SANY India Powers First-Ever All-Women Excavator Training Batch at National Academy of Construction, Andhra Pradesh

In a landmark step towards gender inclusion and skill development in India’s construction sector, SANY India has enabled the first-ever all-women batch of excavator operators at the National Academy of Construction (NAC), Andhra Pradesh. The pioneering batch of 22 women trainees successfully completed their certification in March 2026, aligning with International Women’s Day and reinforcing the programme’s strong women-empowerment focus.

The comprehensive training programme was conducted on SANY SY120 excavator, with the machine facilitated by SANY India to NAC to support hands-on, industry-ready skilling. The training syllabus was designed by SANY India, ensuring alignment with global best practices and real-world operational requirements. To maintain the highest standards of training delivery, NAC trainers were trained and certified by SANY India before leading the programme for the women trainees. Upon successful completion, the participants received certification under the Infrastructure Equipment Skill Council (IESC) framework, strengthening their employability across infrastructure and construction projects nationwide. NAC will also facilitate placement support for all graduating trainees, enabling a smooth transition from training to employment.

Empowering Women, Building the Nation

This initiative reflects SANY India’s commitment to inclusive growth, skill development, and nation-building. By providing access to high-quality training, modern equipment, and recognized certification, the programme opens new pathways for women to enter and thrive in traditionally male-dominated roles, contributing directly to India’s infrastructure ambitions.

Key Highlights

• First all-women excavator operator batch at NAC, Andhra Pradesh
• 22 women trainees receiving end-to-end professional training
• Hands-on learning on SANY SY120 Excavator, facilitated by SANY India
• Training syllabus, trainer training, and certification supported by SANY India
• Certification under the Infrastructure Equipment Skill Council (IESC) framework
• Placement support by NAC for trainees post certification
• Programme completion aligned with International Women’s Day

Speaking on the initiative, Sanjay Saxena, COO- SANY India said: “At SANY India, we believe true progress is inclusive. By empowering women with world-class skills and certification, we are not only shaping careers but also strengthening India’s construction ecosystem. This Women’s Day-aligned batch symbolizes opportunity, confidence, and capability.”

Certificate Handover Ceremony

The certificate handover ceremony was held on 6 March 2026 at the National Academy of Construction (NAC-AP), Pulivendula, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh, marking the successful completion of the pioneering training batch.

Madhusudan Katragadda, Dealer Principal, Madhura Engineering Pvt. Ltd., attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest and handed over certificates to the graduating trainees. Speaking at the event, Madhusudan Katragadda said: “It is truly an honour to be part of such a historic initiative. I sincerely appreciate SANY India and the National Academy of Construction for taking this bold step toward empowering women in the construction equipment industry. Excavator operations have traditionally been a male-dominated field, and this programme marks the first step in changing that narrative. Seeing these talented women successfully complete their training fills us with pride and optimism for the future of the industry. I encourage all the trainees to continue learning and growing—this certification is just the beginning. With dedication and experience, they can explore many opportunities within the sector, including roles in operations, sales, and service engineering.”

The graduating batch of 22 women trainees expressed immense pride and enthusiasm as they received their certifications, marking the beginning of their professional journeys in the construction equipment sector.

The event was also attended by Rakesh Mekala, Assistant Director, National Academy of Construction, Kadapa District, along with NAC faculty and staff. Representatives from SANY India were also present on the occasion to celebrate the milestone and congratulate the trainees on their successful completion of the programme.

The ceremony concluded on a positive and inspiring note, symbolizing a significant step forward in promoting gender diversity and inclusive skill development in India’s construction industry.

Tata Motors Signs MoU with V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority to Deploy 40 Green Hydrogen-Powered Heavy-Duty Trucks

Marking a pivotal step in the country’s journey toward net zero emissions, Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA), Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, to deploy 40 Green Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine-powered (H2 ICE) prime movers at the port. The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

As part of the MoU, Tata Motors will commence trials with a hydrogen-powered prime mover, followed by the phased deployment of H2 ICE-powered prime movers over the next two years. The project will be funded by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, which underscores the Government of India’s commitment to accelerating green energy adoption and building a sustainable, future-ready maritime ecosystem.

