Excon takes off in Bangalore

Organised by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), the event has attracted 450 exhibitors showcasing their products across 1,50,000 square metres. While around 135 exhibitors were form the foreign pavillions — representing China, UK, Germany, Italy, Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore, there was a good list of other prominent manufacturers, both foreign and domestic, like JCB, Volvo, Hyndai et al.

CII Chairman (South Region) C R Swaminathan said that the Indian construction sector which contributes 20 per cent to the GDP, will be worth US$15 billion by 2015, from the current US$2-3 billion, throwing up tremendous opportunity for the sector. Further, Indian Earthmoving & Construction Industry Association Chairman Ranaveer Sinha pointed out that the Centre’s thrust of infrastructure will provide opportunities for exporter, research and development and components manufacturers.

Among other things highlighted about the sector and its recovery since December last year, the industry averred that the lack of trained manpower is hitting the sector hard and urged to develop the same.

According to the Business & Industrial Research Division of IMRB International, the fourth edition of Excon had generated over Rs 2,000 crore worth of business and Excon 2009 is expected to generate two times more business.

Expressway Authority on the cards

Union Road & Transport Minister Kamal Nath, on Tuesday, said the Centre is planning a separate expressway authority — Expressway Authority of India (EAI) for undertaking the proposed expressways in the country.

He said that an expressway division has already been created under the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), and EAI will be proposed in the Parliment soon. 
He said the transport ministry is in the process of preparing project proposals to World Bank for a US$2.97 billion loan.

“We will hold talks with the World Bank Chief on December 2, when he visits India seeking loan for a 7,000 km road project,” he said.