Arvind K Garg
Senior Vice President and Head, L&T Construction and Mining Machinery
How did you start your career life and stint with L&T?
My journey with L&T began in June 1983 as a Graduate Engineer Trainee (GET). Starting my career with a company like L&T was a dream come true. I was exposed to critical responsibilities that shaped my professional ethos early. Some of the standout moments from my early career were when I took a flight to personally deliver spare parts to a customer in Dhanbad to keep their machines running or when I accompanied a machine to help deliver it to a customer in time to enable them to execute a critical project. These experiences taught me the importance the company places on customer centricity, a value that has guided me ever since.
Now that you have completed 40 long years with L&T, how do you feel about looking back on your journey with the company?
Looking back, my journey with L&T has been deeply fulfilling. It’s been an immense privilege to work alongside some of the finest, most brilliant, and inspiring colleagues, as well as natural leaders who have guided and mentored me throughout. Learning from the best in the industry has shaped my outlook and instilled in me the values that define L&T—unwavering customer centricity and a commitment to excellence.
The culture of service and teamwork instilled by the company’s tallest leaders has been instrumental not just in my personal growth but in the collective achievements of the organisation. Larsen & Toubro is one of the earliest Indian companies to distribute construction and mining equipment while delivering unmatched after-sales service support for nearly 80 years. We pioneered the introduction of hydraulic excavators and vibratory compactors in India. Subsequently, every milestone we achieved—be it establishing a robust dealer network or standing strong against global competition—was a testament to the values of the company. This journey has been about more than building a career; it has been about creating a legacy centred on the belief - “In Service Lies Success”. Providing timely and proactive services is our strength, and we have created a very strong IT infrastructure to help us in achieving this. We have six Service Centres at strategic locations, which help us to serve customers and create “Value” for our customers.
I would also like to acknowledge the excellent support received from financial institutions that has helped our customers to prefer L&T machines.
How have these years helped you learn more about the industry and share your expertise within the company and across industry platforms?
My time at L&T has been a journey of continuous learning and growth. The ever-evolving construction and mining equipment industry has demanded adaptability, foresight, and strategic thinking at every turn. Whether leading L&T CMB’s transition to compete with international players or championing value-driven sales strategies, each challenge has presented an opportunity to refine my skills and contribute meaningfully.
Interacting with customers, from those managing a single machine to those operating large fleets, has been an immensely enriching experience. Customers are our teachers from whom we as an organisation continuously learn, and are proud to be part of their families. We are fortunate that we have had an enduring relationship with our customers for decades together, and we have grown with them as their preferred partners. This philosophy underpins our relationships and has allowed us to build trust beyond transactions, creating a partnership founded on mutual respect and shared success.
These years have also seen the industry evolve technologically, and I am proud of L&T CMB’s role in driving this transformation. Technology has been a key differentiator, helping us stay ahead in delivering value to our customers. The adoption of telematics in machines, enabling customers to monitor parameters such as fuel consumption and machine health, is a testament to our forward-thinking approach. Our IT-enabled, customer-centric solutions have revolutionised after-sales support by ensuring timely parts availability and minimising machine downtime.
Furthermore, we’ve embraced predictive maintenance technologies, ensuring parts and consumables are ready when needed and keeping machines operational and efficient. These proactive solutions demonstrate our commitment to not only meeting but exceeding customer expectations.
Alongside ICEMA, the Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association, we have worked tirelessly to champion the industry's cause. Our efforts have been rooted in creating a congenial environment where industry players support one another, share best practices, and collectively advocate for the industry’s needs. Together, we have engaged with the government to address key challenges and drive policies that support sustainable growth and innovation in the sector.
Engaging with industry platforms has amplified these efforts, providing opportunities to share insights, advocate best practices, and collectively shape the industry's future. This journey has been about fostering trust, embracing innovation, and building relationships that truly make a difference, not just for L&T but for the industry as a whole.
L&T has made considerable growth in the construction and mining equipment space. How do you look at this, and what are your thoughts on leading this growth?
