Our gearmotors and other related products are designed to meet evolving customer needs in safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
The demand for gearmotors and drives in India’s construction and mining equipment sector is on a steady rise, driven by rapid infrastructure development and increased mechanization in mining operations.
Rajesh Mandhana
General Manager, Business Head, Dana Industrial Segment – India
How do you view the current demand for Gearmotors and Drives in the construction and mining equipment sector in India? What are the major growth drivers for this segment? Are there any key challenges?
The demand for gearmotors and drives in India’s construction and mining equipment sector is on a steady rise, driven by rapid infrastructure development and increased mechanization in mining operations. Major government initiatives like the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) and Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti are fuelling demand for efficient and robust equipment. In mining, particularly coal and iron ore, growing mechanization is creating greater need for heavy-duty gearmotors. Technological advancements such as IoT, automation, and smart drives are further propelling the adoption of modern gear solutions, enhancing efficiency and productivity. Additionally, the push for sustainability and cleaner energy use in construction machinery is boosting demand for energy-efficient gearmotors and drives. Localization initiatives under “Make in India” are encouraging domestic manufacturing and enabling export opportunities to neighbouring countries.
Despite strong growth prospects, the segment faces several challenges. High upfront costs of advanced gearmotors can deter adoption, especially among small and mid-sized firms. A significant skills gap in operating and maintaining such systems adds to operational hurdles. Volatile raw material prices, particularly for steel and copper, impact production costs and supply chain stability. Moreover, emerging technologies like brushless DC motors and direct-drive systems pose competitive threats to traditional gearmotor setups.
To maintain momentum, we need to focus on innovation through R&D, develop cost-effective and sustainable solutions and strengthen localized supply chains. Addressing these factors will be crucial in ensuring that gearmotors and drives continue to play a central role in India’s infrastructure and mining growth story.
How do you optimize your gearmotors and drives for harsh operating environments (such as dust, moisture, extreme temperatures)?
To optimize gearmotors and drives for harsh environments, we use high IP-rated enclosures (IP65) with advanced sealing to protect against dust and moisture. We also provide Corrosion-resistant paint for very high corrosivity category as per ISO and protective canopy enhance durability, while synthetic lubricants & heavy-duty bearings ensure performance in extreme temperatures. This helps to minimize the downtime in demanding conditions.
What advancements have you made in load handling capacity, efficiency, and torque density of your gear units?
With the advancements in our planetary gear units & standard gearmotors as per the customer application demands we have significantly improved load handling, efficiency, and torque density. Enhanced gear geometry, stronger materials, and optimized bearing designs allow for higher load capacities and greater durability. Precision machining and synthetic lubricants have boosted efficiency, often exceeding 95%, while reducing friction and heat generation. Torque density has improved through compact, high-strength designs and advanced multi-stage or planetary configurations, enabling more power in smaller footprints. These innovations ensure gear units are more reliable, energy-efficient, and space-saving, making them ideal for demanding industrial applications
How are your products addressing evolving customer needs related to safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability?
Our gearmotors and other related products are designed to meet evolving customer needs in safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability. We incorporate safety features like torque limiters, fail-safe brakes, and overload protection, along with high IP-rated enclosures for harsh conditions. Energy efficiency is achieved through IE3/IE4 motors, low-friction components and compatibility with variable frequency drives for optimized power use. On the sustainability front, we use durable materials, long-life lubricants, and modular designs that extend product life and reduce waste. These innovations help customers operate more safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
What is your outlook for the Gearmotors and Drives market in the construction and mining sectors over the next 2-3 years? What are your future plans or upcoming launches for the Indian market?
The outlook for gearmotors and drives in India’s construction and mining sectors over the next 2–3 years is highly promising, driven by strong infrastructure development and increased mechanization. With the construction equipment market expected to grow at a CAGR of 8–10%, and mining operations becoming more automated, the need for robust and high-performance gear systems is rising. We the DANA is on the track with the emerging market trend & new launches as well as the indigenous initiatives we are taking for catering the market needs from Indian base “Kolhapur” (Mah-IN)
