Page 20 - Construction_Opportunities_April_2024

INTERACTION COVER STORY

CASE Graders prioritise ease of use, safety,

engine dependability, and cost-effectiveness

CASE has always been a technology first brand and it is products are replete with advanced features.
The company strives to create products that can ease the work and provide power, productivity
and efficiency. In an exclusive interview to CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES, PUNEET VIDYARTHI –
-HEAD OF MARKETING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, INDIA & SAARC – CASE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT,
speaks about the latest trends, his company’s motor graders, future outlook and a lot more.
Give us an overview of the Motor Graders industry in India, latest trends
and market dynamics
When it comes to infrastructure development, it’s important to highlight
various government initiatives that directly impact the demand for
construction equipment in India. In 2024, a substantial portion of the
demand for motor graders will stem from ongoing infrastructure projects,
particularly greenfield long road and widening projects.
The government’s emphasis on programs like Bharatmala and
Sagarmala ensures a consistent need for construction machinery such
as motor graders. The Gati Shakti master plan is already expediting
highway and expressway endeavours, complemented by the expansion
of national highways. Amidst the continued implementation of
Sagarmala, the initiation of multiple greenfield expressways, and various
upcoming projects, there’s a positive outlook for the equipment market
in the near term. However, the demand forecast might be influenced
by several factors, including prolonged payment cycles from main
project developers to contractors and sub-contractors, potentially
leading to financial problems for construction companies and affecting
their investments in new projects. Additionally, the forthcoming general
elections could temporarily slow down the announcement and
commencement of new road projects. Nevertheless, there’s a strong
emphasis on completing existing greenfield construction and widening
projects.
Though there might be a potential impact of rising fuel and equipment
import cost which can affect the ongoing infrastructure activities but
overall, the favourable growth trajectory in infrastructure projects is

20 CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES|APRIL 2024