State Govt, Tata Motors ink MoU to set up mega driving institute
CM orders faster, transparent driving licence services across Jharkhand
Parvinder Bhatia
Ranchi/Jamshedpur
In a landmark initiative designed to transform Jharkhand’s transport ecosystem, the state government on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Motors Limited to establish a state-of-the-art Institute of Driving, Training and Research (IDTR) in Jamshedpur. The ambitious project is expected to revolutionise driver training, improve road safety, create employment opportunities, and modernise the state’s transport sector.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren attended the MoU signing ceremony at the Jharkhand Mantralaya in Ranchi, describing the initiative as a “historic milestone” that will redefine the standards of driving education and skill development in the state.
The proposed institute, to be developed jointly by the Transport Department and Tata Motors Limited, will serve as a premier centre for advanced driving education, equipped with modern technology, practical training facilities, and globally aligned learning standards. It is expected to produce highly skilled drivers capable of securing employment not only across India but also in international markets.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said quality driving training is the foundation of a safe, efficient, and modern transport system. He noted that the IDTR would strengthen road safety while simultaneously opening new avenues of employment and self-employment for the youth of Jharkhand.
“This institute is not merely a training centre but a major step towards building a safer transport ecosystem and empowering our youth through skill development,” he said.
In a significant development during the programme, the Chief Minister interacted live via video conferencing with beneficiaries from several districts to review the functioning of the driving licence and learner’s licence system. Speaking directly with applicants from Palamu, Seraikela-Kharsawan, Dhanbad and other districts, he sought feedback on application timelines, procedural hurdles and service delivery.
Expressing concern over delays in licence issuance, Soren directed Deputy Commissioners across Jharkhand to immediately review all pending driving licence applications and ensure their speedy, transparent and time-bound disposal. He emphasised that no citizen should face unnecessary hardship while availing transport-related services.
Highlighting women’s empowerment as a key priority, Hemant Soren announced that the government would make driving training and licensing procedures more accessible for women. He said the state was committed to providing equal opportunities to men and women, enabling more women to acquire professional driving skills and become financially independent through employment and self-employment in the transport sector.
Expressing satisfaction, he mentioned that driving and learning licenses are being issued to over 10,000 citizens of the state today—a significant achievement towards making transport services more citizen-centric, transparent, and accessible. Additionally, he directed the Transport Department to simplify and bring transparency to the process for heavy vehicle driving licenses—modelled on the system developed in collaboration with Tata Motors— so that more youths can secure better employment and self-employment opportunities through skill development.
The CM directed the Transport Department to work with full commitment and efficiency to make services related to driving and learning licenses more effective and time-bound. He emphasized that every eligible applicant should receive their license within the stipulated timeframe through a transparent and easy process.
Minister Deepak Birua, Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh, Secretary Rajiv Ranjan, Transport Commissioner Sanjeev Kumar Besra, East Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan, Tata Motors Plant Head Anurag Chharia, Tata Motors General Manager Golam Mandal, and other officials were present on this occasion.
