bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024 REDEFINING India’s Infrastructure Vision with a Record-Breaking Edition
The 7th edition of bauma CONEXPO INDIA has set a transformative precedent for India’s construction, mining, and infrastructure industries. Held from December 11 to 14, 2024, at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida, this edition had been a landmark in the nation’s infrastructure journey. Equipment Times explores into the latest edition of the trade fair and meets industry leaders to know their views of the industry.
Spanning over 135,000 square metres of exhibition space, bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024 showcased groundbreaking innovations that drew more than 51,118 trade visitors from 83 countries. The trade fair facilitated 6,298 impactful buyer-seller meetings and unveiled more than 20,000 cutting-edge products and solutions, driving transformative advancements in India’s infrastructure landscape. Bringing together 984 exhibitors, the trade fair created a dynamic platform for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth, cementing its stature as the largest construction trade fair in North India. These numbers underscore the event’s critical role in powering India’s infrastructure ambitions, aligning with the nation’s aspirations to become a $5 trillion economy.
The trade fair was officially inaugurated by Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Government of India. He marked the occasion by lighting the ceremonial lamp. In his inaugural address, he stated that, “India is rapidly transforming into a global infrastructure powerhouse with large-scale projects worth ₹70 lakh crore already underway. To sustain this momentum, we must prioritize technological innovation, invest in research & development, and adopt sustainable fuels. The construction equipment industry, being the world’s third largest, has immense potential to expand exports and strengthen India’s manufacturing capabilities. I urge industry leaders to focus on advanced technologies and global partnerships to ensure long-term growth and a greener, more competitive future.”
Bhupinder Singh, CEO, Messe Muenchen India, said, “bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024 has firmly established itself as a platform that bridges India’s unique needs with global expertise, playing its part in shaping the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat.’ The strong participation this year highlights India’s growing prominence as a hub for innovation and progress in infrastructure. From live demonstrations of advanced machinery to focused discussions on sustainability, emerging technologies, and project execution, this edition showcased practical steps the industry is taking to meet India’s ambitious infrastructure goals. It reflects the industry’s collective drive to harness innovation and collaboration as key tools to build a resilient, sustainable future for the nation.”
Stefan Rummel, CEO, Messe München GmbH, said, “bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024 has become a trusted platform for the global construction machinery community, where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, and the groundwork for future growth is laid. This year’s edition has further strengthened international collaborations and created opportunities that will contribute to the long-term progress of the industry. It’s great to see the collective effort and innovation driving this transformation.”
Demtech India 2024 debuted as a collocated show, bringing a dedicated focus to the latest trends and advancements in demolition technology, further enriching the event’s offerings. The NASSCOM Pavilion drew significant attention by spotlighting transformative innovations in construction technology and digital solutions. Meanwhile, the Finance Zone served as a vibrant networking hub, fostering valuable connections between industry stakeholders and leading financial institutions. Adding a global dimension, International Pavilions from countries like Germany, Italy, China, and South Korea, and many others showcased groundbreaking technologies, offering attendees an unparalleled opportunity to explore diverse innovations.
Voices That Matter:
Dimitrov Krishnan, Chairman, bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024 and Managing Director, Volvo Construction Equipment. This edition of bauma CONEXPO INDIA underscored the industry’s role as a driver of change, emphasizing smarter, more resilient infrastructure solutions. By championing cutting-edge technologies, skill development, and sustainability, the trade fair has provided a powerful blueprint for the future. It reflects a unified effort to not only meet current demands but to shape a more sustainable and globally competitive ecosystem.”
K. Vishwanathan, All India President, Builders Association of India (BAI), bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024 has been a critical trade fair for the construction sector. It provided a platform where industry leaders, contractors, and manufacturers could come together to explore advanced technologies and solutions. Such engagements are essential for driving India’s infrastructure growth and ensuring industry-wide progress.
