India automotive research and development expansion

India is expanding its automotive research and development capabilities through government-backed infrastructure upgrades and new academic-industry partnerships.

Under the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme, the Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC) in Chennai is receiving ₹221.13 crore to upgrade testing facilities. These improvements focus on electric vehicle and battery testing, heavy commercial vehicle facilities, and advanced passive safety testing using high-speed imaging systems. Additionally, the SRM Institute of Science and Technology has launched the Drive Next Automotive (DNA) Lab to research Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), automotive software, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing.

Furthering these efforts, BITS Pilani has entered a strategic partnership with the Rane Group via a Memorandum of Understanding. This collaboration aims to address next-generation challenges such as autonomous mechanical systems, smart manufacturing, and AI applications, while facilitating talent incubation and the commercialization of intellectual property.