Paving the Future with Made-in-India Trenching Machines
In a significant move toward building self-reliant infrastructure, the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has extended financial assistance to Hyderabad-based startup Autocracy Machinery Pvt. Ltd. The support is for the commercialization of state-of-the-art trencher technology, uniquely designed to suit Indian conditions and global standards.
With this partnership, India takes a giant leap toward indigenous manufacturing of trenching equipment, a domain largely dominated by imports.
A Trenching Revolution Rooted in Indian Soil
Trenching technology forms the backbone of several critical infrastructure projects
Whether it’s laying optical fiber, water pipelines, gas lines, or supporting agriculture and solar energy needs—trenchers are indispensable. However, imported trenchers often struggle to perform well across India’s varied terrains.
That’s where Autocracy Machinery’s innovation stands out. Their models—RUDRA 100XT, GAJA 200XT, DHRUVA 100, and others—are tractor-mounted, terrain-optimized, and highly efficient. They provide precise trenching while minimizing soil disruption, making them suitable for both rural and urban areas.
Women-Led Startup with a National Vision
This breakthrough comes from a women-led startup, helmed by Ms. Santhoshi Sushma Budhiraju and co-founder Mr. Laxman V. With a strong in-house R&D team, their mission is to make India a global hub for trenching and agricultural equipment.
The startup is now establishing a full-scale manufacturing facility to meet growing domestic demand and expand into global markets. The move complements India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and contributes to Digital India by supporting optical fiber network expansion.
Strategic Benefits Beyond Infrastructure
The impact of this initiative stretches beyond machines:
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Reduces import dependency by indigenizing high-tech equipment
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Creates jobs and skilling opportunities in rural and semi-urban areas
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Empowers MSMEs through local supply chains
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Boosts exports with globally competitive trenchers
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Enhances environmental sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint of projects
Voices of Vision
Sh. Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, shared:
“TDB’s support to Autocracy Machinery reflects our focus on real-world impact. Their trenchers support digital and physical infrastructure for a future-ready India.”
Ms. Santhoshi Sushma Budhiraju added:
“We’re grateful for TDB’s belief in our mission. Our trenchers empower farmers, contractors, and infrastructure builders with world-class, Indian-made solutions.”