The demand for Indian Construction Equipment (ICE) grew by 24% in FY 2017-18, up from 13% in FY 2015-16, and the sector crossed 90,000 units for the first time due to increase in infrastructure expenditure, according to an ASSOCHAM-Feedback consulting joint study. 

The Indian Construction Equipment industry grew despite the hiccups of emission and GST during April and July 2017, respectively. Demonetisation also had a negligible effect on the industry growth, conducted by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) jointly with consulting firm Feedback.

The government, which is a major demand driver, also plays a facilitator's role through policy and regulations. It is the largest end customer accounting for nearly two thirds of the demand for ICE products and hence has a very significant impact on the industry. Also, its role in setting policy and regulation has a further impact on the industry.

Be it GST or ‘Construction, Earthmoving, Material Handling, Mining (CEMM) Act' or the RERA Act for the Real Estate sector or the sand mining policy or the ‘concrete site mix usage, land acquisition guidelines', the ICE industry looks to the Government to act as an enabler. Its policy for facilitating export growth helps the ICE manufacturers reach out to existing and new markets, adds the study.

The study also highlighted that highway construction (Roads) has been one of the key drivers for equipment growth. Earthmoving & Mining equipments are largely used for initial land clearing for Road construction.

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