Day 2 of BAJA SaeIndia 2025 showcases innovation and sustainable mobility

The second day of BAJA SAEINDIA 2025, held at the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) in Pithampur, showcased the technical skills and innovation of engineering students from across the country. Now in its 18th edition, the event continues to serve as a platform for students to apply their engineering knowledge by designing, building, and testing single-seater all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).  

The competition, which began on January 9 with an inauguration by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, focuses on sustainable mobility. Shri Gadkari spoke about the importance of alternative fuels like hydrogen in achieving energy independence and emphasized the contributions of young engineers in driving progress.  

Jatin Garg, Honorary Secretary of the Organizing Committee of BAJA SAEINDIA, described the event as an avenue to encourage creativity, collaboration, and innovation, with each challenge providing valuable learning opportunities.  

The day’s activities included technical inspections and engine checks, followed by brake tests to ensure vehicles met safety standards. Dynamic events for mBAJA teams tested vehicle performance in categories such as acceleration, maneuverability, sledge pull, and suspension and traction. hBAJA teams participated in the Virtual Validation event, which helped them better understand track conditions for upcoming challenges.  

Driver briefings prepared teams for endurance events planned for later in the week. The Dronacharya Award evaluation, which acknowledges the efforts of faculty advisors, also took place during the day.  

This year introduced a new category featuring hydrogen-compressed natural gas (HCNG)-powered vehicles, emphasizing the adoption of alternative fuels and offering participants an additional layer of technical learning.  

A notable addition to this year’s event was the VirtuSync initiative, a collaboration between NATRAX and BAJA SAEINDIA. Inaugurated by senior officials, VirtuSync aims to compare simulated vehicle performance with real-world outcomes, offering participants insights into vehicle design and dynamics.  

The competition continues to benefit from collaboration with industry experts. Makrand Lad, Joint Convener of hBAJA, highlighted the focus on sustainability and the adoption of advanced systems and alternative fuels in mobility.  

In the coming days, teams will undergo rigorous technical inspections to evaluate safety, design, and compliance, alongside dynamic events that will test vehicle performance and durability. The endurance events, a key highlight of the competition, are scheduled for January 11 for hBAJA and January 12 for mBAJA.  

Day 2 concluded with the announcement of the Virtual Dynamic Events (VDE) winners. In the hBAJA category, Team AMIGOS from Vishnu Institute of Technology, Andhra Pradesh, secured the top position. In the mBAJA category, Team Piranha Racing from MIT World Peace University, Pune, won first place, followed by Team Nashors PCCOE&R from Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering & Research, Pune, and Team Prometheans from Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai.  

BAJA SAEINDIA 2025 continues to provide participants with opportunities to develop technical expertise and promote sustainability, maintaining its significance as a platform for future engineers.