Sharing his thoughts on the partnership, Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, VOCPA, said, “Our partnership with Tata Motors marks a transformative step in VOC Port’s push to achieve net-zero emissions. The deployment of green hydrogen-powered trucks will significantly decarbonise our cargo handling operations while setting a benchmark for sustainable port-led logistics in India. To support the phased induction of these Green Hydrogen trucks, the port is also progressing plans to establish a 2 MW electrolyzer and a dedicated hydrogen refueling station. This project along with various other initiatives related to green fuels reinforces our commitment towards building a robust green hydrogen ecosystem and positioning VOC Port as a leader in sustainable maritime infrastructure.”

Speaking on the MoU announcement, Rajesh Kaul, Vice President and Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors Ltd, said, “Our collaboration with V.O. Chidambaranar Port Association marks an important milestone in bringing hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucking into real-world port operations. Over the past several months, we have worked closely with the port authorities to assess pathways for hydrogen trucks in cargo handling applications. This pilot will help demonstrate the potential of assessing the TCO parity and with Green Hydrogen in supporting the transition of India’s ports towards cleaner and more sustainable logistics solutions.”

The fleet for the project includes the Tata Motors Prima 55-tonne prime mover, engineered for sustainable, cost-efficient and high-performance transportation. Featuring the premium Prima cabin and advanced driver-assist safety features, they enhance driver comfort, reduce fatigue and improve productivity while setting new benchmarks for safety. Tata Motors is at the forefront of developing innovative mobility solutions powered by alternative fuel technologies such as battery electric, CNG, LNG, hydrogen internal combustion, and hydrogen fuel cell. It offers a robust portfolio of alternate-fuel powered commercial vehicles across various segments, including small commercial vehicles, trucks, buses and vans. In 2025, Tata Motors commenced hydrogen-powered truck trials across key freight corridors in India. The company had also won a tender of 15 hydrogen FCEV buses, which are successfully deployed on Indian roads.

SANY India Expands Presence in Madhya Pradesh with New 3S Dealership in Indore to Strengthen Customer Reach and After-Sales Support

SANY, the leading manufacturer of construction, mining, road, logistics & energy equipment, announced the inauguration of its new 3S (Sales, Service & Spares) dealership in Indore, in partnership with M/s. Avni Automobiles. This strategic expansion reinforces SANY India’s commitment to providing world-class products and unmatched after-sales support to customers across Madhya Pradesh.

The new dealership will cater to key regions around Indore, like Dewas, Pithampur, including Sanwer, Hatod, and Betma, to ensure customers’ convenient access to SANY India’s extensive product range and efficient service support. The 3S facility is equipped with a modern showroom, a dedicated service bay, and a spare parts section designed to deliver a seamless customer experience.

The branch was inaugurated in the presence of Rahul Tiwari, Regional Manager, SANY India along with senior management from SANY India and M/s. Avni Automobiles, which together marked a meaningful milestone in SANY’s growth journey and supporting the growing infrastructure needs of the region. Speaking on the milestone, Rangasami S, Head Mini & Small Excavator, SANY India said, “Madhya Pradesh has always been the frontier of infrastructure growth in central India, driven by rapid growth and increasing investments in Bharatmala, mining, and urban development projects. Our partnership with M/s. Avni Automobiles for this 3S dealership marks a significant step toward strengthening our service network and enhancing customer accessibility.

With this addition, we aim to deliver not only superior products but also prompt support and holistic solutions to our customers in the region.”

In Addition, Abhishek Jain, Founder, Avni Automobiles, said, “We are excited to partner with SANY India, a brand known for its engineering excellence, customer satisfaction, and commitment to innovation. Through this 3S dealership, we are committed to offering end-to-end solutions from sales to service and spare parts. This partnership reinforces our commitment to provide reliable & timely support to customers in and around Indore. We are dedicated to supporting the infrastructure growth of the region in collaboration with SANY India.

