Currently due to the lockdown all orders/deliveries of imported machines have been kept on hold, we expect the situation to improve only once the lockdown is lifted says Surajit Mukherjee, Managing Director, Suretech Infrastructure Pvt Ltd.

In the view of current market dynamics, what kind of forecast you have for the year 2020?
Currently, everything depends upon how effectively the Covid-19 outbreak is controlled. Keeping the current situation in mind, it seems that for the next 5-6 months there will be no proper work/business due to both coronavirus and monsoon. We could expect some business in the last quarter of the year 2020. Overall we could expect 20-30 per cent of business what we had forecasted at the beginning of 2020. The current priority is to see through this rough period and survive.

Tell our readers something about Surtech Infra
Suretech Infrastructure Pvt Ltd was incorporated in 1990 to offer specialized infrastructure construction & foundation engineering equipment and materials to the building & construction industry throughout Indian sub-continent. We are a 100 per cent Indian owned company managed by professional engineering and qualified personnel with extensive experience in the construction industry. Besides marketing and sales of equipment, we possess a rental fleet and competent backup support services. We are one of the leading distributors of construction equipment in India. Our activities include sales, service and parts of new equipment, equipment reconditioning, dealing in used equipment and equipment rentals.

The emergency necessitates social spending, keeping that in view what measures need to be taken to ensure promised infrastructure and road projects are delivered on time too?

Special infrastructure funds need to be released from the government to carry out promised infrastructure and road projects on a timely basis. Banks and financial institutions should be in a position to fund mega projects and contractors get timely payments. The full chain should be given a thrust for the industry to revive. Longer the lockdown continues, greater the time and effort required to revive the industry.

What measures have you taken to ensure worker safety and timely deliveries of the machines?
We are following all the measures suggested by the ICMR guidelines such as using face masks, gloves, sanitizers, maintaining social distancing etc. Currently, due to the lockdown, all orders/deliveries of imported machines have been kept on hold even though our principals abroad have their factories working with limited manpower. The current situation has also impacted the delivery of spares. We expect the situation to improve only once the lockdown is lifted.

How will this current market scenario increase the role of AI and automation among OEMs? Likewise, do you feel the role of indigenously technology too will increase?
If AI and automation are employed, we would be less dependent on manpower and reduce the chance of human errors, thus making us less vulnerable to Covid-19. There would be a marked increase in the utilization of AI and automation. We believe in these challenging times the role of indigenous technology would also increase.

From your product stable, which products are you banking on the most right now?
Amidst the coronavirus and lockdown, we are currently relying on Vibratory Hammers and RCD (Reverse Circulation drilling) Rigs.