Prasanta Ganguly
Head – OTR Marketing (Domestic Sales), Balkrishna Industries Ltd
What is the current market scenario of the Indian construction equipment industry?
The Indian construction equipment (CE) industry is experiencing robust growth, fuelled by the government’s significant investments in infrastructure development and urbanization. Fast-tracked initiatives such as highways, smart cities, and energy projects are driving demand for construction equipment. However, the industry also faces challenges such as fluctuating raw material costs and a need for more skilled labour. Despite these hurdles, the market remains dynamic and promising, with increasing adoption of advanced technologies and sustainable practices to meet the evolving needs of modern infrastructure.
How do you look at the progress of Make in India initiatives in construction equipment?
The Make in India initiative has been a game-changer for the construction equipment industry, encouraging local manufacturing and reducing dependency on imports. At BKT, we fully align with this vision. Our “Bharat Ka Tire” campaign underscores our commitment to developing world-class products that are “Built in Bharat, Building or Bharat.” We have invested heavily in India-based four manufacturing facilities, including our 900 acres state-of-the-art Bhuj plant and in-house carbon black production unit in addition to mold plant.
What is your take on enhancing exports?
The Indian CE industry has immense potential to boost exports, leveraging its competitive manufacturing capabilities and growing reputation for quality. BKT, as a global player, has been at the forefront of this endeavor, exporting tires to over 160 countries. Our strategy focuses on producing versatile, high-performance tires tailored for diverse geographies and industries. Through continuous R&D and compliance with global standards, we ensure our products meet the stringent requirements of international markets, thereby reinforcing India’s standing as a reliable export partner.
What are your major plans at bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024?
At bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024, BKT aims to showcase its extensive portfolio of cutting-edge tire solutions tailored for the construction equipment sector. Our products, such as the BKT Earthmax SR 31; BKT Airomax AM 27; BKT XL Grip Ultra; BKT Maglift and BKT Liftmax LM 81, highlight durability, efficiency, and reliability. We also aim to engage with industry stakeholders to discuss emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in the CE sector. Through interactive displays and expert consultations, we hope to demonstrate how our products and solutions address the unique needs of the Indian market while aligning with global standards.
What is your vision on India becoming the second-largest CE market globally?
India is on a promising trajectory to become the second-largest CE market globally, driven by ambitious infrastructure projects and favorable policies. At BKT, we envision ourselves as enablers of this growth by providing reliable, high-performance tire solutions designed specifically for Indian conditions. Our “Bharat Ka Tire” initiative supports the CE sector by offering tires that deliver durability, efficiency, and reliability. We continually innovate to meet the sector’s evolving demands, ensuring our products contribute significantly to the productivity and success of India’s construction equipment industry.
