Maruti Suzuki to set up IDTR in Raipur, Chhattisgarh

Maruti Suzuki has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Transport Department to set up a new Institute of Driving & Traffic Research (IDTR) at Naya Raipur, the state capital.

As per the MoU, the Government of Chattisgarh will provide the land and infrastructure for the project, while Maruti Suzuki will manage and run the facility. Maruti Suzuki will also provide trainers, and training equipment such as vehicles and simulators.

The IDTR will be set up over an area of 15 acres. The initial cost of the project is Rs. 17 crore (approximately). The IDTR will have scientifically designed tracks, administrative buildings, classroom facilities, simulators, a library and driving lab and a hostel building.

The driving training program comprises behavioural aspects, defensive driving, traffic rules and regulations, emergency handling, fuel conservation, pollution and social topics among others.

The main objective of the IDTR will be to promote road safety among road users in Chhattisgarh through awareness, education, and training. Maruti Suzuki will conduct refresher courses for heavy motor vehicle drivers, commercial vehicle drivers and drivers of vehicles carrying hazardous goods as well. It will also organize road safety awareness campaigns for children.

At present Maruti Suzuki manages 6 IDTRs in India. These are located in Delhi (2), Haryana (2), Uttarakhand (1) and Gujarat (1). So far the company has trained over 11 lakh commercial drivers at its facilities.