The new dealership opening is part of SANY India’s continuous efforts to strengthen its nationwide network, ensuring that customers benefit from the company’s “Customer First” approach through localized service excellence and product availability.

Caterpillar Transforms the Construction Worksite with Advanced Technology, Services and Solutions at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026

At CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE) will showcased how it is helping customers solve their toughest challenges through advanced technology, service solutions and new products that improve productivity, enhance safety and address labor shortages.

“As jobsites become more complex, we’re rapidly innovating to simplify how our customers operate and grow — at any scale,” said Caterpillar CEO Joe Creed. “This week, we’re demonstrating how a single platform connects the entire operation — empowering customers with AI and autonomy, redefining service and investing in the people doing the work every day.”

Ground Breakers Keynote

Construction Industries Group President Rod Shurman, Chief Technology Officer Jaime Mineart and Chief Digital Officer Ogi Redzic spotlighted how Caterpillar is tackling the industry’s toughest challenges head-on, pushing boundaries and shaping the future of construction.

“Caterpillar is focused on the challenges customers are dealing with right now: labor, safety and productivity,” said Caterpillar Construction Industries Group President Rod Shurman. “From AI and autonomy in action to full-fleet connectivity to services commitments, everything we’re showing is built to work where and when customers need it most whether it’s on the job, in the shop or at the office.”

Caterpillar Exhibits

Operator Stadium: Technology in Action

Caterpillar transformed 70,000 square feet of CONEXPO’s Festival Grounds into an outdoor Operator Stadium, where customers could see some of the world’s best operators put the latest technologies to the test in real-world jobsite scenarios. The stadium also offered hands-on experiences with technology, service and Cat Rentals. Demonstrations ran daily at 9:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m

West Hall: Fast, Convenient Support for Small Contractors and Growing Customers

Debuting at CONEXPO, Cat Compact is a streamlined customer experience built for small contractors and growing businesses who value simplicity and speed. It brings everything together in one destination — allowing customers to buy, rent and service compact equipment with ease. By blending digital discovery and online research with the trusted, in-person expertise of Cat dealers, Cat Compact reduces complexity at every step. Designed to support customers where they are, it expands Caterpillar’s relevance in the compact equipment industry and helps contractors stay productive and focused on getting the job done.

South Hall: Powering the Jobsite

Designed to support reliable, around-the-clock jobsite performance, the power solutions on display included new high-horsepower C3.6 and C13D engines. Engines and aftermarket offerings, such as condition monitoring, connectivity tools, and parts options, help customers protect uptime and get more from their equipment.

Physical AI and Autonomy Highlights

Building on momentum from CES 2026, Caterpillar showcased how Cat^®AI Assistant™ helps customers interact more easily with Cat equipment and digital tools. By reducing complexity and delivering timely answers and recommendations, Cat AI Assistant helps teams make faster, smarter decisions from the office to the jobsite.

Caterpillar also highlighted its collaboration with Geotab Inc., which integrates on-highway data into VisionLink™, enabling customers to manage their entire fleet through one platform. VisionLink™ improves uptime, productivity, safety, compliance and cost efficiency across on- and off-highway equipment for both Cat and non-Cat assets.

Attendees at Operator Stadium watched Caterpillar’s first autonomous soil compactor — the Cat? CS12 — in action, in addition to Collision Mitigation, the newest solution in the Cat Detect portfolio. Live demonstrations from across the United States showcased the latest advancements in remote operation and construction autonomy.

Enhanced Customer Programs and Rental Solutions

Caterpillar enhanced its rewards, financing and service programs through Cat Rewards, the Cat Commercial Account and an upgraded Services Commitment that offers next-day parts, two-day repairs and Cat Credits when commitments aren’t met. A refreshed Cat Rentals brand and digital solution will make it easier for customers to search for, manage and monitor equipment as they scale their operations.

Celebrating Skilled Labor

Caterpillar is elevating the skill and expertise of the world’s top equipment operators and technicians — the professionals who drive productivity, safety and quality on jobsites every day.