L&T’s growth in the construction and mining equipment sector is a testament to our unwavering focus on Quality, Reliability, Durability, and Productivity. Leading this growth has been an enriching journey built on fostering collaboration—like strong partnerships with principals, or through an extensive dealer network, or the continuous nurturing of our team’s capabilities. It has been immensely satisfying to see equipment delivered by L&T, along with Komatsu and other industry giants in the past, become synonymous with trust and high performance across the industry.
We are now looking forward to driving the industry towards adopting sustainable technologies, leveraging IT-based solutions to enhance machine efficiency and reduce adverse environmental impact. This includes telematics and predictive maintenance innovations, which help optimise fuel efficiency, minimise downtime, and promote sustainable operations.
Training has also been a cornerstone of our approach. For the industry to thrive, machine operators must be well-trained to maximise productivity and ensure better fuel efficiency. It is my goal to ensure that we continue empowering operators with the skills they need to operate efficiently and responsibly, contributing to the industry's growth while upholding our commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Historically, this has been a predominantly male-dominated industry, but we have taken pioneering steps to change that narrative. At L&T, we embraced inclusivity by initiating training programmes for women, empowering them to handle mining machinery independently. Today, these women are successfully operating heavy mining equipment in Tata Steel and JSW mines, proving that gender is no barrier to excellence.
Our vision is to expand this inclusivity further, creating equitable opportunities for all and fostering a workplace where diversity thrives. By doing so, we aim to build a robust, forward-thinking industry that values and utilises talent in all its forms, ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth for the future.
You have been associated with many industry bodies and events. How do these help in strengthening yourself within the industry?
Being part of industry bodies and events has provided me with invaluable insights into market trends and challenges, broadening my perspective and enhancing my strategic outlook. These platforms have allowed me to advocate for policies and practices that not only benefit the industry but also contribute to its overall growth and sustainability. It has been immensely satisfying to work alongside the captains of our industry, collaborating to address challenges and partner in nation-building initiatives.
Collaboration and consultation are essential for securing the industry's future. At ICEMA, we have taken significant steps in this direction by formulating the Vision Statement 2030—a comprehensive road map for the construction industry. This vision lays a strategic framework for sustainable growth, fostering innovation and enhancing the industry’s global competitiveness. By aligning our efforts and working together, we aim to create a resilient and forward-thinking ecosystem that ensures the long-term success and sustainability of the construction and mining equipment sector.
Such engagements reinforce L&T and its principal’s position as a leader in the sector and allow me to contribute to shaping the industry’s future while continuously evolving and learning from peers and stakeholders.
What is your vision for the Indian construction and mining equipment industry, and how do you see L&T contributing to its growth?
The Indian construction and mining equipment industry is poised for significant growth driven by infrastructure development and technological advancements. In fact, we are already poised to become the second-largest CE industry in the next five to six years. My vision is for the industry to adopt innovation while remaining rooted in quality and sustainability. L&T, as a key player, will continue to lead by example, setting benchmarks for excellence and supporting India’s growth story.
As we move forward, I think it is imperative to introduce global practices in safety, sustainability, EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety), inclusivity, and advanced training. By embracing these principles, we can elevate the industry to truly global standards, positioning India as a construction and mining equipment leader. L&T is committed to driving this transformation, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed international expectations, creating an industry that is among the best in the world. ‘Safety First’ and ‘Zero Harm’ are our guiding principles.
Would you like to add anything more?
At its heart, my journey has been about people—be it customers, colleagues, or partners. Success is not just about results but about the relationships you build along the way. I owe my achievements to the incredible teams I’ve worked with and their shared commitment to making a difference. I hope to inspire others to embrace this journey with the same passion and dedication. As a company, we believe that “people are the prime movers.”
Our motto, "In service lies success", is at the core of everything we do. We measure our success by our customers' success. Every decision we make and every action we take in our organisation is guided by one unwavering principle: we do what benefits our customers. This guiding principle has been tested and proven through countless challenges, and it continues to drive us forward, ensuring that we remain true to our mission of delivering unparalleled value and support to those we serve.
