bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024: Reaffirming India's Infrastructure Vision
The 7th edition of bauma CONEXPO INDIA has set a transformative precedent for India’s construction, mining, and infrastructure industries. Held over 1,35,000 sqm of exhibition space in Greater Noida during 11-14 December 2024, drew 51,118 visitors from 83 countries and hosted 984 exhibitors. More than 20,000 products and solutions were showcased, and the event facilitated 6,298 impactful buyer-seller meetings. Moreover, over 30 knowledge-sharing sessions were held by leading industry associations such as BAI, ICI, TAI, and CRRI-CSIR, further enriching the knowledge of the attendees.

The trade show was officially inaugurated by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Government of India. In his inaugural speech, Shri Gadkari emphasized the pivotal role of the construction equipment industry in realizing India’s infrastructure goals. He stated, “The construction equipment industry has successfully implemented government policies, leading to a 30% increase in manufacturing. The industry is supporting the development of our country and contributing to making India an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. This aligns with the dream of our Prime Minister to make India the third-largest economy in the world.”
Shri Gadkari highlighted the importance of the construction sector in India's ambition to become a $5 trillion economy, by developing international-standard roads, water, power, and communication systems, and numerous critical infra projects. About ₹70 lakh crore worth of projects are in the pipeline; about ₹5 lakh crore worth of contracts are being planned annually in the road sector alone.

“India is rapidly transforming into a global infrastructure powerhouse, with large-scale projects worth ₹70 lakh crore underway. To sustain this momentum, we must prioritize technological innovation, research & development, and sustainable fuels. The construction equipment industry, being the world’s third-largest, has immense potential to increase exports and strengthen India’s manufacturing capabilities to make it a global manufacturing hub.”
He addressed the challenge of India’s reliance on fossil fuels, costing ₹22 lakh crore annually, and underscored the importance of transitioning to alternative fuels and biofuels to reduce dependence on imported oil and mitigate pollution. “When electric vehicles first emerged, the cost of lithium-ion batteries was $150 per kilowatt/hour. Today, the cost has dropped to $110 per kilowatt/hour, and is expected to equal the cost of petrol and diesel vehicles within two years, making electric options more affordable.”

He praised India's growing manufacturing potential, noting the country’s ability to become a global hub for manufacturing and exporting construction equipment, given its pool of talented engineers and low production costs. “India is becoming increasingly attractive to the global market. The construction equipment industry plays a vital role in development, driven by innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.”
He urged the industry to focus on developing cost-effective, pollution-free, and indigenous solutions using alternative fuels. He emphasized that such efforts would not only benefit India’s infrastructure projects but also position the country as a global leader in the construction equipment sector. “Our vision is to make India the number one global market within five years, supported by a technological revolution and the adoption of alternative fuels like hydrogen, which offer unparalleled efficiency and cost savings.”

He highlighted key infrastructure projects such as the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway, Atal Tunnel, and other national road and tunnel projects. These projects, including green expressways, are set to significantly reduce logistics costs and enhance India's competitiveness. “We are constructing green expressways to reduce logistics costs. Our goal is to lower India’s logistics costs to a single digit, aiming for 9% within the next two years.”
Industry Perspectives on the Event’s Success
Bhupinder Singh, CEO, Messe Muenchen India, expressed that bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024 has solidified its role as a platform bridging India’s unique needs with global expertise, contributing to the vision of a “Viksit Bharat.” He stated, “This year’s strong participation 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, commented that the event has further strengthened international collaborations, creating opportunities for long-term industry progress. "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. It’s great to see the collective effort and innovation driving this transformation."
Dimitrov Krishnan, Chairman, bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024, emphasized the industry’s role in driving smarter, more resilient infrastructure solutions. “This edition has underscored the industry’s role as a driver of change, focusing on technology, sustainability, and skill development, providing a powerful blueprint for the future.”

V. Vivekanand, President, ICEMA, reinforced the event’s importance, stating, “bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024 continues to serve as the cornerstone for the construction equipment industry, providing an environment for innovation, collaboration and strengthening India’s position as a global manufacturing hub. The knowledge-sharing and business opportunities here are critical for the sector’s future."
Knowledge Sharing on New Technologies & Construction Techniques
This year’s event saw the debut of Demtech India 2024, a dedicated show on demolition technology, and the NASSCOM Pavilion, which showcased innovations in construction technology. International pavilions from countries like Germany, Italy, China, and South Korea also highlighted technological advancements in the construction industry.

Over 30 knowledge-sharing sessions were conducted on topics such as:
- “Charting India’s Infrastructure Growth Journey for Viksit Bharat” by CFI and Messe München
- “Innovative Techniques in Demolition & Recycling” by IDA
- “Modern Construction Techniques in India” by ICI
- “Use of Waste Materials in Road Construction” by CSIR-CRRI
- “Advancing Tunneling Technologies” by TAI
The sessions provided actionable insights into sustainability, skill development, and digital transformation, preparing the industry for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

A Vision for the Future
The 2024 edition of bauma CONEXPO INDIA reaffirms India’s position as a leader in the global infrastructure race. With innovations in technology, sustainability, and collaboration, the event has set the stage for a future where India’s construction and manufacturing sectors continue to drive progress. The road ahead is one of promise, innovation, and transformation, propelling India toward its ambitious goals in the global economy.