Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Haryana to establish an Institute of Driving Training & Research (IDTR) in Ambala. The initiative is aimed at improving professional driver training, strengthening road safety and creating new employment opportunities in the transportation and logistics sector.
The MoU was signed by Atul Dwivedi, IAS, Transport Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Government of Haryana, and Dharmendra Pal Singh, Head – Driver Training Institute, Ashok Leyland, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations. The proposed institute will be developed across approximately 13 acres through a partnership between Ashok Leyland and the Haryana government. It will provide structured training for Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) and Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) drivers, combining classroom education, practical instruction and technology-based learning.
The centre is expected to train around 2,000 new drivers and 20,000 existing drivers every year. Training programmes will include courses for new drivers, refresher programmes, licence renewal training and specialised courses for drivers handling goods and hazardous materials.
The facility will include digital classrooms, driving simulators, live engine and transmission demonstrations, medical facilities and hostel accommodation. Special driving tracks will recreate different road and traffic conditions to help trainees develop practical skills.
The curriculum will cover defensive driving, vehicle handling, fuel efficiency, vehicle maintenance, emergency response, firefighting, first aid and stress management. The objective is to develop safer, more confident and professionally trained drivers who can meet the changing requirements of modern transportation.
Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director and CEO, Ashok Leyland, said professional driver training is an important part of building a safer and more efficient transportation system. He said the Ambala institute will combine scientific training, technology and practical learning to help drivers operate vehicles more safely and responsibly.
Anil Dhingra, Head – Aftermarket (M&HCV), Ashok Leyland, said the new centre will go beyond basic driving instruction by providing modern infrastructure and a scientifically designed training programme.
The institute will cater to drivers and young people from Ambala and neighbouring districts such as Yamunanagar, Panchkula, Kurukshetra and Jind, besides candidates from nearby states. It is also expected to improve access to professional training for youth and economically weaker sections.
The Ambala project builds on Ashok Leyland’s long-standing driver training programme. The company operates 17 Driver Training Institutes across India in partnership with state governments and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. Since 1995, these centres have trained more than 28 lakh drivers. With the proposed IDTR in Ambala, Ashok Leyland and the Government of Haryana aim to expand access to professional driver education and contribute to safer roads and a stronger transportation workforce.
Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group, is one of India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers and among the largest bus and truck makers in the world. The company offers a wide range of medium and heavy commercial vehicles, light commercial vehicles, buses, defence vehicles and power solutions. With a strong manufacturing footprint, an extensive sales and service network, and a growing presence in international markets, Ashok Leyland serves customers across more than 50 countries. The company continues to invest in advanced technologies, alternative fuel solutions and electric mobility to support sustainable and efficient transportation.
