Shri H D Kumaraswamy, Union Minister for Heavy Industries, visited the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) in Manesar to review its contributions to India’s automotive sector. During his visit, the minister explored ICAT’s cutting-edge laboratories, testing facilities, and technologies, which highlight India’s growing role in automotive innovation and safety standards.
The Minister was briefed on ICAT’s advanced testing infrastructure, which includes crash test facilities, acoustic rooms for sound studies, and fuel flow testing equipment. He also laid the foundation for the Electrical & Electrical Lab and the Centre of Excellence for Advanced Automotive IT Services (AAITS), alongside Dr. Tejaswi S. Naik, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Minister, and Shri Saurabh Dalela, Director of ICAT.
Following the visit, Kumaraswamy remarked, “It is a privilege to visit ICAT, an institution that showcases India’s strides towards excellence in the automotive industry. The state-of-the-art testing and research facilities here are a testament to India’s capabilities in automotive technology and innovation.”
He also praised ICAT for its vital role in promoting road safety through rigorous testing procedures. “The depth of testing I witnessed today underscores the dedication to ensuring the safety of every individual on our roads. It’s clear that behind each test is a commitment to excellence,” he added.
The Minister acknowledged ICAT’s significant contributions to the sector, highlighting its role in government initiatives such as the FAME scheme, PM eDrive, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. He stressed that ICAT’s efforts are critical in advancing indigenous manufacturing and enhancing India’s competitiveness in the global automotive market.
“ICAT represents India’s vision for the future of mobility, playing a crucial role in transitioning to electric vehicles and promoting sustainable transportation. The Ministry of Heavy Industries is fully committed to supporting ICAT’s growth and success,” Kumaraswamy assured.
The Indian automotive industry, contributing over 7% to the national GDP and providing millions of jobs, is poised for significant growth. The Minister emphasized that ICAT’s technical expertise and research would be essential in ensuring the sector’s sustainable and competitive growth.
Concluding his visit, Kumaraswamy reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fostering innovation and creating policies that will position India as a leader in automotive technology. “Together, we can make India a global leader in automotive innovation, delivering safer, better vehicles for both Indian and global customers,” he concluded. ICAT, a premier facility for automotive testing, certification, homologation, and research, operates under the National Automotive Board, an autonomous body of the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India.
