Page 14 - Construction_Opportunities_December_2025

COVER STORY

This momentum is accelerating the localization of critical
“India’s CEV sector today is not just electronics: smart displays, sensors, battery systems, ECUs, and
expanding in scale, but also transforming telematics hardware.
in character—embracing technology, India is no longer following the global modernization curve—it
sustainability, and innovation at its core. is setting a new one. In 2025, the country moves decisively
Efficiency, digital integration, safety, and
environmental stewardship are now key from being a consumer of global technology to a creator of
imperatives shaping product design, intelligence-led construction equipment, and EXCON will amplify
manufacturing, and operations. The this shift.
industry’s role has evolved from being
a supplier of machines to becoming an Why 2025 Represents a True Inflection Point
enabler of sustainable infrastructure and
a partner in India’s broader economic 2025 is not another year in the CE industry’s growth cycle; it marks a
progress. The EXCON 2025 theme mirrors the direction in which structural inflection shaped by policy alignment, export ambition,
the entire ecosystem is moving—towards greater productivity, rising digital adoption, and technology readiness.
equitable growth, and deeper stakeholder collaboration The transition to CEV-V emission norms is triggering innovation
ensuring the sector remains competitive in the evolving global that extends well beyond cleaner engines. As OEMs upgrade
landscape. As we gear up for Viksit Bharat, events like this
reaffirm that our industry’s future is not just about building powertrains, they are simultaneously integrating sophisticated
structures, but building a stronger, more connected India.” control systems, advanced fuel-management algorithms, and
DEEPAK SHETTY, PRESIDENT-ICEMA, CO-CHAIRMAN - EXCON modern digital interfaces. While compliance increases costs, it
2025, CEO & MANAGING DIRECTOR, JCB INDIA, SOUTH ASIA, pushes India into a higher league of manufacturing capability.
AFRICA (EAST) MEMBER, JCB GROUP EXECUTIVE At the same time, exporters—posting strong double-digit growth
entering FY25—are designing machines for global markets
where connected systems, automation-ready platforms, and
evolving. Contractors, faced with tighter timelines, rising fuel costs, advanced diagnostics are standard. This external demand is
stricter emission norms, and digital compliance requirements, are reinforcing domestic transformation. For the first time, the industry
now prioritizing machines that deliver productivity intelligence is experiencing technology pull, not push, as project owners adopt
rather than just mechanical power. telematics, automation, operator-assist features, and electric
For the first time, Indian fleet owners are directly linking digital or hybrid platforms for their direct impact on cost, uptime, and
capability with cost efficiency and project velocity. What began as lifecycle performance.
basic telematics adoption has matured into deep engagement Government signaling is also sharper. Ministries and regulators are
with fuel-mapping, operator behavior analytics, predictive encouraging electric, hybrid, and alternate-fuel CE platforms to
maintenance, and idle-time optimization. Simultaneously, India’s support a cleaner, more efficient infrastructure ecosystem.
exports have surged, proving that domestic machines—once The convergence of policy direction, commercial pressure, and
positioned as value alternatives—can now compete globally on global competitiveness is what makes 2025 an irreversible turning
reliability, emissions compliance, and digital maturity. point.

14 CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES|DECEMBER 2025