Synopsis
Madhya Pradesh, buoyed by the launch of NATRAX, seeks to attract electric vehicle manufacturers during GIS 2025. This advanced testing facility aims to enhance the state's automotive profile and invite significant investments at the upcoming summit.Key Takeaways
- NATRAX is a major automotive testing facility in Madhya Pradesh.
- The Global Investors Summit 2025 will focus on attracting EV manufacturers.
- Pithampur is home to over 30 OEMs and 200 auto component suppliers.
- The event takes place on February 24 and 25 in Bhopal.
- All major EV manufacturers are invited to participate.
Bhopal, Feb 21 (NationPress) Energized by the successful establishment of NATRAX -- a groundbreaking automotive testing and certification facility under the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRiP) -- Madhya Pradesh aims to attract car manufacturers, especially those in the electric vehicle sector.
The state government anticipates significant investment from electric vehicle (EV) makers during the Global Investors Summit 2025 (GIS 2025), set to take place on February 24 and 25 in Bhopal.
“The state intends to present NATRAX, an advanced automobile testing circuit, alongside other remarkable amenities such as 14 specialized test tracks, five R&D labs focused on automobiles, an EV battery testing facility, and a hydrogen fuel innovation center during an auto expo at GIS 2025,” a government representative informed IANS.
Madhya Pradesh is recognized for its industries producing high-quality products; however, it currently lacks a globally recognized car manufacturer.
NATRAX, covering 3,000 acres, was established in the Pithampur industrial zone by the Ministry of Heavy Industries of the Central government, as part of the Automotive Mission Plan launched by the Center a few years ago.
Located near the industrial town of Pithampur in Dhar district, roughly 50 km from Indore, this area was once referred to as the "Detroit of Asia", yet it has not yet attracted a significant car manufacturer.
NATRAX includes a research and development facility, a vehicle dynamics laboratory, a powertrain lab, a battery testing system, and a vehicle instrumentation lab.
“The GIS 2025 will spotlight NATRAX and the extensive opportunities within the automotive sector. Once investors acknowledge this, the state will revolutionize the future of the automobile industry, particularly in the electric vehicle domain,” the official stated.
All major EV manufacturers have been invited to the grand summit. NATRAX boasts excellent connectivity via rail, road, and air to key locations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and even Dubai.
According to government statistics, Pithampur is home to over thirty Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and 200 auto component suppliers. It ranks as the third-largest producer of commercial vehicles and the second-largest producer of buses and tractors in India.
