The Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC), Oragadam, Chennai, is significantly upgrading its automotive testing infrastructure under the government’s ₹10,900 crore PM E-DRIVE scheme. The initiative aims to strengthen India’s domestic testing and certification capabilities for electric vehicles, batteries, advanced safety systems and emerging automotive technologies.
₹221 Crore Investment to Expand Testing Capabilities
GARC has received ₹221.13 crore for infrastructure upgrades, with purchase orders issued for almost all proposed equipment. The PM E-DRIVE scheme has allocated ₹780 crore for upgrading automotive testing agencies and will remain operational until March 31, 2028.
The upgrades include:
- EV and battery testing compliant with AIS-156
- EV EMI/EMC testing under AIS-004 Part 3 Rev.1
- Advanced ADAS testing equipment
- Crash and passive safety testing systems
- Heavy commercial vehicle testing facilities
- Upgraded powertrain laboratory
- Automotive component testing capabilities
High-Speed Crash Testing Gets a Major Upgrade
Among the new additions is a high-speed imaging system equipped with UHD-4K cameras capable of recording up to 750 fps, while Full HD recording can reach 3,000 fps.
The system will support frontal, side and rear crash tests by capturing:
- Vehicle deformation
- Occupant movement
- Airbag deployment
- Crash-event dynamics
This data will support safety analysis, homologation and certification activities.
Building Infrastructure for Next-Generation Mobility
The expanded facilities are designed to support India’s growing automotive ecosystem, particularly as electrification and advanced vehicle technologies accelerate.
With new capabilities covering EVs, batteries, ADAS, crash safety, powertrains and heavy commercial vehicles, GARC is expanding its role as a testing and research centre for emerging automotive technologies.
The investment under PM E-DRIVE is expected to strengthen domestic testing infrastructure and support the development and certification of safer, more technologically advanced vehicles in India.
