Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurates Qualcomm’s New Design Center in Chennai

On March 14, 2023, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronics & Information Technology, marked a significant milestone in Qualcomm’s journey of innovation by inaugurating the company’s new Design Center at Chennai’s Ramanujan IT City. The inauguration ceremony, attended by Cristiano Amon, President & CEO of Qualcomm Incorporated, highlighted the company’s commitment to strengthening its presence in India and fostering technological advancement.

The newly launched Chennai Design Center is a crucial step forward for Qualcomm, representing an investment of Rs. 177.27 crore. The facility not only underscores Qualcomm’s dedication to innovation but also reinforces its commitment to India’s burgeoning technology landscape. During the inauguration, Minister Vaishnaw also announced the launch of Qualcomm’s 6G University Research India Program, further enhancing the company’s collaborative efforts in technological research and development.

In an interaction with the media following the inauguration, Minister Vaishnaw emphasized the importance of Qualcomm’s role in India’s semiconductor ecosystem. He highlighted that the newly inaugurated Chennai Design Center would enable end-to-end design of semiconductor chips, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of establishing a comprehensive semiconductor value chain in India. Minister Vaishnaw outlined Qualcomm’s contributions to nurturing talent, sourcing essential materials, and advancing semiconductor equipment, fostering a robust semiconductor ecosystem across the nation.

In addition to Qualcomm’s initiatives, Minister Vaishnaw made significant announcements related to the Indian Railways:

1. Manufacturing of Wheels Using Forging Process: Minister Vaishnaw unveiled plans for the manufacturing of rail wheels using the forging process in Tamil Nadu. Construction has commenced for a manufacturing unit in Gummidipoondi, Tamil Nadu, with production expected to commence within 16-18 months. The facility, with a production capacity of 2.5 lakhs wheels per year, aims to meet both domestic and international demand. Minister Vaishnaw highlighted this venture as a significant shift, positioning India as an exporter of forged wheels.
2. Development of Standard Gauge Vande Bharat Trains: Minister Vaishnaw announced that the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, would undertake the development of standard gauge Vande Bharat trains. Presently, the factory manufactures broad gauge Vande Bharat trains for the Indian Railways network. Minister Vaishnaw stressed the importance of initiating the design process promptly to facilitate future exports. This strategic move is expected to enhance the export potential of ICF in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, positioning it as a key player in the global railway industry.

Minister Vaishnaw’s announcements underscore the government’s commitment to technological innovation, industrial development, and infrastructure enhancement, paving the way for India’s growth and progress in various sectors.