At EXCON 2025, MTANDT Rentals Ltd. (MRL) used the platform to underline what the group stands for today: access equipment backed by a strong safety-first culture. The company showcased a wide range of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), including scissor lifts, boom lifts and spider lifts across multiple height categories, along with specialised solutions designed for complex job sites. The display reflected both the scale of the fleet and the depth of applications the company is addressing across infrastructure, industrial and commercial projects.
Explaining the intent behind the exhibit, Mr. Sanjay Verma, Group CEO – MRL, said the group’s identity is rooted in safety and long-term commitment to the industry. “MTANDT as a name stands for safety. We started our journey in 1974 with the retail of hardware equipment, and that foundation still exists. Over five decades, we have grown in step with the industry to deliver comprehensive safety and access solutions.”
Today, MTANDT Rentals operates the largest MEWP fleets in the country and stands as the top player by fleet size. According to Mr. Verma, EXCON is a critical platform to introduce newer technologies and explain their relevance to customers. “This exhibition allows us to showcase innovative products that solve real site challenges, not just display machines,” he noted.
Expanding applications through specialised equipment
Among the key highlights at EXCON 2025 were spider lifts, which are designed for operations on uneven ground and in confined spaces. These machines are particularly relevant for airport construction, work inside malls and maintenance jobs where low ground bearing pressure and precise weight distribution are essential. With features such as auto-levelling systems, spider lifts offer stability and flexibility in environments where conventional equipment struggles.
MTANDT Rentals also displayed deck rider units, stationary lifts used during heavy construction activities where movement on site is restricted. These machines enable safe vertical access without disrupting other ongoing work. In addition, the company highlighted its recent association with Comet of Italy for truck-mounted boom lifts, a segment witnessing strong growth as projects increasingly demand faster mobilisation and higher outreach. These solutions are now being manufactured in India, reinforcing the company’s commitment to localisation, quicker delivery timelines, and cost-effective access equipment for the domestic market.
Commenting on the broader market potential, Mr. Verma pointed to the scale of opportunity emerging from India’s infrastructure push. “There is no single yardstick to measure market size today. We estimate that India has around 20,000 such machines currently, but with the pace of infrastructure development, this could grow to nearly 200,000 machines by 2030,” he said, attributing the outlook to planned investments in roads, airports and urban infrastructure.
Safety philosophy, training and future growth plans
Beyond machines, MTANDT Rentals emphasised its focus on people and processes. The group’s philosophy, often described internally as service with sincerity, places equal importance on the operator behind the machine. “The machine is one part of the solution, but the man behind the machine is critical. Our objective is simple: the operator should go back home safely and return to work confidently the next day,” Mr. Verma said.
This approach is supported by structured training initiatives. Through CESL Training, the group operates a dedicated training institute certified by the National Skill Development Corporation under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Operators are trained in equipment handling, safety protocols and application-specific requirements, ensuring high uptime and safer operations on site. “You can have the best machine in the world, but if the operator is not trained, everyone is at risk,” he added.
Looking ahead, MTANDT Rentals is optimistic about growth and localisation. Mr. Verma indicated that the group is studying the feasibility of manufacturing MEWPs in India to meet future demand. “Over the next five years, we are confident of scaling significantly. We are also evaluating setting up local manufacturing within the next 24 months to support the market more effectively,” he said, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to India’s access and safety equipment ecosystem.
Comet Bharat showcases truck-mounted booms, spider lifts and trailer-mounted access solutions at EXCON 2025
On the sidelines of the MTANDT Rentals interaction at EXCON 2025, I also spoke with Mr. N V Rao, General Manager, Sales, India and SAARC Countries, Comet Bharat, to understand the company’s product focus and market direction. At the show, Comet Bharat highlighted three key access solutions aimed at addressing varied working-at-height requirements across infrastructure and industrial applications.
The first highlight was a truck-mounted boom lift offering a 26-metre working height, followed by a 25-metre spider boom lift and a compact trailer-mounted solution branded as X-Trailer with a 14-metre working height. According to Mr. Rao, these products are designed to address both reach and precision challenges on Indian job sites. “Our core communication at EXCON is about solving work-height challenges safely and efficiently, especially for rental and infrastructure customers across India,” he said.
Elaborating on the truck-mounted boom, Mr. Rao explained that the 26-metre unit is mounted on a 7.5-tonne GVW Tata LPT 712 chassis. “This platform helps contractors handle precision work at height in construction and infrastructure projects, where mobility and reach are equally important,” he noted, adding that the model has already been proven in the market.
Focus on efficiency, local manufacturing and market expansion
A notable new concept for the Indian market is the PickUp 14 trailer-mounted lift, which can be towed by a car or SUV. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, it operates on AC and DC power, with a hybrid petrol option also available. “This is a flexible solution for customers who need easy transport and quick deployment without a dedicated carrier vehicle,” Mr. Rao said.
From an operational standpoint, Comet’s truck-mounted boom offers features such as infinite rotation, a three-metre jib for precision tasks and a low operating pressure of 25 bar. “Lower operating pressure means less heat generation, longer component life and better efficiency for operators,” he explained.
Comet Bharat manufactures these platforms in Pune through a joint venture with Comet Italy. Current capacity stands at around 10 units per month, with plans to scale up gradually. “We have recently started local manufacturing and will increase capacity to 20 to 25 units per month based on demand,” Mr. Rao said. With a strong brand legacy and positive customer feedback, Comet Bharat is targeting rental companies, infrastructure players, utilities and municipal bodies across India and the SAARC region.