The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is set to establish its fourth campus at Auroville, near Puducherry, focusing on sustainability and innovative technologies. The new campus will span 100 acres, with 20 acres dedicated to a test track for electric trucks, part of the Centre of Excellence for Zero Emission Trucking (CoEZET). IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti announced that the campus is expected to commence operations within the next 2-3 months.
This initiative aligns with the objectives of Auroville, emphasizing sustainable development and research in electric vehicles (EVs). The establishment of this campus aims to address the challenges faced by the EV sector in India, particularly in terms of battery technology and charging infrastructure. Union additional secretary for the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Hanif Qureshi, highlighted that India has been slow in adopting EV technology and stressed the need for indigenous solutions to reduce reliance on imported components.
IIT Madras has launched various programs, including a web-enabled MTech in eMobility for working professionals and a certificate program on eMobility. These initiatives aim to equip individuals with cutting-edge knowledge in electric vehicle technology, further supporting India's transition towards sustainable transportation solutions.
This development marks a significant step for IIT Madras as it continues to expand its influence in research and education related to sustainability and technology innovation.