NATRAX and CAAR are teaming up to enhance road safety through pilot projects aimed at achieving zero fatalities. Their collaboration will focus on automotive research, innovation, skill development, and knowledge sharing, as outlined in their agreement.
The National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) and the Centre of Excellence in Advanced Automotive Research (CAAR) at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras have entered into a memorandum of understanding to engage in advanced projects concerning vehicle dynamics, tyre mechanics, electric vehicle (EV) testing, and road safety. This collaboration aims to spearhead zero-fatality initiatives through pilot projects and foster advancements in automotive research, innovation, skill development, and knowledge sharing.
Dr. Manish Jaiswal, Director of NATRAX, emphasised the organization’s commitment to expanding its research and technological development footprint. He noted that partnering with leading institutions like IIT Madras will significantly enhance collaborative industrial research. In recent developments, NATRAX has broadened its scope from traditional vehicle dynamics and proving grounds to include Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) testing, road safety infrastructure testing, and EV testing. This expansion aligns with national objectives to boost electric mobility.
Thiruppathy Srinivasan, CEO of CAAR at IIT Madras, highlighted the rich talent pool in India and the need for better access to cutting-edge technical labs and infrastructure to elevate the country’s competitiveness in automotive technology development. He stated that the partnership with NATRAX would enable CAAR to further its ambitions in leading technological advancements across various domains, including vehicle dynamics, road safety, and vehicle performance.
Dr. N. Karuppaiah, senior project advisor at CAAR, pointed out that approximately 45% of road fatalities are linked to two-wheeler accidents, underscoring the urgency for collaborative efforts to enhance two-wheeler safety. He advocated for joint projects that utilize the academic prowess of CAAR and IIT Madras along with NATRAX’s resources to provide substantial support to the automotive industry.
