Tata Motors announced the formal inauguration of a Commercial Vehicle Driving Centre in Singrauli, a unique Public Private Partnership between Tata Motors and Urjanchal Driving School. The centre was inaugurated by Mr. Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, with senior officials from Tata Motors.

While the company continues to impart training to commercial vehicle drivers, product and road safety through “Defensive Driving” techniques, for aspiring and existing commercial vehicle drivers is the key objective of the joint initiative. Tata Motors has provided support in the form of designing the course content, technical assistance, know-how and guidance, while Pratham Institute, a reputed national NGO, has been roped in as the implementation partner.

The training centre is well equipped with class rooms, and a testing track. This institute will operate in 2 modules, one for light commercial vehicles and the other for heavy commercial vehicles and will be conducted by Audio-Video (AV) methodology & practical sessions. Each module can accommodate 25 students. The course not only includes driving lessons but also includes sessions in basic vehicle maintenance, first-aid, financial literacy, health, soft skills and yoga, thus giving a holistic perspective to the trainee. The company has opened 8 such training centres, in the last year and a half.

India ranks highest in the world with about 1.43 lakh road fatalities, occurring annually (as per a report published by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways – June 2012). There is also a huge shortage of trained drivers in the country. Starting 2010, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has estimated a demand for over 50 lakh drivers, over a period of 12 years. Thus, Tata Motors has devised a two pronged strategy, addressing the issue of road safety and will also help in providing employment opportunities to the youth. Huge requirements of commercial vehicle drivers at current and upcoming energy and mining centres of Singrauli prompted this partnership between Tata Motors and Urjanchal Driving School.

The company realises that a driver is a key stakeholder in the transportation industry and has undertaken this initiative, to also help improve the dignity of the profession. Through this pioneering initiative, Tata Motors is looking at training more than 2 lakh youth by 2021, through such centres.