Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group and one of India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Government of Haryana to establish an Institute of Driving Training & Research (IDTR) in Ambala.
The initiative aims to strengthen professional driver training, improve road safety and develop a future-ready workforce for India’s expanding transportation and logistics sector.
The MoU was signed by Atul Dwivedi, IAS, Transport Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Government of Haryana, and Dharmendra Pal Singh, Head – Driver Training Institute, Ashok Leyland, in the presence of senior officials from the Haryana Transport Department and Ashok Leyland.
13-acre training facility
The proposed IDTR will be spread across approximately 13 acres and developed jointly by the Government of Haryana and Ashok Leyland. The institute will provide scientific, practical and professional training to Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) and Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) drivers.
The curriculum will focus on road safety, responsible driving and modern vehicle-handling skills, along with practical training designed to prepare drivers for real-world road conditions.
Ashok Leyland Managing Director & CEO Shenu Agarwal said, “A skilled and responsible driver is at the heart of a safe and efficient transportation ecosystem. At Ashok Leyland, we have consistently invested in professional driver training as a critical pillar of road safety.”
He said the partnership with the Haryana government to establish the Ambala IDTR would further the company’s efforts by combining scientific training, technology and practical learning to equip drivers with the skills and confidence to drive more safely, efficiently and responsibly.
Capacity to train 22,000 drivers annually
The Ambala institute will offer a range of programmes for new and existing drivers, including HMV and LMV fresher programmes, refresher courses, licence renewal programmes and specialised training for goods and hazardous-material drivers.
The facility will have the capacity to train around 2,000 new drivers and 20,000 existing drivers every year.
It will feature digital classrooms, advanced driving simulators, live engine and transmission demonstrations, medical facilities and hostel accommodation. Specially designed driving tracks will replicate real-world conditions to provide practical exposure.
The curriculum will cover defensive driving, vehicle handling, fuel conservation, vehicle maintenance, emergency response, firefighting, first aid and stress management.
Ashok Leyland Head, Aftermarket (M&HCV), Anil Dhingra said the company’s Driver Training Institutes had evolved into centres of excellence that go beyond basic driving instruction.
“The Ambala IDTR will bring together modern infrastructure, technology-led training and a scientifically designed curriculum to address the evolving needs of the transportation sector,” he said.
According to Dhingra, the institute is expected to train thousands of new and existing drivers every year, contributing to road safety while creating better employment and livelihood opportunities for youth.
Focus on youth and regional employment
The IDTR will cater to drivers and youth from Ambala and neighbouring districts, including Yamunanagar, Panchkula, Kurukshetra and Jind, besides people from nearby states.
By expanding access to professional driver training, the institute is expected to improve employability and create career opportunities in the transport and logistics sector, particularly for youth and economically weaker sections.
Ashok Leyland’s three-decade driver training push
The Ambala project builds on Ashok Leyland’s nearly three-decade focus on driver training and road safety.
The company currently operates 17 driver training institutes across India in partnership with state governments and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.
Since 1995, these institutes have trained more than 28 lakh drivers, supporting the adoption of professional driving practices and safer mobility across the country.
With the Ambala IDTR, Ashok Leyland and the Government of Haryana aim to deepen their focus on professional driver development, safer roads and a skilled workforce for India’s transportation and logistics ecosystem.