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In a bid to revolutionise the landscape of global mobility, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has embarked on a groundbreaking endeavour with the launch of the ‘Mobility and Intelligent Transportation’ (MInT) collaborative. This initiative aims to spearhead the development of a robust global mobility digital infrastructure that addresses pressing challenges and fosters sustainable, inclusive mobility solutions.
The inauguration ceremony, presided over by Neeraj Mittal IAS, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, marks a significant milestone in the realm of mobility and technological innovation. Through the principle of “collaborate and compete,” IIT Madras endeavours to convene industry rivals, government entities, and academic pioneers to collectively forge the mobility digital infrastructure, known as the Bharat Multi-Modal Mobility Stack (BM3S).
MInT represents a concerted effort towards addressing pressing global challenges outlined by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include ambitious targets such as a 50% reduction in transport emissions, a similar reduction in fatalities due to accidents, and transitioning 50% of all transport to net-zero modes.
The inaugural Mobility Summit served as a platform for thought leaders from government, industry, and academia to deliberate on mobility challenges and chart a course towards digital solutions.
Neeraj Mittal IAS emphasised the transformative potential of leveraging digital data, low computing costs, and advancements in artificial intelligence to revolutionise mobility systems. He underscored the pivotal role of telecommunications infrastructure in supporting such innovations, citing the rapid rollout of 5G technology in India as evidence of the nation’s capacity for technological leadership.
Prof Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations) at IIT Madras, commended the faculty’s efforts in championing the MInT initiative. He stressed the imperative of technology to address the burgeoning mobility needs of a growing population while ensuring safety and convenience.
Anchored by IIT Madras’s technological prowess, the MInT Collaborative aims to harness diverse expertise to develop holistic mobility solutions. Dr Ramakrishna Srinivasan, CEO of MInT Collaborative, envisions this initiative as the dawn of a transformative journey towards realising “Mobility Dreams for a Billion.”
Prof Gitakrishnan Ramadurai, Faculty In-Charge of MInT at IIT Madras, articulated the collaborative’s overarching goal of achieving seamless, equitable, and affordable mobility for all through digital public infrastructure.
At its core, the Bharat Multi-Modal Mobility Stack serves as a digital platform fostering innovation and standardisation in mobility tools and services. Encompassing standards development, multi-modal connectivity, advanced vehicle technologies, and user experience enhancements, BM3S epitomises a paradigm shift towards inclusive and sustainable mobility.
As technology continues to reshape the future of mobility, initiatives like MInT underscore the importance of digital infrastructure in driving progress towards safer, greener, and more accessible transportation systems. Through collaborative efforts, institutions like IIT Madras are poised to lead the charge towards a digitally-enabled mobility revolution.
The launch of the MInT Collaborative signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of mobility, marking the beginning of a concerted effort to harness technology for the betterment of societies worldwide. With innovation at its core and collaboration as its driving force, MInT is poised to shape the future of mobility in profound and transformative ways.