V. Vivekanand, President, ICEMA & Managing Director, Caterpillar India Pvt. Ltd. bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024 continues to serve as the cornerstone trade fair for the construction equipment industry. It creates an unmatched environment for industry stakeholders to collaborate, showcase innovations, and strengthen India’s position as a global manufacturing hub. The knowledge-sharing and business opportunities here are critical for the sector’s future.
The trade fair’s strategic influence resonates far beyond its exhibition halls, creating ripple effects across the industry. By showcasing solutions tailored for large-scale infrastructure projects, the event supports India’s economic aspirations, accelerating the construction of smart cities, highways, and industrial corridors.
With participation from international exhibitors and buyers, the trade fair positioned India as a global hub for construction innovation, inviting foreign investments and fostering cross-border collaborations. Through partnerships with organizations like ICEMA and CRRI, the event emphasized skilling initiatives, preparing the workforce for the demands of digital transformation and next-gen machinery. By connecting exhibitors, buyers, policymakers, and thought leaders, bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024 has catalysed partnerships that will steer the sector toward greater resilience and innovation.
This edition was jointly organised by the Builders Association of India (BAI) along with the association partners Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (ICEMA). Leading industry associations that supported bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024 were Construction Equipment Rental Association (CERA), Committee for European Construction Equipment (CECE), Spanish Manufacturers Association of Construction and Mining Equipment (ANMOPYC), German Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association (VDMA), Cranes Owners Association of India (COAOI), Construction Federation of India (CFI) and many more.
Banayenge Viksit Bharat: A Vision in Action
This edition’s theme, Banayenge Viksit Bharat, was woven into every aspect of the event. Showcasing technologies that prioritize efficiency, sustainability, and resilience, bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024 became a rallying point for industry stakeholders striving to shape India’s infrastructure future.
Knowledge at the Core: Conferences Driving Change
With 30+ knowledge-sharing sessions, bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024 went beyond an exhibition. Organized by ICEMA, CRRI, TAI, and CFI, key conferences included:
• Charting India’s Infrastructure Growth Journey for Viksit Bharat
• Innovative Techniques in Demolition & Recycling
• Use of Waste Materials in Road Construction
These sessions offered actionable insights, addressing key challenges in sustainability, skill development, and digital transformation.
Leaders speak…
Dimitrov Krishnan, MD, Volvo Construction Equipment India, said, “The 2023 bauma CONEXPO INDIA marked a significant milestone with the increased presence of electric machines and advancements in sustainable technologies. This year showcased new CEV Stage V-compliant engines, safety norms, and greater alignment with India’s 2047 infrastructure goals under the ‘Banayenge Viksit Bharat’ theme. The exhibition demonstrated how the industry is evolving to meet these goals with innovative technologies and a strategic focus on infrastructure development. Looking ahead at 2024, expectations were optimistic despite it being an election year, which historically slows growth. However, the infrastructure story in India has gained momentum, breaking the cyclical trends seen in the past. Projects worth 70 lakh crore are in the pipeline, with annual allocations of 5 lakh crore, ensuring consistent growth throughout the year. The year is anticipated to set a strong foundation for subsequent growth in 2025.”
V.G. Sakthikumar, Chairman and Managing Director, Schwing Stetter India, said, “Our company displayed 44 machines, 11 of which were new. Key highlights include the launch of jaw and cone crushers, marking the company’s entry into the crushing market. This step completes the company’s range, making it a comprehensive platform for various construction needs. Another standout was the new 14 cubic metre truck mixer, designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve site efficiency by minimizing vehicle use during deliveries. The company has registered six patents this year, highlighting its transition from a design-focused entity to a research-driven organization. Manufacturing expansion includes adding new sheds and increasing production capacity. Vendor development is also a focus, with efforts to indigenize components previously imported from Europe, boosting domestic capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.”
