Innovations Lift India

In this Industry Dialogue, TK Elevator India CEO and Managing Director Manish Mehan (MM) shares insights with your author (SSP) on key aspects impacting the VT industry.

SSP: To what extent have the demand patterns for vertical transportation (VT) evolved over the years? How have you witnessed this metamorphosis at TK Elevator (TKE) India?

MM: Today, users and members of the public consider elevators more than just a means of travel. Aesthetically advanced and intelligent elevators are taking center stage as India continues to urbanize. Significant innovations and advancements such as smart elevators, the Internet of Things (IoT) and emerging applications of AI and extended-reality technology have changed the overall face of the elevator industry. In the past few years, these advancements have made VT smart and more accessible. 

There is a growing demand for smart and energy-efficient elevators that can carry many passengers at once — safely and comfortably. These elevators have improved controls, hardware and other systems that not only use less energy but are efficient and — in some configurations — even generate electricity that a facility can use. Smart elevator technology uses software and microprocessor-based controls instead of electromechanical relays, allowing elevators to automatically enter sleep mode and shut off lights, air conditioning and video screens when they are empty.

SSP: How is the resultant transformation in VT evident in visible changes?

MM: Digitalization has opened new opportunities and created new values for the industry, and this era brings disruptive innovations that have the potential to change the industry significantly. With the help of IoT-based smart technologies, elevators can virtually “talk” to us, tell us when they need help and even advise technicians on a problem’s cause and solution in combination with AI and machine learning. So, problems can be fixed before customers even realize there’s an issue. Proactive customer service is all about the ability to understand customers’ needs and address them before they turn into problems, because elevator downtime will likely affect many people’s mobility, especially in mid- or high-rise buildings. This can cause significant disruption to people’s daily lives and work arrangements. 

MAX — our smart, machine-learning IoT elevator solution — dramatically increases elevator availability by reducing out-of-service situations by up to 50% through real-time diagnostics. MAX is used to predict maintenance issues before they occur and empowers elevator engineers to increase elevator availability by flagging needs so they can replace components and systems before critical, potentially disabling milestones in their lifecycles.

SSP: How has rising demand from real estate and infrastructure influenced VT industry growth in India?

MM: Rapid urbanization, commercial construction and upgrades of industrial and residential spaces — as well as national growth — are major factors driving India’s elevator industry. Having said that, India has been witnessing a rapid increase in investments by both government and private entities in large-scale metro projects, especially in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, to provide effective transport systems to consumers. Similarly, to cater to rising air traffic, the Government of India has envisaged increasing the number of operational airports to 190-200 by 2040 from the current 103 airports. Transportation infrastructure is one of TK Elevator’s major strategic focuses. With thousands of passengers traveling daily, many local and international airports, train stations and transportation hubs across the globe give TK Elevator’s proven mobility solutions their vote of confidence. Real estate investments in the vicinity of metro rail stations and airports also create demand for elevators and escalators. In view of growing demands for elevators in private mansions and luxury homes, as well as other forms of low-rise residences, TK Elevator will be offering solutions optimized for this market segment. Stay tuned for updates from us.

SSP: How is TK Elevator India’s Made in India VT equipment facilitating modernization and new development of infrastructure, as well as real estate? 

MM: TK Elevator has always been a staunch supporter of the government’s “Make in India” initiative through localized R&D and manufacturing of elevators and escalators. Through localized R&D and manufacturing of TK Elevator’s various elevator and escalator solutions, we are committed to empowering the local economy with innovation and state-of-the-art technology. India is a market where TK Elevator sees immense growth potential and one in which we will continue to invest resources. 

We have set up a high-tech, multi-purpose facility (MPF) in line with the “Make in India” initiative to promote local manufacturing. The MPF is built on 84,000 m²  of land with an investment of about Rs.300 crore at Chakan, Pune. True to its name, the MPF includes corporate offices (business support center), a production facility, a central warehouse, a centralized call center, a customer experience center, a training center, a product showroom and test shafts. It is designed for an initial capacity of manufacturing 6,000 elevator units annually, extendable to more than 10,000 units annually in the foreseeable future. In addition to this, our MPF has started offering “Made in India” escalators, including our much sought-after velino, tugela and victoria series. Adding a comprehensive range of escalators to our locally manufactured product portfolio allows us to stay close to our customers’ needs and serve them better.

