“We’re seeing an increased interest in sensor pavers that help contractors do more with less, such as the P5320ABG tracked paver,which delivers a basic paving width of 2.5m,” says Dimitrov Krishnan,Vice-President and Head, Volvo CE India. “We attribute this to the pressure on contractors to increase productivity both in the size ofthe roads they build and the speed at which they complete them.”Also, sensor pavers have intelligent operating technology that helps the machine meet the desired mat thickness, mat level and required grade, unlike regular pavers that simply follow the undulations of the road base and are, therefore, unable to give a smooth finish to a paved surface, he explains.In keeping with this increased interest, Volvo CE has introduced innovations on the P5320ABG, such as load-sensing hydraulics and an automatic hydraulic track tensioner.In Karnataka, P Prabhakar Reddy, a public works contractor, has used the P5320ABG (with two DD100 asphalt compactors and four DD90 double-drum compactors) for a string of projects, including the 344-km NH-167 that stretches from Hagaribommanahalli in Karnataka to Jadcherla in Telangana, and a road that connects to the new terminal at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.Ease of operation, paving quality and hassle-free operations are among the key reasons why Reddy opted for the paver. “Anyone can operate a Volvo machine with ease; that is a definite advantage because we face constant pressure on margins and the availability ofskilled manpower,” he says. “All Volvo equipment delivers outstanding performance, particularly the Volvo P5320B ABG. We get the excellent finish we look for in every project without fail.”Another in-demand Made in India sensor paver from Volvo is the wheeled P4370B ABG, which delivers a basic paving width of 2.5m. Pave Assist, which is powered by Volvo Co-Pilot, an on-board computer and display providing real-time data to monitor the progress and output of the paving job, is available for both models.“Imported sensor pavers from Volvo include the units offering maximum paving widths of 9m, 10m, 13m, and 16m, of which the most popular is the P6820C ABG (offering paving widths of 2.5m to 10m),” says Krishnan.CHARU BAHRI