As construction activity accelerates across the country, the demand for advanced construction equipment, particularly cranes, is soaring. The surge in infrastructure projects is driving the crane industry to innovate, offering solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also aligned with sustainability goals. As India’s infrastructure needs expand, the crane industry stands poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s growth trajectory
Infrastructure development is crucial to India's goal of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy by 2025. Again the focus of Union Budget 2024-25 was on infrastructure. The government has allocated a substantial amount for the infrastructure sector. “With the government allocating substantial funds to infrastructure projects, including roads, highways, railways, and smart cities, the construction industry will see an uptick in activity,” says Manish Mathur, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Action Construction Equipment (ACE). The country is undergoing a massive expansion in infrastructure across various sectors. From roads and highways to new airports, industrial parks, renewable energy projects, ports, dams, and bridges, construction is in full swing everywhere. In this extensive development, construction equipment plays a pivotal role, with cranes being especially prominent at every site. Cranes have become an essential part of all infrastructure projects. The industry encompasses various types of cranes, including tower cranes, mobile cranes, crawler cranes, and overhead cranes, each catering to different sectors. “The Union Budget 2024-25's strong emphasis on infrastructure development is a significant positive for India's crane market. As the government prioritizes large-scale projects, including roads, railways, ports, and urban development, the demand for advanced and efficient lifting solutions will undoubtedly rise. This will drive growth in the crane market, particularly for high-capacity and technologically advanced cranes that can meet the increasing project demands,” says Sanjay Saxena, COO - Sales, Marketing & Customer Support, SANY India and South Asia.
The Indian crane market has seen steady growth, driven by the government’s focus on infrastructure and construction. Cranes are indispensable in projects like the Smart Cities Mission, the Bharatmala highway program, the Sagarmala port development, and the ongoing metro and high-speed rail projects. From the real estate sector to heavy industries such as steel, power, and mining, cranes are vital for moving large loads, enabling construction at scale, and increasing efficiency on job sites. According to Mordor Intelligence, the India Crane Market size is estimated at USD 1.39 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 1.92 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.79% during the forecast period (2024-2029). “Over the last three years, SANY India has experienced substantial growth, both in terms of market share and product range. We have introduced several state-of-the-art machines tailored for the Indian market, including advanced excavators, cranes, and road equipment, which have been pivotal in various large-scale infrastructure projects across the country,” says Sanjay Saxena. In the recent past, SANY India has introduced the country’s first hybrid crane. This crane has diesel and electric mode for crane operation. The company also introduced 150Ton crawler crane with luffing jib configuration. The New generation 60T crawler crane introduced by the company is specially designed for foundation support in metro rail and refinery construction. The 80T SCS800A crawler crane from SANY India comes with special winches for cyclical load handling.
Action Construction Equipment (ACE), in Q12024-25 reported a 24 percent rise in consolidated profit after tax (PAT) at Rs 84.57 crore. In the same quarter last year, the company has reported a PAT of Rs 67.57 crore. "The company has maintained its growth momentum in the first quarter of the current fiscal year. The company has been able to deliver its best ever quarterly performance in Q1 FY25," says Executive Director Sorab Agarwal, Action Construction Equipment. ACE has launched several innovative cranes that highlight advancements in safety, sustainability, and technology. Notably, ACE has introduced India's first indigenously developed fully electric mobile crane, the ACE F150-ev 4X4. This pick-and-carry crane is designed featuring zero emissions, a 15-tonne lifting capacity, and cutting-edge safety features. ACE has also unveiled India's largest locally produced crawler crane with a lifting capacity of 180 tonnes, equipped with anti-toppling technology and high-strength structural materials. These cranes emphasise sustainability, equipped with fuel-efficient engines that meet the latest emission standards. Technologically, they incorporate telematics for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and remote diagnostics, ensuring enhanced operational efficiency and safety on-site. “Over the past three years, ACE has clocked significant growth as we have been expanding our product line and boosting our manufacturing capabilities,” says Manish Mathur. Zoomlion has introduced the world's largest tower crane, the R2000-720, can lift 500 cars to 130 floors with its 20000 t/m rated torque, 720-ton capacity, and 400-meter height. It integrates 158 innovative scientific research achievements and 305 invention patents, including over 60 core and 12 world pioneering technologies.
Green technology to the fore
The crane industry has long faced scrutiny for its heavy environmental toll, from excessive energy use to the generation of waste and carbon emissions. However, as the global push for sustainability intensifies, crane manufacturers are now prioritizing the reduction of their ecological impact by embracing greener practices and incorporating environmentally friendly machinery. Eco-friendly crane equipment encompasses machinery designed to reduce environmental harm at every stage of its life cycle. This includes considerations from the raw material extraction phase to manufacturing, transportation, operation, and eventual disposal. “Aware that the future of the crane market lies in eco-friendly, technologically superior machinery, we are committed to growing our presence in the green space. We seek to develop cranes that not only meet exacting environmental standards but also integrate cutting-edge features like telematics and remote monitoring,” says Manish Mathur.
