Karnataka - Bangalore

Experts discuss cost effective solutions at Excon

BANGALORE: An elite panel of producers of commercial vehicles and construction and earthmoving equipment have stressed on the importance of having cost effective and efficient modes of transport for mining and construction. The discussion held on Saturday at the national expo on earthmoving and construction machinery — EXCON 2007 — which is underway in the city, focused on the Tipper application in the mining and construction industry.

In his address to the panel, Managing Director of Volvo India Eric Leblanc emphasised the need to focus on the mining and infrastructure sector, and the need for efficient transport solutions to keep pace with the expected growth rate of 9 to 10 per cent annually. He said India was currently focusing on road development, investments in port development, airport modernisation, development of mining and infrastructure technology, with major investments expected from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) route.

Mr. Leblanc said that the Indian mining industry has grown to 6 to 7 per cent from 4 to 5 per cent over the last few years. The turnover of Rs. 60, 000 crore has contributed to 16 per cent of India’s total exports. With the Indian Government offering a wide range of concessions, 100 percent FDI participation and the ready availability of inexpensive manual resources, India could be a potential destination for Tipper application companies.

Bjorn Winglad, Construction Vehicles, Scania, a Swedish company, said that the company’s strategy mainly focused on heavy transport vehicles, modular production systemsand selective growth.

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