ITIs to impart drivers' training

Following an alarming rise in road accidents, especially in the highways in the last couple of years, the Gujarat government has directed the Directorate of Employment and Training to collaborate with the Western India Automobile Association (WIAA) to start driver's training courses at 14 Industrial Training Institute (ITI) units across the state.

The directorate is also contemplating signing an MoU with WIAA for further training activities, which include developing a first-of-its-kind testing track in the state.

WIAA, on its part, has agreed to provide automobile technology inputs such as organising on-the-job training for them with automobile manufacturers in the country and the authorised dealer workshops in the state, compiling latest technology vertical cut training vehicle aggregates and systems to establish demonstration halls with technical chartsoards and electrically-operated system charts for easy understanding of basic automobiles.

"Following the government's intention to join hands with WIAA, efforts have already begun to create and develop modern test tracks for practical driving practice with different road situations and traffic scenes with real life driving hurdles," said Srinivas Desai, branch head, Gujarat, WIAA.

The race track would simulate all possible road conditions such as un-manned railway crossings, upward and downward stiff slops, hair pin curves and sharp turns with all the road signs to follow while driving on such training test tracks.

"Developing such modern driving test tracks attracts a huge investment of over Rs 2 crore at each location where at least 10 to 15 acres of land need to be made available. WIAA would put in the entire cost if the same is declared to be part of the Directorate's notification so that it would be a perpetual arrangement," said Desai.

The association is also planning to assist the directorate in opening up employment exchanges for candidates who have undergone driving skills training and have obtained a driving licence and also for candidates who have undertaken the specialised one-month intensive radiator and battery repairs and service course.

"We are in talks with top automobile manufacturers in the country to support our training activities for ITI candidates and are hopeful of receiving a positive response from them soon, " added Desai.