Jaideep Shekhar, Managing Director - Asia & EMEAR, Terex, said, “The Bauma Expo has been exceptionally well-organized this year, with remarkable participation. Footfall was particularly impressive on Day 2 and Day 3, making it challenging to meet all the customers who visited our stand. Day 2 was especially overwhelming in terms of crowd size, while Day 3 remained busy but more manageable. Although Day 1 started relatively slow, it gained momentum as the day progressed. Overall, we are extremely pleased with the response and the exposure we received at this year’s exhibition. Our unwavering focus on innovation sets us apart. At Bauma Show, we showcased multiple new machines across diverse brands and industries, highlighting our leadership and versatility. This commitment to innovation not only solidifies our position as a leader in the crushing and screening equipment industry but also drives our rapid growth in the lifting category. By consistently delivering cutting-edge solutions, we stay ahead of the competition and provide unparalleled value to our customers.”
Siva Ramalingam, Managing Director, Fiori Concrete Machines India, said, “bauma this year has been very encouraging. From day one, the footfall was significant since morning hours. Many customers came with specific agendas and were keen to discuss business right away. The second day was particularly hectic, with our team fully occupied throughout. The third day started slower but gained momentum by the afternoon. Overall, the event has been well-organized and has shown noticeable improvements compared to previous versions. India is indeed price-sensitive, but customers look for value for money rather than cheap products. Our strategy focuses on demonstrating the value proposition of our machines. By investing slightly more, customers can achieve significantly higher returns. This approach has been validated by repeat customers who initially hesitated but later recognized the machines’ productivity, fuel efficiency, and quality consistency. Their positive experiences have resulted in additional purchases and increased trust in our products.”
Manish Mathur, CEO - Cranes, Action Construction Equipment (ACE), said, “This version of BAUMA is significantly better compared to earlier editions. BAUMA has started gaining substantial traction in India, which is a marked improvement from previous years. This time, we witnessed a broader participation, including significant representation from Southern and Western states. Furthermore, new players have joined the exhibition, enhancing its comprehensiveness. This expanded reach and the addition of new participants reflect a positive growth trajectory for BAUMA.
While electric mobility was introduced in previous editions, this year its significance has increased. With the government now formulating policies for registration, the utility of electric construction machinery is set to expand. From January 2025 onwards, electric machines will be easier to deploy, not just in cranes but across the construction equipment sector. This marks a pivotal shift towards greener solutions. ACE stands out because it is a 100% Swadeshi company, entirely Indian in terms of development and production. Our deep understanding of Indian customers—who have unique needs and constraints compared to their European or Chinese counterparts—enables us to deliver value-for-money products. This focus on affordability, without compromising quality, is our primary differentiator.”
Alok Kumar Tripathi, Whole time Director & President, TIL, said, “Our focus this year is to deliver a strong and clear message to the industry that TIL is back, and back with a bang. After a period of reduced activity, it’s essential to reconnect with the industry, our peers, and even our competitors. This event provides an excellent platform to showcase not just our presence but also the new energy and capabilities we are bringing to the table. We are also here to understand industry trends, technological advancements, and the direction in which the market is moving. It’s a gathering where the entire fraternity comes together, providing opportunities for collaboration and learning. Additionally, it serves as a motivational event for our team, many of whom haven’t participated in such an exhibition in a long time. Our legacy is unmatched, with an 80-year history that few in the industry can rival. TIL represents world leaders like Hyster and Manitowoc and has long-standing associations with Caterpillar. Our capabilities extend to manufacturing and an established reputation within India’s defense sector, where we are highly respected. We are uniquely positioned to capitalize on India’s growth story. While we have missed opportunities in the past, India’s potential over the coming decades ensures that we are in the right place at the right time. Moving forward, we plan to expand aggressively into exports, railways, and aftermarket solutions, diversifying beyond material handling and cranes. Our focus will also shift toward providing comprehensive engineering solutions.”
