IIMN-CIRT JV to revolutionise transport industry: Experts

Nagpur, June 17

IIM Nagpur (IIMN), which has carved a niche for itself within a period of 6 years has been taking many initiatives to put Nagpur on the global map. IIMN has signed multiple MoUs with national and international colleges and institutions like Ni-MSME and Toronto Business Development Centre, Canada, has added yet another feather to its cap by signing an Memorandum of Understanding with Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) Pune, through a hybrid ceremony in Nagpur on Thursday in the presence of union Minister for Road Transport and Highways and MSME Nitin Gadkari.

Gadkari congratulated both the institutions and said that, “Signing of MoU by IIM Nagpur and CIRT, Pune ushers a new beginning in the area of Management and Vehicle Engineering.”

Capt Dr Rajendra B Saner Patil, director, CIRT, CP Gurnani CEO & MD, Tech Mahindra and chairman IIMN Board of Governors (BoG), Vaibhav Dange, advisor, National Highways Authority of India and member of IIMN BoG and Lt Col M V Alur, chief administrative officer of IIMN were also present on the occasion. Dr Bhimaraya Metri marked his presence online in the ceremony.

Addressing the gathering Dr Metri said, “Collaboration and cooperation between IIMN and CIRT will open up new doors for development of the automobile hub of the country, particularly in the transport sector. The coming together of these two institutions in a digital disruptive world will play a significant role in shaping the talent.”

Speaking about the partnership, Capt Dr Patil said, “The collaboration of IIM Nagpur and CIRT, Pune will play a key role for the stakeholders in the Road Transport arena. The collaboration with IIM Nagpur for conducting short-term executive education programmes, long-term education programmes. The collaboration will also support in achieving the “Vision Zero” goal in road safety”.

Speaking on the occasion BoG member Vaibahv Dange said, “This MoU paves way for top-notch research and consultancy engagements and unlocks the potential for collaborative growth in technical and managerial capabilities between Pune, an established automobile hub and Nagpur, the logistics hub and centre of the country.”

Congratulating both the institutions Gurnani said, “Transportation and mobility is at the tip of disruption with new technology such as EV, autonomous driving, AI and ML. With these technological changes, our leaders of tomorrow will have to deal with very different ethical, sustainable and behavioral challenges. This is an opportunity to position ourselves to handle and shape the future of transportation and mobility.”

The MoU provides for research collaboration, executive training and other educational programmes for corporate and government professionals, as well as consultancy engagements between the two institutions.