SSP: How do you envisage intelligent structures integrating building access and people flow driving demand for relevant VT?    

MM: The acceleration of infrastructure development, the growing number of smart cities, construction of buildings with smart technologies and increasing consumer spending related to residential and commercial buildings are driving development of smart elevators and their popularity in the Indian market. The additional benefits of intelligent elevators offering enhanced security, safety and energy efficiency, a comfortable commuting experience with less wait time and better traffic management promote and accelerate their adoption in commercial and residential buildings. Additionally, transformation of older buildings that includes replacing the old elevators with intelligent elevator systems is propelling modernization in the smart elevator market. For instance, AGILE Destination Control, one of our key digital solution offerings, is designed to work with new installation or modernization projects, enabling elevators old and new to be deployed more intelligently and flexibly. This not only saves energy consumption by optimizing elevator deployment during peak and non-peak hours, it also effectively provides passengers with a better travel experience by reducing wait and travel times.

Smart elevators are especially welcomed in infrastructure applications in urban areas where high, multi-story buildings and mall construction is gaining significant traction. Therefore, development in infrastructure is expected to propel demand for smart elevators. 

SSP: How would you describe the future potential for the VT industry in India and TK Elevator India’s role in fulfilling that going forward?

MM: As mentioned, the industry will continue to be driven by India’s rapid urbanization and infrastructure development. Recent development trends in the residential sector will also create new opportunities for us in the low-rise/private-residence segment. Our longstanding reputation globally in the high-rise and high-speed segment will ensure we fulfill such needs should more of them arise in India.

TK Elevator has developed sustainable, eco-friendly products and solutions that prove themselves through high-energy efficiency and reliable performance over the long term. We have a host of offerings that are best suited for all applications. We have products that match up to the best in the industry in terms of engineering and technology. Our portfolio includes a wide range of passenger and freight elevators, escalators and moving walks, passenger boarding bridges, stair and platform lifts, as well as tailored service solutions for all products.

As more high-end construction and infrastructure projects emphasizing sustainability and speed gain popularity in the Indian market, the TK Elevator brand will be one of the best-known names in India for energy-efficient, reliable and smart elevator solutions.

About Manish Mehan

Manish Mehan is CEO and Managing Director (MD), TK Elevator India (formerly known as thyssenkrupp Elevator (India) and TK Elevator Bangladesh (formerly known as thyssenkrupp Elevator (Bangladesh). He is a visionary, people-oriented, results-driven business leader who is an expert in accelerating growth in both organic and inorganic ways. The capacity to manage rapid change, along with the right interpersonal and leadership skills, is one of the most powerful combinations for a modern CEO, and Mehan possesses these characteristics. His association with TK Elevator dates back to 2002, when he joined the organization. Since then, Mehan has achieved magnificent professional growth, transitioning from chief financial officer, to now, CEO and MD of the organization. He possesses strong conviction and a desire to drive action and change. He constantly works toward a smarter, sustainable and innovative future to take the company to the next level. 

Under his dynamic leadership, the business has been achieving its strategic, financial and operational goals, and witnessing a significant growth. As head of the company, he values ownership, collaboration and community. More importantly, he is a transparent leader who builds authentic dialogue and encourages open communication. With more than 20 years of experience, his expertise spans verticals like finance, operations, sales and marketing, among others. As a self-driven leader, he is committed to conscious leadership and focuses on the key ingredients like decisiveness, adaptability, reliability and the ability to engage stakeholders. 

He envisions positioning TK Elevator India as the most customer-centric solution provider with an efficient and lean structure, where collaboration and respect among teams are part of the DNA —instead of top-down, thereby providing an enriching experience to stakeholders. When he is not working, he likes spending time with family and splashing in the pool. He enjoys meeting new people and hearing new perspectives.