Narasimha Jayakumar, CEO Greaves Retail, said, “Greaves Retail, a division of Greaves Cotton Limited, has built a strong reputation for delivering reliable and innovative solutions in clean mobility and energy over the years. With decades of engineering expertise, the division has continuously expanded its offerings, making a significant entry into the construction equipment sector. At bauma CONEXPO India 2024, Greaves Retail marked a significant milestone by showcasing its innovative product portfolio tailored for the construction equipment sector. The event was an ideal platform to present our Electric Scissor Lifts, Electric Boom Lifts, Mini Excavators, and High-Frequency Internal Concrete Vibrators. The exhibition also fostered essential industry conversations around sustainability, digital transformation, and operational efficiency. By showcasing our latest technologies, Greaves Retail reinforced its role in supporting India’s infrastructure development through clean, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions. bauma CONEXPO India 2024 provided an excellent opportunity for building valuable connections with key stakeholders, including exhibitors, buyers, and policymakers, while allowing Greaves Retail to strengthen its position as a key player in the ongoing growth of the construction equipment market. The event highlighted not only technological advancements but also the importance of innovation in driving the future of the construction sector. At bauma CONEXPO India 2024, Greaves Retail had the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the latest technological advancements and product innovations that are transforming the construction equipment sector. The event showcased a variety of cutting-edge solutions, reinforcing the growing trend towards sustainability, efficiency, and safety in construction machinery.”
P.L. Muthusekkar, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Hailstone Innovations, said, “This time, we feel very positive about bauma. Firstly, the event was organized much better compared to the previous expo. Secondly, we planned our participation more effectively. Instead of opting for a very large stall, we chose a medium-sized setup where we displayed our largest crusher made in India, the EC 3500, which is a 350 ton per hour crusher. This product is unique and a first in India as it is manufactured locally, unlike many competitors who import similar equipment. The response during the second and third days of the event was excellent, with significant order closures and promising leads. Overall, this expo has been a great success for us, and it appears to be much better organized than before. The hydraulic Fixed shaft cone crusher we showcased is a secondary cone crusher with several advantages. It offers better productivity, lower power consumption, and superior product shaping, which is essential in the aggregate industry. A cubical product shape ensures better bonding of stones, leading to reduced cement usage and avoids cracks in concrete. Typically, product shape is achieved in three stages—primary jaw crusher, secondary cone crusher, and third stage VSI or fine cone. However, this crusher achieves 70-80% shaping in the second stage itself, which is a significant advantage. Additionally, it is entirely made in India, with 99% of inputs sourced locally, making it a truly indigenous product.”
T.S. Suresh Babu, CEO – Rentals, Mtandt, said, “The rental business over the past 3-4 years has been growing significantly. We anticipate a 100% growth in the next financial year for Mtandt. Our infrastructure is built to handle operations worth approximately 150 crores annually, and we plan to double that next year by investing in additional assets. This growth is supported by the development of manpower, service setups, operational teams, and training staff to enhance skills. Service engineers are also sent abroad for training at OEM premises to further improve their capabilities.
Safety is a top priority for us. Over 60% of our fleet consists of equipment less than 3 years old, ensuring modern safety standards. Following the updated EN safety standards implemented in 2020, we have upgraded our machines accordingly. Our operators undergo rigorous training to understand machine operations and environmental safety considerations, significantly reducing the risk of accidents. We also conduct company-wide safety training, involving all levels of the organization, from top management to operators. India is a price-sensitive market, but safety and quality are paramount. While cost is an important factor, clients recognize the value of safety and reliability. A single accident can negate any cost savings. Our rental rates include a premium because of the high standards of safety, quality, and the training we provide to our operators. Clients are willing to pay for this added value.”
