At CASE India, we are looking forward to catering to the needs of the fleet owners for their upcoming projects as a part of the ongoing and scheduled infra development, says Sunil Puri, Managing Director – India & SAARC Operations, CASE Construction Equipment.

What possible prospects does a $1.4 trillion investment by 2025 offer for the development of roads and bridges?

The road and bridge segment will be significantly impacted by the $1.4 trillion allocated for infrastructure expansion. The construction of new roads and bridges, as well as the rehabilitation and modernisation of existing infrastructure, is projected to increase because of this significant expenditure. Moreover, the Budget 2023–24 has also provided a boost for infrastructure development by increasing capital expenditure. The capital investment outlay has been raised by 33 percent, reaching a total of Rs 10 lakh crore for the fiscal year 24, to drive rail, road, defence, housing, water, and metro projects. This could lead to improvements in transportation and logistics, which can have a positive impact on economic growth and development. It would also lead to job creation and an increase in demand for excavators, dozers, and backhoes, further boosting their sales.

What measures should the EPC contractors consider to add quality and reliability to the construction of roads, bridges and highways?

Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies play a crucial role in resolving the issue of poor road conditions. These companies are responsible for the design, procurement, and construction of infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and highways. The EPC firms offer knowledge of designing and building roads. Additionally, they offer the tools and supplies needed to build and maintain the infrastructure for roads, bridges, and highways while ensuring that the structure complies with all standards and rules. Additionally, EPC firms can collaborate closely with the government to create a long-term maintenance plan that will guarantee the upkeep and condition of the road, bridge, and highway infrastructure.

Our rate of developing 50 kilometres of road per day is slowing. What, in your opinion, is not working correctly?

There have been several factors, such as the land acquisition issue, the shortage of skilled labour, environmental and climatic concerns, social impact, and quality and technological concerns, which have led to the slowdown of road construction in the country. However, we think it was a temporary phase, and the ministries are working towards aligning it with the extended timeline.

How is modern equipment allowing businesses to manage shorter project execution and completion timelines?

With improved technology, construction equipment can perform tasks faster and more accurately, reducing the time and manpower required to complete a project. Additionally, the use of advanced equipment and technology, such as GPS and real-time monitoring systems, helps to minimise downtime and avoid delays caused by equipment malfunctions or breakdowns. This, in turn, enables businesses to complete projects in a shorter amount of time, reducing the overall duration of the project and allowing for earlier completion and revenue generation.

The technological solutions that we try to bring to all our products at CASE are also dedicated to increasing productivity, and efficiency, and decreasing downtime for equipment, along with enhanced monitoring systems. One of our pieces of equipment to benefit from superior technology, the 770 NXe Loader Backhoe, is a highly versatile machine that features a cutting-edge electro-hydraulic variable displacement pump coupled with the proven FPT S8000 engine. The engine, designed and developed to offer higher productivity, is known for its class-leading torque delivery, which provides incomparable performance in tough loader applications with faster response time and high fuel efficiency. The 770 NXe offers up to 24 percent greater fuel efficiency, 26 percent lower maintenance costs, and a 10 percent increase in productivity.

How could cutting-edge designs, technology, machines, and equipment contribute to a solid future for India’s roads and bridges?

To adapt to a shifting industrial landscape, CASE has always believed in integrating new tools and technology into our operations. As Industry 4.0 is incorporated into the Indian construction industry, it has also had an impact on OEMs’ and the CE industry’s perspectives on the conception of an item’s design, functionality, and production process. Systems have become more productive and efficient because of the integration of IoT and data analytics into their tools and routine procedures.

By enhancing safety, boosting efficiency, lowering costs, and enhancing the quality and sustainability of infrastructure, state-of-the-art designs, technologies, machinery, and equipment may significantly contribute to India’s infrastructural developments.

For more details visit: https://www.casece.com/