Nine finalists from around the world competed live in Caterpillar’s Global Operator Challenge Finals at Operator Stadium on Tuesday, March 3, at 9:30 a.m. Following the competition, Caterpillar also recognized the critical role dealer technicians serve by crowning the winner of its inaugural Global Dealer Technician Challenge. The awards ceremony for both challenges began at 3 p.m.

Ashok Leyland Plans Big Expansion in Western India

Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, is reinforcing its strong foundation in Maharashtra and the larger part of Western India. The company aims to capitalize on the region’s robust economic growth, accelerating infrastructure development, and increasing demand for light commercial vehicles (LCVs), thereby fortifying its market presence and effectively meeting the unique transportation needs of the region while reaffirming its commitment to providing best-in-class LCV products and services.

In Western India, Ashok Leyland LCV Business currently has 29 dealer partners, 130 service workshops and 350+ ALTT’s (Ashok Leyland Trained Technicians). While this ensures service availability every 35 kilometres, within the next one year the company is working to expand its service coverage to have a touchpoint every 25 kms.

Viplav Shah, Head – LCV Business, Ashok Leyland said, “The expansion of the LCV networking in Maharashtra and the entire Western region will be a game changer for us. Along with Best-in-Class Mileage, Payload, Loading Area, Comfort and Reliability that our LCV range offers, now we are taking a big step in multiplying our service reach. We remain committed to strengthening our presence in the Western region, which is a key market for us.”

Ashok Leyland is driving growth through innovation and advanced technology, reinforcing its leadership in the commercial vehicle industry. With an expanding market share and a strong portfolio of Light Commercial Vehicles, the company is strategically positioned to strengthen its presence in Western India. By delivering tailored transport solutions that cater to a wide range of industries and supporting the state’s economic progress, Ashok Leyland is setting new benchmarks in customer-centric mobility.

As Ashok Leyland continues to evolve and expand its footprint, the company remains dedicated to delivering remarkable products and services to meet the growing demands of customers in Western India, thereby reinforcing its position as a leading player in the LCV market.

Ashok Leyland partners with Rajasthan Gramin Bank for providing Vehicle Finance facilities

Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with Rajasthan Gramin Bank, the largest bank in the state by number of branches, to enter into a strategic vehicle financing partnership for its customers. This MoU will enable both Ashok Leyland and Rajasthan Gramin Bank to offer customized financial solutions to the customers.

Viplav Shah, Head-LCV Business, Ashok Leyland, and Abhimanyu Charan, AGM, Rajasthan Gramin Bank signed the MoU in the presence of Mukesh Bhartiya, Chairman, Rajasthan Gramin Bank. Under this partnership, Rajasthan Gramin Bank will be able to provide end-to-end financial solutions to the customers of Ashok Leyland. The partnership aims to enhance customer convenience by offering vehicle loans with flexible, easy-to-manage repayment options, tailored to meet individual needs and preferences.

Viplav Shah, Head-LCV Business, Ashok Leyland said, “Ashok Leyland is delighted to partner with Rajasthan Gramin Bank to provide attractive financing solutions to our customers. This strategic partnership will strengthen Ashok Leyland’s market position. Our products, featuring innovative technology, offer industry-leading total cost of ownership, ensuring maximum profitability for our customers. We remain committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences.”

Mukesh Bhartiya, Chairman, RGB, said, “Rajasthan Gramin Bank is pleased to partner with Ashok Leyland to offer seamless vehicle financing solutions. This association reflects our dedication to serving the diverse financial needs of commercial vehicle customers. We are confident that this collaboration will enable us to extend our reach and provide tailored financing options to support the growth of businesses in the commercial vehicle segment.”

Ashok Leyland today offers a comprehensive range of trucks and buses to meet the full spectrum of commercial vehicle needs, from intercity light commercial vehicles to long-haul trucks and a wide variety of buses. Ashok Leyland’s vehicles ensure safe transport and driver-friendly options. As a pioneer in technological innovations within the truck and bus segment, Ashok Leyland is fully equipped with a range of buses powered by alternative fuels, dedicated to reducing pollution and promoting an eco-friendly transport system in India.