In a landmark move towards fostering innovation in the automotive and electric vehicle (EV) sectors, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The signing ceremony, attended by Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of Heavy Industries, and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami of Uttarakhand (via VC), alongside senior officials from both entities, marks a pivotal moment in collaborative efforts to shape the future of transportation.
The MoU, inked by Prof. K.K Pant on behalf of IIT Roorkee and Vijay Mittal, Joint Secretary of MHI, signifies a joint commitment to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) and an Industry Accelerator at IIT Roorkee, under the Scheme for Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector Phase II of MHI.
With MHI providing a substantial grant of INR 19.8745 crore, supplemented by an additional INR 4.78 crore from industry partners, the total project cost stands at INR 24.6645 crore. This financial infusion underscores the shared dedication to driving research, development, and implementation endeavors, translating innovative concepts into tangible solutions.
Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey hailed the transformative impact of new technologies facilitated by the Capital Goods Scheme, expediting the integration of cutting-edge technologies within the manufacturing sector and promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami commended MHI for approving projects under the Capital Goods Scheme in Uttarakhand, particularly beneficial for the burgeoning e-mobility sector. He applauded IIT Roorkee’s engagement with startups and industries, highlighting its commitment to addressing critical projects and fostering a culture of research and collaboration in alignment with the national goal of self-reliance in the mobility sector.
Furthermore, ICAT, Manesar, a partner in this project, stands as a premier facility dedicated to testing, certification, and research in the automotive sector. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and expertise, ICAT will play a crucial role in offering services such as automotive electrical and electronics testing, furthering India’s transition towards electric mobility and solidifying its position as a leader in automotive innovation and development.
