Gadkari praised BAJA SAEINDIA for preparing engineering students for the industry. BAJA SAEINDIA 2025 was inaugurated at the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) facility in Pithampur, Indore, with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari as the chief guest. The event, themed "Fusion 4 Future," focuses on technology, diversity, sustainability, and connectivity in mobility solutions. The competition features mBAJA, eBAJA, hBAJA, and aBAJA categories, showcasing student-built vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, batteries, hydrogen-CNG hybrids, and autonomous systems. Gadkari highlighted the automotive sector's role in India's economic growth and emphasised the importance of alternative fuels. He also flagged off India's first Hydrogen-CNG BAJA buggy.
Driving innovation, collaboration, and sustainable mobility
The event, which began in 2007 with 27 teams, has expanded into a multi-category competition. This year’s theme, “Fusion 4 Future,” emphasises innovation, collaboration, and safe, smart, sustainable mobility solutions. Students participate in various activities, including technical inspections, static evaluations, and dynamic events culminating in endurance races.
The inauguration took place at NATRAX, a world-class testing facility. Industry leaders and dignitaries attended the event. Dr. K C Vora, Advisor of BAJA SAEINDIA, introduced the chief guest, Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport and Highways.
Balraj Subramaniam, former Chief Manager, Retail and Chairman of the Organising Committee of BAJA SAEINDIA, welcomed the attendees. He thanked the Minister, dignitaries, and stakeholders for their support. He also spoke about the evolution of BAJA SAEINDIA.
In his inaugural address, Nitin Gadkari highlighted the automotive industry’s significance in India’s economic progress. He emphasised the country’s goal of achieving a USD 5 trillion economy. He stated that India is the third largest passenger vehicle manufacturer and aims to become the leader.
Gadkari praised BAJA SAEINDIA for preparing engineering students for the industry. He acknowledged the students' projects and emphasised their responsibility in advancing the automotive industry. He also stressed the potential of alternative fuels, particularly hydrogen, and commended BAJA SAEINDIA's progress with hydrogen-CNG buggies. He believes hydrogen is the future of sustainable mobility.
Gadkari also highlighted the use of eco-friendly bamboo crash barriers, tested at NATRAX and now implemented on Indian highways.
A significant highlight of the event was the flagging off of India's first Hydrogen-CNG (HCNG) BAJA buggy.
Innovations
The buggy, developed by Team Vijayrath from Indore Institute of Science and Technology (IIST), is powered by a blend of 5% hydrogen in CNG provided by Volvo Eicher. The engine, equipped with bi-fuel injection, is supplied by Greaves Cotton. The hydrogen-CNG buggies represent a significant advancement in clean energy technology. Next year, the team plans to use HCNG with 18% hydrogen. This aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, focusing on reducing fossil fuel dependence and promoting sustainability.
Dr. Manish Jaiswal, Director of NATRAX, delivered the vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude to Nitin Gadkari, Shri Priyank Mishra (IAS), and Shri Manoj Kumar Singh (IPS). He also acknowledged the sponsors, organisers, volunteers, and the Minister’s team and security personnel. He reiterated NATRAX’s commitment to hosting and supporting BAJA SAEINDIA.
What all does it include?
The BAJA SAEINDIA 2025 competition includes various events like technical inspections, brake tests, static evaluations, and dynamic events. The static evaluations cover design, cost, and sales presentations. Dynamic events include acceleration, maneuverability, suspension, and traction tests.
The highlight of the competition is the endurance race. The hBAJA category will have a two-hour endurance race on Saturday, January 11th. The mBAJA category's four-hour endurance event is scheduled for Sunday, January 12th.
An HR Meet will be held on January 13th and 14th, hosted by Acropolis Institute of Technology and Research. This provides participants with networking and job opportunities with sponsors.
