The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, has played a pivotal role in transforming the Indian automotive industry over the past six decades. By enabling the adoption of new technologies that are sustainable and safer, ARAI has consistently supported the industry and the government in elevating Indian automotive standards to a global level.

On its 58th Annual Day, ARAI highlighted its significant achievements in the mobility domain and its efforts in making the industry safe, smart, and sustainable through various initiatives. These include vehicle certification, standard formulation, and the development of advanced technology solutions. Recent additions to ARAI's facilities include the Airbag Deployment Facility, Advanced Accelerated Sled, Advanced Photometry & Optics Laboratory, and Advanced Noise, Vibration & Harshness Developmental Centre.

To align with global vehicular safety standards, ARAI now offers comprehensive facilities for evaluating vehicles under the New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) protocols. Additionally, the proposed Mobility Research Centre (MRC) at Takwe will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including an ADAS Smart City Test Track, Cylinder Test and Certification Centre, Hydrogen Test Facility, and a High Energy Impact Test (HEIT) Facility. Notably, the HEIT Facility will be the first-of-its-kind in India and Asia. The MRC will also support the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by enabling indigenous testing for cylinder manufacturers.

ARAI is also developing an Advanced Battery Safety Testing facility at its Chakan centre to ensure electric vehicle (EV) safety in line with futuristic standards.

In recent years, ARAI has undertaken numerous R&D projects across domains such as electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and engine development. These projects include AC/DC charging stations, LEV AC charge points, acoustic vehicle alerting systems (AVAS), battery management systems, drive-by-wire platforms, and hydrogen-based electric three-wheelers, among others.

ARAI has also established an Alternate Fuel Centre to support the development of fuels like methanol, hydrogen, HCNG, DME, ethanol, LNG, bio-CNG, biodiesel, and diesel-CNG in addition to conventional CNG and LPG.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Reji Mathai, Director of ARAI, said, "We at ARAI are constantly striving to address the evolving needs of the automotive industry. Transformation is at the core of ARAI's progress. Beyond automotive, ARAI is diversifying into aerospace and railways, offering services through platforms like TechNovuss, ARAI-AMTIF, and a Technical Support Cell for MSMEs and start-ups. Skill development is a key focus, and through ARAI Academy, we conduct programs for students and industry professionals. Flagship events like SIAT, mobility hackathons, and BAJA are vital tools to promote innovation."

Established on 10 December 1966, ARAI has evolved from being a testing agency to becoming a technology-driven research organisation. ARAI provides integrated services across three domains: R&D, certification, and skill development.