VECV, Phoenix Foundation set up driver training and research facility in Maharashtra

Commercial vehicle major Eicher Trucks and Buses has partnered Phoenix Foundation to establish the Phoenix-Eicher Institute of Driver Training and Research in Latur, Maharashtra.

The facility aims to upskill the driver fraternity in the state. It is set up under public-private partnership with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and aims to enhance the core competencies of CV drivers by training them across wide range of vehicles, through comprehensive and professional driver training programs.

The institute was inaugurated by Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways in the presence of JP Verma, VP – Aftermarket – Eicher Trucks and Buses and Pasha Patel, chairman, Phoenix Foundation.

The OEM says it already has eight Driver Training Institutes where pre-licensing training for new drivers is being provided. Eicher also conducts regular driver training programs through 12 Regional Driver Trainers and trains around 20,000 drivers every year. So far more than 200,000 drivers have been trained across country through these programs.

The new institute is spread over an area of 12 acres and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities like driving practice track, automobile lab, training vehicles & equipment and training content provided by Eicher. It will also be able to house 150 drivers in the hostel developed for the convenience of the drivers. The institute will not only train new drivers but also strengthen the skills of existing drivers by upskilling them with the new technologies. 

Eicher says it has contributed significantly towards driver development over the years and has specifically developed highly interactive training material to effectively engage with the drivers. The major focus of the training is imbibing positive driving culture like adhering to road signs & markings, safe driving and positive road behaviour. The training also emphasises on driving techniques for improving fuel efficiency and making drivers understand latest vehicle technology. The Phoenix-Eicher Institute of Driver Training and Research intends to act as an effective resource for promoting road safety education among the commercial vehicle drivers as well as conducting programs for educating the general public.  

Nitin Gadkari, appreciated Eicher’s contribution in establishing Phoenix-Eicher Institute of Driver Training & Research at Latur (Maharashtra), as well as other driver development initiatives. He said, “The country has a strong need for skilled CV drivers and the Phoenix-Eicher driver training institute will play an important role in developing competent commercial vehicles drivers for promoting safe and efficient transportation in the region”.

JP Verma said, “At Eicher, we recognise the critical role that drivers play and therefore we have been pioneering driver empowerment and development by training and upskilling of drivers. The introduction of connected vehicles has revolutionised the commercial vehicle industry forever, by preventing break downs and increasing driver safety. To take full advantage of such next-gen technology, it becomes imperative for the drivers to fully understand the features and benefits, which is why Eicher has established this institute. Eicher is also committed to promote road safety education in the country through training and awareness programs for safer roads and safe transportation.”