As the market evolves with the emergence of green and advanced cranes, SANY India is expanding its market share through targeted initiatives. Their dedication to innovation is reflected in significant investments in cutting-edge technologies, ensuring that SANY India's cranes not only meet but exceed industry standards. Advanced features such as energy-efficient systems, smart control technologies, and enhanced safety mechanisms are being integrated to keep the company at the forefront of the market. “We are developing cranes designed to minimize emissions and improve fuel efficiency, aligning with global sustainability trends and regulations. Our strategic focus includes key sectors where advanced crane technology can provide significant advantages: construction, energy (including renewable projects like wind farms), and ports and logistics,” says Sanjay Saxena.
Navigating challenges
The crane manufacturing industry in India is at a pivotal moment, facing a mix of challenges and opportunities that will define its future trajectory. One of the most pressing issues is the fluctuating cost of raw materials, which has a direct impact on production expenses and profit margins. Manufacturers are also contending with tightening environmental regulations, which push for the adoption of greener technologies. While these advancements are crucial for long-term sustainability, they require significant financial and time investments, often straining resources. The shortage of skilled labor is another critical issue, especially as cranes become more sophisticated with advancements in automation and telematics. Finding qualified operators and technicians capable of maintaining this advanced machinery is an ongoing struggle, particularly for smaller companies that may not have the budget for extensive training programs.
On the positive side, the Indian government has introduced initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing, along with large-scale investments in infrastructure. “The PLI scheme helps us optimize cost structures, allowing us to offer competitive pricing while maintaining high quality. Additionally, we are prioritizing talent development through training programs and incorporating sustainable practices in our production processes. Overall, the PLI scheme is instrumental in strengthening our market position and supports our strategic goals of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability,” says Sanjay Saxena. However, there is still much that can be done to support the crane manufacturing sector. Simplifying regulatory processes and offering more incentives for research and development could accelerate innovation and make it easier for businesses to thrive. Additionally, promoting digitalization and advanced construction technologies would enable manufacturers to meet the rising demand for more efficient and safer machinery.
Safety regulations are also becoming more stringent, requiring companies to invest heavily in research and development to ensure compliance. At the same time, the rising cost of materials adds further pressure on manufacturers to balance safety, innovation, and profitability. Government support remains crucial, particularly in the form of tax breaks for adopting eco-friendly technologies and increasing funding for infrastructure projects. However, navigating bureaucratic hurdles and overly complex regulations can slow down progress. For the crane industry to continue growing, a holistic approach is needed. Embracing cutting-edge technologies, including automation and digital tools, can improve both operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. It is also essential to create a regulatory environment that fosters growth without compromising on safety or environmental standards. Additionally, focusing on workforce development - ensuring there is a pipeline of skilled workers who can operate and maintain these advanced machines - will be key to long-term success. Collaboration between manufacturers, tech providers, and policymakers is vital in overcoming these challenges. By addressing the industry's current issues and focusing on innovation, the Indian crane manufacturing sector is well-positioned to experience sustained growth in the coming years.
Industry trends
The Indian crane industry is experiencing a technological shift, with an increasing focus on automated cranes, telematics, and remote-control systems. Smart cranes equipped with sensors and GPS tracking improve safety, efficiency, and productivity, reducing the likelihood of human error. The government has been pushing for stricter standards in crane operations to reduce accidents at job sites. Manufacturers and operators are investing in safety features such as load monitoring, anti-collision devices, and operator training programs. The crane rental market is gaining popularity in India, especially for short-term projects where companies prefer not to invest heavily in purchasing equipment. Rental companies have responded by offering more flexible solutions, helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access cranes for specialized tasks without bearing full ownership costs. Environmental considerations are increasingly influencing the crane industry. The push for electric and hybrid cranes is gaining momentum, driven by stricter emission norms and corporate sustainability goals. These cranes offer lower fuel consumption and reduced carbon emissions, aligning with India’s broader environmental agenda.
Growing market
The Indian crane industry’s future looks promising, driven by the ongoing infrastructure boom, rising urbanization, and industrial growth. With an increasing focus on smart technology, safety, and sustainability, the sector is set to evolve rapidly. Government initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme could further support the domestic manufacturing of cranes and related components, reducing reliance on imports and fostering innovation within the country. Additionally, as India transitions to more environmentally friendly construction practices, the demand for electric and hybrid cranes will likely rise, aligning with the global push toward reducing carbon footprints in industrial operations.
The industry is at the forefront of the country’s transformation, playing a critical role in the success of large-scale infrastructure projects. As demand for advanced, efficient, and sustainable lifting solutions continues to grow, the sector is expected to see steady expansion, despite challenges such as high costs and labor shortages. Embracing new technologies, safety standards, and sustainable practices will be key to ensuring the industry’s long-term growth and contribution to India’s economic development.
