Chennai, 14 December (H.S.) : The Department of Automobile Engineering at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur, in association with BAJA SAEINDIA, successfully conducted a two-day national workshop on H-Baja (Hydrogen BAJA). This specialised workshop was specifically designed to enhance students' technical preparedness and knowledge base for the BAJA SAEINDIA 2026 Physical Round, which is scheduled to take place in January next year.
Addressing the gathering at the inauguration, Dr. Anand Lakshmanan, Senior Project Advisor at the Centre of Excellence for Advanced Automotive Research (CAAR), underscored India’s critical need for a robust workforce. He emphasised the necessity for strong Research and Development capabilities and a large pool of skilled engineers to effectively reduce the nation’s dependence on conventional fossil fuels.
Dr. Lakshmanan highlighted the significant shift that the automotive industry has undergone over the past two decades towards electric and alternative fuel technologies. He stated, “To realise this potential, we need strong R&D capabilities and skilled engineers, and platforms like BAJA SAEINDIA, along with institutions such as CAAR, play a vital role in bridging academic research with industry-ready technologies.”
The two-day event featured intensive, expert-led sessions that were primarily focused on hCNG (hydrogen-enriched compressed natural gas), a fuel that is gaining increasing relevance in the pursuit of sustainable mobility solutions. Key topics of discussion included alternative fuel systems, integrated vehicle design approaches, essential safety considerations, and the specific technical expectations of the hBAJA category.
Furthermore, industry experts from leading companies such as Greaves Cotton, Atul Auto, and Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (RNTBCI) provided valuable real-world perspectives on powertrain technologies and the practical challenges of system integration, equipping the participating young engineers with essential industry insights.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary
