Manesar, January 20, 2025: Union Minister for Heavy Industries, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, visited the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) in Manesar today, praising the institution’s cutting-edge contributions to automotive innovation, safety, and sustainability.
During his visit, the minister toured ICAT’s advanced facilities, including its state-of-the-art laboratories, testing tracks, and technologies for crash testing, acoustic analysis, and fuel flow studies. He also laid the foundation stone for the Electrical & Electronics Lab and the Centre of Excellence for Advanced Automotive IT Services (AAITS) in the presence of senior officials, including Dr. Tejaswi S. Naik, IAS, and Shri Saurabh Dalela, Director of ICAT.
Minister Highlights ICAT’s Role
Addressing the media, Shri Kumaraswamy stated, “ICAT stands as a beacon of India’s automotive aspirations. Its cutting-edge facilities and rigorous testing processes reflect India’s commitment to automotive excellence.” He lauded the institution’s efforts in advancing safety and innovation, ensuring global competitiveness in the automotive sector.
The minister emphasized ICAT’s role in promoting road safety, noting the importance of its meticulous testing procedures. “Witnessing these processes firsthand highlights the dedication and complexity behind each test conducted to ensure safer roads for all,” he said.
Contributions to National Initiatives
Shri Kumaraswamy also highlighted ICAT’s pivotal role in supporting key government programs such as the FAME scheme, PM eDrive, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which aim to boost electric mobility and indigenous manufacturing. He praised ICAT’s efforts in advancing sustainability and innovation while ensuring global competitiveness.
“ICAT is not just a research facility but a driving force in India’s transition to electric mobility and sustainable transportation. It symbolizes the shared vision of the government and the industry to create a future-ready automotive ecosystem,” the minister said.
ICAT: A Pillar of India’s Automotive Future
ICAT, a division of the National Automotive Board under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, is recognized as a world-class provider of automotive testing, certification, research, and design services. It contributes significantly to India’s automotive industry, which accounts for over 7% of the nation’s GDP and provides employment to millions.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting ICAT’s growth and ensuring India’s leadership in automotive technology. “Together, we can position India as a global hub for automotive innovation, delivering safer, smarter vehicles to both domestic and international markets,” he concluded.
The visit underscores the importance of institutions like ICAT in shaping India’s automotive future, aligning with the nation’s vision of sustainability, safety,and global excellence.
