“The infrastructure sector is receiving an intense push from the Government, propelling India’s overall development and GDP. The new policies announced by the Government would ensure the time-bound creation of world-class infrastructure in the country, making it India’s new identity globally,” said Basavaraj Bommai, Chief Minister, Government of Karnataka.

Delivering his inaugural address, Bommai said that the construction sector will have a major contribution to the Prime Minister’s vision to make India a US$ 5 trillion economy. To achieve this goal, the government is embarking on major infrastructure and industrial projects worth Rs 100 trillion. “Though our major focus should be growing exponentially in the country by advancing our technologies, inclusion of people at the bottom of the pyramid is also critical since they are the movers of the economy. We urge the industries to collaborate with them to further enable the CE sector.”

Guest of Honour, General VK Singh, Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, said, “India is an emerging hub for construction equipment, component outsourcing base and design base. The private players in the construction industry must concentrate on automation, adoption of advanced technologies and global best practices, usage of alternate fuels, and innovations in using waste materials as raw materials for their construction projects to diminish the cost of construction and rate of pollution.” He added, “Infrastructure must be sustainable and the industry should take measures to enhance the quality at an affordable life cycle cost. India is working hard on hydrogen fuel technology and solar energy since we consider it as the future of the country. The CE industry must be prepared for the competitive market situation and focus on Industry 4.0 for revamping itself.”

Deepak Shetty, Chairman, CII EXCON, said, “India must become less dependent on imports to build large scale infrastructure projects, roads, and ports. Hence, developing and embracing technologies is crucial so that we can expand our innovations and become an export hub globally. The three key strategies that will help us to fast-track developments are – focusing on new growth drivers, understanding the significance of rural economy and curating a roadmap for alternate fuels.”

While proposing the vote of thanks, Dimitrov Krishnan, Co-chairman, EXCON, said, “The Indian construction equipment industry, being the third largest market in the world, has shown remarkable progress over the years. EXCON will set the pace for Atmanirbhar Bharat in infrastructure development in the country.”

During the inaugural session, dignitaries at EXCON presented the “Women Building India Awards” to recognise the inclusion of women in the infrastructure industry. Women champions from Cummins India, Volvo CE India, Schwing Stetter India, and L&T Constructions & Mining Machinery were recognised for their efforts towards the same.

Read on for highlights from Excon 2021, followed by a photo feature and interviews from key industry experts…

Highlights from Excon 2021