National, 20th August, 2026: Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship 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 for establishing an Institute of Driving Training & Research (IDTR) in Ambala, Haryana. The initiative marks an important step towards strengthening professional driver training, promoting safer roads and developing a future-ready workforce for India’s growing transportation and logistics sector.
The MoU was signed by Shri Atul Dwivedi, IAS, Transport Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Government of Haryana, and Mr. Dharmendra Pal Singh, Head – Driver Training Institute, Ashok Leyland, in the presence of senior officials from the Haryana Transport Department and Ashok Leyland.
Spread across approximately 13 acres, the institute will be developed through a collaborative effort between the Government of Haryana and Ashok Leyland. It will provide scientific, practical and professional training for drivers of both Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV) and Light Motor Vehicles (LMV), with a strong emphasis on road safety, responsible driving and modern vehicle-handling skills.
Mr. Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland, 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. Our partnership with the Government of Haryana to establish this modern Institute of Driving Training & Research (IDTR) in Ambala is another significant step in that journey. By combining scientific training, technology and practical learning, we aim to empower drivers with the skills and confidence to drive more safely, efficiently and responsibly.”
Mr. Anil Dhingra, Head – Aftermarket (M&HCV), Ashok Leyland, said, “Our Driver Training Institutes have evolved into centres of excellence that go beyond driving instruction to develop safer, more confident and responsible professionals. 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. By training thousands of new and existing drivers every year, the institute will contribute significantly to road safety while creating better employment and livelihood opportunities for youth.”
The IDTR will offer comprehensive training for new and existing drivers, including HMV and LMV freshers’ programmes, refresher, licence renewal and specialised courses for goods and hazardous-material drivers. With a capacity to train around 2,000 new and 20,000 existing drivers annually, the institute will feature digital classrooms, advanced simulators, live engine and transmission demonstrations, medical facilities and hostel accommodation. Specially designed tracks will replicate real-world driving conditions, while the holistic curriculum will cover defensive driving, vehicle handling, fuel conservation, maintenance, emergency response, firefighting, first aid and stress management, helping drivers build safer driving practices, stronger skills and greater confidence.
The institute will serve drivers and youth from Ambala and neighbouring districts including Yamunanagar, Panchkula, Kurukshetra and Jind, as well as nearby states. By expanding access to professional driver training, it will strengthen employability and create greater career opportunities in the transport and logistics sector, particularly for youth and economically weaker sections.
The Ambala IDTR builds on Ashok Leyland’s nearly three-decade commitment to driver training and road safety. The company currently operates 17 state-of-the-art 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, helping promote professional driving practices and safer mobility across the country.
With the new institute in Ambala, Ashok Leyland and the Government of Haryana aim to further advance their shared commitment to safer roads, skilled drivers and a stronger, more professional transportation ecosystem.
About Ashok Leyland:
Ashok Leyland, flagship of the Hinduja group, is the 2nd largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in India, the 4th largest manufacturer of buses in the world, and the 19th largest manufacturers of trucks.
A US $ 9.86 billion company that has a 78-year legacy, and a footprint that extends across 50 countries, Ashok Leyland is one of the most fully integrated manufacturing companies this side of the globe.
Headquartered in Chennai, Ashok Leyland has a well-diversified portfolio across the commercial vehicle industry, with several manufacturing plants in India and outside. Ashok Leyland is ranked the 34th best brand in India, reinforcing its strong reputation and leadership in the commercial vehicle industry.
For more information, visit: Ashok Leyland official website: https://www.ashokleyland.com
About Hinduja Group:
The Hinduja Group is a 111-year-old transnational conglomerate with over 250,000 employees across 100 countries. Founded in 1914 by Late Shri Parmanand Deepchand Hinduja, the Group has evolved into one of India’s most respected diversified business houses, with leadership in automotive and mobility, banking and financial services, IT and digital solutions, energy and healthcare. Through its enterprises, the Group has contributed to India’s industrial evolution and economic progress while building strong global partnerships and market presence worldwide. Anchored in robust governance, disciplined risk management and long-term value creation, the Hinduja Group is guided by its enduring credo, “My Dharma is to work so that I can give,” reflecting a legacy that combines global enterprise with nation-building and community commitment.