Rajiv Chaturvedi, Vice President- Sales & Marketing, After Service & Parts, HD Hyundai Construction Equipment India, said, “Our primary focus at bauma CONEXPO INDIA was to launch a series of new products and showcase our advancements in the market. This Expo was strategically significant, as it took place following the formation of a new government and at a time when optimism surrounding infrastructure growth in India was high. We aimed to seize this opportunity by rebranding ourselves from Hyundai Construction Equipment to HD Hyundai Construction Equipment, marking the beginning of a new chapter for our company. As part of this rebranding, we introduced a new logo and a premium royal grey color for our machines, symbolizing modernity, progress, and quality. Our exhibit was one of the largest at the Expo, allowing us to display a wide range of products and engage with key industry stakeholders. The response has exceeded our expectations. While the first day was dedicated to setting up, by the second day, we were fully immersed in discussions with customers from across the country. These interactions led to machine bookings, facilitation ceremonies, and a wave of positive momentum. The third day has been equally busy, reinforcing the success of our efforts. Sustainability is at the core of our business ethos, reflected in both our product development and manufacturing processes. At our smart factory in Chakan, we’ve implemented energy-efficient systems, including zero effluent release mechanisms and extensive solar power installations. These steps are part of our broader commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and ensuring responsible production practices.”
Amit Bansal, Director, Sales & Marketing, Building Construction Products (BCP) Division, Caterpillar India, said, “Showcase Caterpillar’s commitment to customer support through comprehensive service and product solutions with the range of Cat and other Caterpillar brand equipment - highlight latest offerings, aftermarket services and financial solutions that differentiate us from our competitors Highlight technology and solutions designed to improve productivity, efficiency, safety, and profitability to the customers of Indian construction equipment industry. We focus on both internal and external skilling initiatives. Internally, we prioritize training of dealer manpower, ensuring they are updated on the latest machine technologies and service protocols. This equips them to provide customers with the best possible service. Externally, we offer certified operator training programs through our dealers. These programs empower operators to maximize machine utility and productivity. By enhancing the skills of both our workforce and customer operators, we ensure the best outcomes for every project.”
Dr. Venkat Srinivas, Business Head, Truck & Bus & Construction Equipment, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “The G100 is a new category of product in the above 100-horsepower range, specifically offering 102 horsepower to deliver more power and performance to the customer. This product builds on our successful Roadmaster series and is introduced alongside the G90, which features three axles, and the G80, a two-axle machine suitable for smaller and more limited spaces. The G80 and G90 come with 74 horsepower, and all of these machines are part of our CEV5 range, aligning with global emission norms and safety standards. They will be available for purchase starting January 1st. Other changes include the introduction of new features like an air-conditioned cabin and electric powershift Transmission on the G100. Mahindra products are proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in India. As part of the Mahindra Group, we leverage our expertise in powertrain and engine technologies, drawing from our extensive experience in automotive, tractor, and construction equipment engines. Our 3.5-litre, four-cylinder engine is a proven, reliable engine now available in the CEV5 range, providing customers with superior value and performance. These strengths, combined with our telematics solutions and expanding after-sales support network, offer a comprehensive and compelling value proposition for small and medium-sized contractors.”
Ritesh Parmar, Head – Sales & Marketing (India & South Asia) - BOMAG India, said, “This edition of bauma was a milestone for BOMAG as it marked our debut as a standalone brand in India. It provided the perfect platform to showcase our MAKE IN INDIA initiative, featuring domestically manufactured machines tailored to India’s construction needs. We highlighted BOMAG’s legacy of over 60 years as a global leader in compaction technology, unveiling a 12-tonne compactor designed exclusively for the Indian market and an 11-tonne class compactor crafted for export markets. Our display also included the cutting-edge heavy tandem roller, versatile light equipment and a durable soil stabilizer, already supported by a robust sales and service network across India.
Our compactors boast a lubrication-free design, removing the need for grease points entirely. This reduces maintenance time, prevents premature failures, and enhances machine performance, productivity, and uptime. We pride ourselves on delivering a comprehensive and reliable after-sales support system in India, ensuring seamless operations for our customers. This robust network is powered by a team of highly skilled service engineers who receive regular, advanced training in Germany. These experts provide nationwide support ensuring optimal machine performance and customer satisfaction.”
BOX
• 135000 square metres of exhibition space brimming with state-of-the-art solutions.
• 51,118 trade visitors from across India and global markets.
• 6,298 buyer-seller meetings fostering impactful collaborations.
• Introduction of 20,000+ groundbreaking products and solutions
