A fleet of Volvo Construction Equipment asphalt compactors, double drum compactors and a tracked sensor paver are improving the quality of roads and life in the city of Bellary, Karnataka, India.

There is a simple way to determine the development of a town, city or even a country: Take a good look at its roads.

“Tough, smooth roads generate more growth and vibrancy in the economy,” says P. Prabhakar Reddy, a public works contractor in the city of Bellary, Karnataka, India.

“Better road qualities mean better quality of life and living — that’s the bottom line!”

Assisting the 30-year roadbuilding veteran on various projects is a fleet of Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) that includes two DD100 asphalt compactor, four DD90 double drum compactors and a P5320B ABG tracked sensor paver.

“Our beginnings were humble, but our abiding passion for road building has ensured steady growth over the years,” says Mr Reddy, who is now the leading road building contractor in Karnataka.

The fleet has helped Mr Reddy on a string of prestigious projects including the 344 kilometres NH-167 highway, which stretches from Hagaribommanahalli in Karnataka to Jadcherla in Telangana.

“It’s been a long and difficult journey but, at the end of the day, well worth it,” he says.

“Real satisfaction in road building comes when you get that near-perfect mat finish across the entire project stretch. And that’s not easy to achieve.”

Currently, the Volvo P5320B ABG tracked sensor paver is working on a road that connects to the new terminal at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.

Mr Reddy says the P5320B ABG tracked sensor paver stands alone in its class in terms of paving quality and hassle-free operations. He is also pleasantly surprised that, even with the sophisticated design to boost paving quality, productivity, fuel and efficiency, the paver is still easy to operate.

“Anyone can operate a Volvo machine with ease — that’s the thing,” he says.

Mr Reddy says Volvo CE machine’s ease of operation is a definite advantage in his business where there is constant pressure on both margins and availability of skilled manpower.

*Article published in the July-September 2019 issue of The Asia Miner