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The need to execute challenging projects within stipulated timelines will further strengthen the mechanisation process in construction.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Ranjit Manjarekar, Vice President - Asset Management, Tata Projects, </span>shares more.<p></p><p> <span style="font-weight: bold;">How do you assess the infrastructure development trend in the country?</span><br />World-class infrastructure is a crucial necessity if India has to continue its economic growth and meet developmental objectives. Good quality infrastructure is also the most important public demand today. In fact, as per the recently released Economic Survey, India needs to spend about $1.4 trillion for infrastructure development in 2020-25 mostly in road, railways, power and shipping sectors to achieve its target to become a $5 trillion economy by 2024-25.</p><p>The government is aware of the need for modern infrastructure to support the nation's developmental objectives. Hence, it has initiated steps such as the recently announced National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) which provides a detailed sector-by-sector study and compilation of infrastructure projects up to FY25. This will lead to systematic and fast-tracked execution of about Rs 102 trillion of existing and proposed infrastructural facilities nationwide. Hence, we expect increase in infrastructure spending - both government and private sector that will further spur activity across the construction and infrastructure sector.</p><p> <span style="font-weight: bold;">With infrastructure projects growing in size and execution period shrinking, how important is using technologically advanced construction equipment to meet the stringent execution targets? </span><br />It is important to understand that infrastructure projects require mechanised process and system-driven approach to ensure on-time execution of works. This is even more relevant for critical infrastructure projects such as metro rails, Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, and track laying works such as in Dedicated Freight Corridors. Using technologically advanced construction equipment allows the project execution company to successfully complete the job in minimum timeframe. </p><p> <span style="font-weight: bold;">How do you look at the evolution of technology in construction equipment in India?</span><br />Mechanisation of construction and infrastructure projects started late in India vis-a-vis western nations. However, the pick-up of mechanisation such as usage of construction equipment has been extremely positive in recent years. There is increasing awareness across India that using of older technology equipment is extremely time consuming and not aligned with project execution objectives. It would be worthwhile to mention that Tata Projects was the first to use mechanised track-laying equipment at Dedicated Freight Corridor projects in India.</p><p> <span style="font-weight: bold;">What are the key parameters considered while choosing construction equipment for a project? </span> <br />Construction equipment are selected based on the project size, timeline and requirements. A proper study or evaluation is carried out about all aspects of the projects - thereafter based on the outcome of evaluation, the specific equipment or processes are put to use so that optimum results can be achieved. </p><p> <span style="font-weight: bold;">How important is choosing matching equipment and technologies for their optimum utilisation at the project? </span><br />It is important to accurately match equipment and technologies to ensure their optimum utilisation at projects. This ensures that projects are completed in a time borne manner. In addition, there is a need for regular and preventive maintenance so that maximum availability of equipment is ensured for project execution.</p><p> <span style="font-weight: bold;">How do new-gen digital and IoT-based technologies in construction equipment benefit customers in their project execution?</span><br />New-age technologies such as IoT are a revolutionary tool for tracking location and ensuring top-notch equipment performance on real-time basis. These technologies also help in optimising efficiency based on available data, thereby ensuring project completion within minimum timeframe, for example, the movement of various assets to different locations with minimal downtime thereby meeting timelines. </p><p> <span style="font-weight: bold;">What is your outlook on the Indian construction equipment market? What role will technology play in the coming years? </span><br />The outlook of Indian construction equipment market looks extremely bright since the pace of mechanisation at project sites nationwide - both in urban and rural areas is rapidly increasing. In addition, the need to execute challenging projects within stipulated timelines will further strengthen the mechanisation process.</p><p>Construction equipment technology has come a long way in terms of technological improvements with higher efficiency. However, technological advancement is a continuous process and we expect further improvement, especially pertaining to digital analysis, measurement of application, reduction of noise and enhanced digitisation. These technological improvements will further improve processes during project execution.</p><p></p>