Uttarakhand, Maruti to set up driving institute

The Uttarakhand government today announced that it had roped in car major Maruti Udyog Ltd (MUL) for opening a motor training institute for drivers with an initial cost of Rs 3.25 crore.

A decision to this effect was taken in a state cabinet meeting held here on Tuesday in the wake of frequent road accidents in the state, especially in the hills, which was casting a shadow over the tourism sector.

The meeting was presided over by Chief Minister BC Khanduri,. Road accidents are common during the Chardham yatra which attracts nearly 16,00,000 pilgrims every year to the Garhwal region.

Briefing reporters at the end of the meeting, Uttarakhand Chief Secretary SK Das said nearly 10 acres had already been identified at Jhajara area of Dehra Dun district.

Within the next six months, the state government would prepare basic infrastructure like motor tracks and the institute would be handed over to MUL on a 15 year lease. MUL will pay Rs 100,000 per annum to the state government for using the premises.

"The staff and state-of-the-art equipment will be provided by MUL," said Das, adding all the recurring expenditure would be borne by the car company.

The institute would run two courses"� one for refreshers and the other a specialised course. "All the drivers, who are recruited to the state transport department, will have to undergo training at the institute," Das said.