Research and Innovation background
- PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme (2024-ongoing): Scheme to support EV infrastructure and adoption of electric heavy duty vehicles as well as innovation in battery systems.
- PM-eBus Sewa - scheme guidelines: National programme driving innovation in large-scale electric public transport systems including fleet management and charging optimisation.
- Vision Document: Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave ESTIC 2025:India’s strategic roadmap to use science, technology and innovation as the engine for achieving a developed India. The strategy focuses on advancing emerging technologies, fostering collaboration across governments, industry and academia and recognising stakeholder contributions.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)
Institutional framework of transport research
- Ministry of Road Transport and Highways: Responsible for vehicle standards, intelligent transport systems, road safety innovation and regulatory frameworks for emerging mobility technologies.
- Ministry of Railways: Leads rail transport research and innovation, including electrification, high speed rail and freight system innovation.
- Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: Oversees maritime transport innovation, including green shipping technologies.
- Department of Science & Technology: Promotes science, technology and innovation, funds research and supports the development and application of new technologies for national growth.
- India Science, Technology & Innovation Portal: A digital platform that aggregates and disseminates information on India’s research, technologies, funding and innovation ecosystem for students, researchers and policymakers. It aims to improve access, collaboration and decision-making by connecting stakeholders and providing structured data on projects, opportunities and scientific developments across the country.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
- Industrial R&D Promotion Programme (IRDPP):supports research projects under a wide range of topics, including those relevant to transport, in particular research on alternative fuels such as hydrogen and methanol. Individual projects may be funded by different Government departments, including the Department of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- Anusandhan National Research Foundation: Leading organisation for funding and guiding research and innovation across India’s academia and industry. It focuses on strengthening collaboration and turning research into real-world impacts to boost national development.
- Horizon Europe: Following the signature in 2001 of the Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the EU and India, Indian organisations are able to participate in Horizon Europe projects. These support joint research and innovation projects in sustainable transport, battery technologies and smart mobility systems.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)