Date:14/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/08/14/stories/2007081451032100.htm

Back Hyderabad to host workshop on mechanisation in construction

Our Bureau

Hyderabad, Aug. 13 The Association of Consulting Civil Engineers (India) will organise a two-day national workshop on ‘Mechanisation in construction’ on August 17 and 19 here.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday, the organising Secretary of MeCon-2007, Mr P. Surya Prakash, said investments in infrastructure was expected to be eight per cent of the GDP (gross domestic product) in the 11th Plan as against the present six per cent.

This included Rs 7.75 lakh crore in rural and urban housing, upgradation of 12 major ports to make them ports of international standards and nine ultra mega power projects.

“All this will lead to more and more organised activity in the construction industry. This, in turn, would facilitate increased mechanisation in construction,” he said. Currently, only 20-25 per cent of the estimated Rs 1,00,000 lakh crore construction industry was in the organised sector, with the rest being dominated by small and medium-sized companies.

Besides, foreign direct investment (FDI) in real estate and award of SEZ (special economic zone) status to some projects would further stimulate organised activity in construction.