NCRTC IIT Roorkee MoU backs urban mobility solutions

NCRTC IIT Roorkee MoU links the two institutions on urban mobility research and innovation. The partnership is intended to address real mobility challenges through practical, scalable solutions. It also supports skills, innovation capability and indigenous expertise in the infrastructure sector.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on April 4, as reported by Rail Analysis. It was formalised in the presence of NCRTC Managing Director Shri Shalabh Goel. IIT Roorkee Dean of Resources and Alumni Affairs Prof. R. D. Garg was also present.

The collaboration combines NCRTC’s transit programme experience with IIT Roorkee’s research strength. Together, the two sides plan to develop solutions for urban transportation challenges.

What the NCRTC IIT Roorkee MoU covers?

Under the agreement, NCRTC will present real-world problem statements to researchers at IIT Roorkee. This is meant to keep the work aligned with industry needs.

The joint programme will focus on:

• innovative and scalable mobility solutions;
• technology demonstration and validation;
• the transfer of research-led innovation into real-world applications;
• the integration of emerging technologies in transit systems.

The aim is to keep academic work tied to infrastructure development. It should not remain confined to theory.

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Shri Shalabh Goel, Managing Director, NCRTC, said:

“This partnership between academia and industry will bring together the expertise of both worlds to address the complexities of the new-age mobility equation. The innovations and technology solutions from this collaboration will help pave the way for Viksit Bharat as envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minster, while strengthening indigenous capabilities in the sector.”

Prof. (Dr.) Kamal Kishore Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, said:

“At IIT Roorkee, we are committed to advancing translational research that addresses real-world challenges. This collaboration with NCRTC provides a strong platform to integrate academic research with national infrastructure priorities, particularly in the domain of sustainable and efficient urban mobility systems.”

Capacity building in urban transport

Capacity building is a central part of the partnership. Internship and training opportunities will be created for students from IIT Roorkee. This includes undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students. These placements will be linked to large-scale infrastructure projects, including operational transit systems. They are intended to provide hands-on exposure to such projects.

NCRTC personnel will also take part in specialised training programmes, certification courses and workshops. IIT Roorkee will conduct them. In addition, these measures are intended to strengthen technical skills and support continuous learning as technologies continue to evolve.

Namo Bharat project expertise in the partnership

The collaboration will also draw on Namo Bharat project expertise. The text describes Namo Bharat as India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). It notes the use of ETCS Level 2 (Hybrid Level 3) signalling on LTE backbone and precast ballastless slab track technology designed for speeds up to 180 kmph. It also refers to high-speed rail infrastructure innovations.

According to the text, these technologies have already helped strengthen indigenous expertise. They have done so in the railway and infrastructure sectors. Through this partnership, that experience is expected to be expanded and institutionalised.

Knowledge exchange is another part of the agreement. NCRTC and IIT Roorkee intend to organise joint conferences, workshops and technical discussions. Meanwhile, these will involve researchers, industry experts and policymakers. These platforms are meant to encourage dialogue and support collaborative responses to urban mobility challenges.

India’s rapid urbanisation is increasing demand for efficient, sustainable and technologically advanced transport systems. NCRTC and IIT Roorkee are focusing on applied research, skill development and technology integration. They aim to support a future-ready workforce for complex infrastructure projects. They also aim to reinforce indigenous expertise in the mobility sector.

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