India to Become World’s Second Largest CE Market

India’s construction equipment (CE) industry is on track to overtake China and emerge as the world’s second-largest market by 2030, supported by sustained growth, rising exports and rapid adoption of advanced technologies. The projection was shared ahead of the 13th edition of EXCON 2025, South Asia’s premier construction equipment exhibition, scheduled to be held from December 9 to 13 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre.

Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, Deepak Shetty, Co-Chairman of EXCON 2025, said India’s CE industry, currently valued at around $10 billion, has grown at a compounded annual growth rate of 10% to 15% over the past decade. He added that the industry is now targeting a significant scale-up, with plans to triple in size to $25 billion over the coming years.

According to Shetty, the industry is committed to positioning India as not only the second-largest construction equipment market globally but also one of the fastest growing. This ambition aligns closely with the country’s long-term infrastructure development goals, including large-scale projects in roads, railways, urban infrastructure and smart cities, all of which demand technologically advanced and efficient machinery.

India currently sells approximately 1,40,000 construction equipment units annually. Around 20% of this output is exported to nearly 140 countries, with exports growing at an annual rate of about 20%. By comparison, China sells roughly 2,50,000 machines a year. With continued domestic demand and expanding global reach, industry leaders believe India is well-positioned to close this gap over the next five years.

The construction equipment sector spans a wide range of machinery, including earthmoving equipment such as excavators, loaders, dozers and graders; material handling equipment like cranes, forklifts and telehandlers; road construction machinery such as compactors, pavers and rollers; and concrete equipment used across infrastructure, construction, mining and industrial applications.

Technology adoption is playing a central role in the industry’s evolution. Indian manufacturers are increasingly integrating telematics and Internet of Things solutions for real-time monitoring of equipment performance. Technologies such as drones and robotics are being deployed for surveying and repetitive tasks, while artificial intelligence, machine learning and digital twins are being used for predictive maintenance and site optimisation. Electrification of construction equipment is also gaining momentum as the industry moves towards cleaner and more efficient solutions.

To further improve safety and productivity, companies are exploring augmented reality and virtual reality for training and operations, along with 3D printing and automation under Industry 4.0 practices.

EXCON 2025 is expected to showcase these advancements on a global stage. The event will feature seven country pavilions representing France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Turkey, China and the United Kingdom. According to organisers, the exhibition ranks among the largest construction equipment shows in the world and is the second largest in Asia, underscoring India’s growing prominence in the global CE landscape.