There is inadequate capacity of OEM dealers

Based on the existing and forecasted population of various types of equipment OEMs can expand network as per ground requirements.

Dr. S SPorwal,- VSM, Additional Director General of Border Roads (Addl DGBR) Border Roads OrganisationMoD, Govt. of India

What do you think the basic requirement to meet the challenges in infrastructure building in the north eastern states?
There is a huge backlog of various infra projects in entire NE regions. We need large scale mechanisation and induction and deployment of latest state of the art equipment in big way to meet the challenges in the demand-supply gap. There will be huge requirement for matching technical, supervisory staff and equipment operators. BRO had already contributed in big way by establishing basic connectivity to difficult and inaccessible remote areas and same will facilitate the various agencies to contribute in entire NE regions. Many central and state government agencies are coming big way to increase the pace of construction.
The government of India is paying lots of attention to increase the pace of construction through ‘Act East’ policy. The central agencies like BRO, MoRTH, Railways, NHAI, NHIDCL, NHPC, NEEPCO, NBCC, CWC and various state government agencies are now fully geared to increase pace of creation of all type of infrastructure works. BRO has been playing a pivotal role for the last six decades creating projects in difficult areas and terrains. BRO is mainly working in forward areas where other agencies are not able to work.

Given the geographical challenges what type and class of equipment is more in demand?
Majority of NE regions baring Brahmaputra valley and Imphal valley are hilly region, therefore huge quantum of hill side earth and rock cutting is required. The typical geographical changes are well known – high rainfall, unstable slopes, etc. Shortage of constructions material is another major challenge which can be met thorough new technologies; for example soil stabilisation and various chemicals to strengthen the sub base Typically the various types earth cutting machines i.e. tracked excavator , dozer , JCB type wheeled excavators, stone crushers, hot mix plant, WMM plants, vibratory road rollers, concrete batching plant are in demand. Generally medium size equipment are more suitable for roads work. There are a number equipments suitable for far flung and sub- Himalayan region. The majority of suitable equipment profile already tried by BRO, and BRO officers can share their experience regarding sizes and suitability of construction equipment.

What are major challenges in terms of mobility of equipment?
The steep gradients, sharp curves and low load classifications of temporary bridges are the main challenges for mobility of equipments in remote NE Region.

What about the availability of trained operators?
At present there acute shortages trained manpower and the skill India programme will help in big way. However, the special attention is required to be paid to bridge the gap in supply and demand.

What are the challenges in terms of spares and services from OEMs?
At present there is inadequate capacity of OEM dealers and repair facility of network.

How do you perceive the potential and challenges with regard to specific requirement of equipment to work in difficult terrains?
For high altitudes terrain suitable equipments needs to be with extra power and turbo chargers fitting to make up the low oxygen level and loss of efficiency due to high altitude effect; and for low temperature special fuels, starting
capsules etc will be required to function in these areas.

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