Integration of technology is becoming increasingly important
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has constructed 12,349 km of national highways in 2023-24 - the second highest achievement. How do you look at the scenario in road construction in 2024-25?
The road construction sector in India is expected to maintain its momentum in 2024-25, driven by continued government focus on infrastructure development. The achievement of 12,349 km of national highways constructed in 2023-24 demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing initiatives, but it also sets a high benchmark for the future.

For 2024-25, several factors which influence this scenario:

  • Budget allocation: Keeping road construction a priority for economic growth and connectivity. Enhanced budgetary support will be crucial in sustaining and potentially increasing the pace of road construction.
  • Technological advancements: The adoption of new technologies and construction methods could streamline processes, reduce construction time, and improve the quality of roads. This includes the use of prefabricated materials, advanced project management tools, and digital monitoring systems.
  • Public-private partnerships (PPP): With the government seeking to leverage private sector expertise and investment, PPP models will play a vital role in scaling up road construction projects. This could lead to faster project execution and better resource management.
  • Sustainability and environmental concerns: The focus on sustainable development is expected to grow, with more emphasis on using eco-friendly materials, reducing carbon footprints, and implementing green construction practices.
  • Overall, the road construction scenario in 2024-25 is likely to be dynamic, with a focus on achieving ambitious targets while addressing challenges through innovation and collaboration. The sector is expected to contribute significantly to India's infrastructure landscape and economic growth.


    What opportunities do you see for backhoe loaders and other road equipment? How are you planning to capitalise on this?
    The road construction sector in India continues to present significant opportunities for backhoe loaders and other road equipment, driven by the government’s focus on expanding and modernising the nation’s infrastructure. There are immense opportunities for backhoe loaders and other road equipment in the coming times related to:

  • Versatility and utility: Backhoe loaders are highly versatile machines, capable of performing various tasks such as digging, trenching, backfilling, and material handling. Their multi-functionality makes them indispensable in road construction projects, especially in urban and semi-urban areas where space and manoeuvrability are constraints.
  • Rural and urban development: The push for rural connectivity and urban infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and flyovers, is expected to drive demand for compact and efficient equipment. Backhoe loaders, with their ability to work in tight spaces and perform multiple functions, will be particularly sought after.
  • Increased infrastructure investments: With continued investments in national highways, state roads, and rural roads under schemes like Bharatmala and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the demand for road construction equipment will remain robust. Backhoe loaders and other machinery like compactors and graders will see sustained demand. The announcement of PMGSY 4 in the recent budget will add to the demand.
  • Technological advancements: The integration of technology, such as GPS systems, telematics, and automation, is becoming increasingly important. Equipment that offers these advanced features will be preferred, as they enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve project timelines.
  • Tata Hitachi offers a full range of backhoe loaders to cater to the market. We have three models SHINRAI Prime SHINRAI POWER4 and SHINRAI Pro for 74 HP and 49 HP backhoe loader markets respectively to capitalise on all the above opportunities.

    We will continue to upgrade our products in line with customer needs and unveil new products in the coming years to strengthen our product portfolio to achieve higher sales.

    What are the key features and benefits of Tata Hitachi’s backhoe loaders, and in which types of projects are they commonly used?
    Tata Hitachi has been offering backhoe loader solutions to the Indian market for more than 20 years. Tata Hitachi offers a full range of backhoe loaders to cater to the market. As explained above, we offer three variants, namely the SHINRAI Pro 49HP backhoe loaders and the CEV-IV-compliant SHINRAI Prime and Power 4 of 74HP. SHINRAI Prime has multiple variants, like a loader version, an AC version, and a 4WD version. While SHINRAI Power 4 is standard 4WD, it has a 6-in-1 loader bucket, front wider tyres, 0.30CuM backhoe bucket, a longer backhoe, and loader attachment.

    All SHINRAI models are offered with a variety of options, like rear general-purpose and heavy-duty tyres, front wider tyres, standard and 6-in-1 loader bucket, general-purpose bucket, heavy-duty backhoe bucket, trench bucket and ditch cleaning bucket.

    The major segment of the Indian backhoe loader market is hiring; hence, fuel consumption is the major criteria. Tata Hitachi’s SHINRAI PRIME and Power 4 series boost fuel efficiency with their EHS (Excellent Hydraulic System). SHINRAI Pro comes with a compact engine and variable displacement pump for high fuel efficiency, which is a key selling point for the Indian market.

    Apart from low fuel consumption, they also have high bucket forces, dump height, and good reach for customers looking at cost-effective performance and productivity.

    The new generation SHINRAI Pro incorporates a new fuel-efficient, reliable engine, an intelligent optimum hydraulic system (OHS) that provides great performance with fuel efficiency by using a variable displacement pump, and expert hydraulic flow optimisation to match high performance at lower fuel consumption. Also, all these machines have tracking features provided through INSITE.

    Tata Hitachi also offers a full range of attachments to work across applications like rental work, municipal work, garbage handling, crusher, hopper loading, quarrying, earthmoving, ditch cleaning, trenching, optical fibre laying, pipe laying, lifting, log handling, loading, unloading, road construction, well digging, and building construction, to name a few. SHINRAI Power 4 is designed for applications where the reach required is high and the terrain is difficult, like hilly terrain and mountainous regions. SHINRAI Prime is a standard backhoe loader suitable for all applications and jobs. SHINRAI Pro is suitable for rental businesses with the lowest ownership and operating costs.

    Hence, to meet these varied requirements, we offer a range of attachments like jib crane, forklift, auger, rock breaker, quick coupler, mulcher, ripple tooth, grapple, dozer blade, booster loader bucket, long backhoe arm extension, hedge trimmer, trencher, and bale handler.

    There are many road projects coming up in the border and hilly terrains. What types of road equipment are in demand for such projects?
    As far as road projects in border and hilly terrain are concerned, there are two types of requirements. Northern border areas in the Himalayas are in remote high-altitude areas with low temperatures, lower atmospheric pressure, rugged terrain with steep inclines and valleys. Equipment used in road construction in these areas is the same – excavators, wheel loaders, backhoe loaders, compaction equipment, pavers etc. However, all these machines require cold starting facility, higher powered turbocharged engines. Backhoe loaders need to be 4WD so that they can handle the gradients and rugged terrain.

    As far as hilly terrain is concerned, traction is very important and hence 4WD backhoe loaders are far more prevalent in these areas. The rest of the equipment remains the same as in normal applications.