translates into increased profits for the government and the various players involved in the entire chain.

How is the government monitoring the progress and quality of road construction projects to ensure timely completion and adherence to required standards?
The government prioritises the speedy completion of ongoing projects, emphasising the importance of contract efficiency. Therefore, closely monitoring the progress and quality of road construction is crucial. The objective is to ensure that the work delivered by contractors meets the required standards, thereby minimising the need for rework. To facilitate this, various monitoring techniques, such as regular quality tests, use of drones, are being implemented. This meticulous monitoring approach will ensure both the appropriate pace and quality of construction, ultimately resulting in roads that can withstand the desired lifespan for the country.

How do you ensure that the selection process for contractors and project experts is based on merit and expertise in road construction?
I am confident that the selection process is based on merit because I have no doubts about the agencies’ capabilities or the individuals involved in this project. Our country is abundant with competent professionals. The original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) also play a significant role in ensuring quality. In line with this, we, through our extensive RASTA (Centre for Road Technology-Initiative supported by VOLVO), contribute to producing highly skilled civil engineers. Our institute in Bangalore offers specialised courses focused solely on road construction and technology involved. Each organisation involved in road construction is committed to hiring individuals with the right expertise and competence, emphasising the importance of getting the job done correctly from the outset.

How do you prioritise safety features and support operators in creating a conducive and efficient construction site environment?
At SDLG, we prioritise the safety of our personnel and the operators of our machines. We meticulously design our machines, explicitly focusing on the operator’s environment within the cabin. We aim to ensure that the equipment’s design minimises user fatigue levels. The seats are carefully crafted to facilitate extended working cycles, and numerous safety features are incorporated to protect both the operator and the machine.

We have implemented a range of diagnostic alarms that provide operators with timely indications if any issues arise
with the equipment. Additionally, we offer optional safety features such as automatic fire suppression systems, reverse alarms, and fatigue mechanisms for operators within the cabin. These safety gadgets are readily available and can be provided to clients upon request. Our commitment to safety is unwavering, and we strive to offer comprehensive solutions to enhance the safety standards associated with our equipment.

Can you discuss your recent additions for cost efficiency and environmental sustainability?
The key focus is enhancing machine efficiency and capacities essential for specific job requirements. We have
introduced new products to the Indian market, including eight and 14-tonne excavators from the SDLG range and site discharge wheel loaders in 3-tonne and 5-tonne capacities. These machines are primarily utilised for tunnelling work on roads and railways.

Furthermore, some of our motor graders are equipped with variable displacement pumps , contributing to improved
fuel efficiency. We also prioritise environmental responsibility, ensuring our machines align with sustainability goals while delivering optimal performance.

Recently, there has been a change in emission norms. In 2021, the Construction Equipment Vehicles (CEV) 4 standards were introduced, and now, by 2024, the segment is transitioning to CEV 5 emission levels. As a responsible original equipment manufacturer (OEM), SDLG is dedicated to meeting the government’s prescribed deadlines. We will be ready to offer our machines to the Indian market starting in April next year, ensuring compliance with the updated emission standards.

How does SDLG’s introduction of electric wheel loaders contribute to India’s growth and environmental sustainability?
I want to emphasise our commitment to the growth of India through SDLG. We refer to our equipment as “growth machines” as they partner in the nation’s progress. In January of this year, we introduced our first electric wheel loader from the SDLG range to the Indian market. Today, we have begun offering this product commercially. This will be a game-changer in terms of preserving our environment for future generations and reducing overall operational costs as we transition from fossil fuels to battery electric solutions. We take pride in being the pioneers who brought this technology to the Indian market.

Moving forward, we have plans to introduce new products into this domain from the SDLG range within the next
couple of years. We aim to continually expand our range of offerings, catering to the evolving needs of the industry while prioritising sustainability and innovation.

How is the industry responding to innovative electric equipment ownership and operation solutions?
The industry is embracing this technology with open arms. We never expected the enthusiasm to be so great, but the reciprocation we have received from the market and the acceptability of this technology are phenomenal. We are
trying to innovate our standard model to offer the machines to customers on direct sale basis. We are bringing out different solutions like operating these models through finances and also Equipment as a Service. We offer our equipment to the customer on a pay-per-use basis. So the customer can, for that particular contract, take a fleet from us and pay for the usage. And, of course, after the completion of the project, they do not have any asset liability with them. And we take our equipment back, so these innovations are happening in the industry. And this space is also rapidly evolving. We ensure that we make it easier for our customers to own and operate.

For more details visit: https://sdlgindia.com/