NCRTC, IIT Roorkee Sign MoU to Boost Research and Innovation in Urban Mobility

In a significant step towards strengthening India’s urban transport ecosystem, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee to collaborate on research, innovation, and capacity building in the urban mobility sector.

The agreement was formalised on April 4 in the presence of NCRTC Managing Director Shalabh Goel and Dean of Resources and Alumni Affairs at IIT Roorkee, R. D. Garg. Senior officials from both institutions, along with associate deans and heads of departments, were also present during the signing ceremony.

The partnership aims to combine IIT Roorkee’s academic and research expertise with NCRTC’s on-ground experience in implementing large-scale infrastructure projects such as Namo Bharat. The collaboration is expected to address emerging challenges in urban mobility while promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly transport solutions.

Speaking on the occasion, Goel highlighted the importance of academia-industry collaboration in solving complex mobility challenges. He said the partnership would bring together the strengths of both sectors to develop innovative technologies and solutions, contributing to the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” and enhancing indigenous capabilities in transport infrastructure.

Echoing similar sentiments, IIT Roorkee Director Kamal Kishore Pant emphasised the institute’s commitment to translational research that addresses real-world problems. He noted that the collaboration would provide a strong platform to align academic research with national infrastructure priorities, particularly in building efficient and sustainable urban transport systems.

Under the MoU, both organisations will jointly undertake research projects focusing on practical and scalable solutions for urban transportation. NCRTC will share real-world problem statements with IIT Roorkee’s faculty and researchers, enabling applied research aligned with industry requirements. The agreement also provides scope for technology demonstrations and the potential transfer of innovations developed at IIT Roorkee, helping bridge the gap between academic research and field implementation.

A key component of the collaboration is student engagement. The partnership will offer internship opportunities to undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students, giving them hands-on experience in large-scale infrastructure projects and operational transit systems. This exposure is expected to prepare a new generation of engineers and researchers for future challenges in the sector.

Additionally, the MoU focuses on capacity building and skill development for NCRTC personnel. IIT Roorkee will conduct specialised training programmes, certification courses, and workshops aimed at upskilling employees and enabling them to adopt emerging technologies. This continuous learning approach is expected to enhance efficiency and innovation in project execution.

The collaboration also builds upon NCRTC’s experience with the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), India’s first project of its kind. The project incorporates several advanced technologies, including European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 (Hybrid Level 3) signalling on an LTE backbone. It also features precast ballastless slab track technology designed for high-speed operations of up to 180 kmph—marking a significant advancement in India’s rail infrastructure.

Such innovations have already contributed to knowledge transfer and capacity building within the domestic infrastructure sector, enabling local contractors and engineers to develop expertise across multiple domains. Officials believe that this partnership will further strengthen indigenous capabilities and help create a future-ready workforce capable of delivering complex, large-scale projects.

The two institutions also plan to organise joint conferences, workshops, and knowledge-sharing platforms to encourage dialogue and exchange of ideas. These initiatives are expected to foster innovation and promote best practices in urban mobility.

The MoU underscores a shared commitment by NCRTC and IIT Roorkee to deepen institutional collaboration, drive technological advancement, and support the development of efficient, sustainable, and future-ready urban transport solutions in India.