| Editorial
The epicentre of opportunity
By 2025, it is speculated that about 66 per cent of the Indian
population will live in urban areas on seven per cent of the
land. This will necessitate construction of taller buildings
and use of high strength and high quality concrete. On the
other hand, the complexity and magnitude of major civil engineering
projects call for greater emphasis on mechanisation without
which the construction time and quality of such work would
not meet acceptable standards. The concrete equipment manufacturing
industry has responded positively to the demanding needs of
the construction industry with advanced, high-end technology
products that has helped modernising the construction practices
and methodologies. And there is also increasing demand for
high capacity machines that will facilitate quick turnaround
time and aid shorter project time lines, with greater emphasis
on the quality of out put. With number of sophisticated products
going up training manpower to take care a variety of different
technologies has become the major challenge today.
The Indian equipment rental sector has seen a rapid burst
of activity over the last few years, which has touched a base
of Rs 2,500 crore ($ 500 million) in 2007. It is heartening
to note that the industry veterans has spearheaded the formation
of Rental Association of India to address many pressing issues
which also include the availability and safety issues of trained
technicians and operators. The move, we hope could bring out
the desired structure to the rental sector, which is totally
unorganised at present, and also bring standard rental practices
and clear the ambiguity over taxation issues.
Another interesting development is the first-ever live parade
auction of construction equipment held in Hyderabad recently.
Though it is just a small beginning, the potential for this
market is so huge, that as per inputs equipment auctions in
India are going to be bigger than any other country. Hats
off to those behind these developments and we are sure that
these will bring about a paradigm shift the way we buy and
sell equipment.
The current quarter ended has been dismal and is likely to
remain gloomy for October - December quarter too. Though it
may take time for the market to revive, the epicentre of opportunity
of building infrastructure lies in India and in using modern
equipment to enhance productivity.
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