Author: Mr. Vishal Badshah, Vice President – Operations, Tata Motors commercial vehicles
As we proudly celebrate a decade of the 'Make in India' initiative, it's heartening to reflect on the extraordinary evolution in the automotive manufacturing sector, driven by the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. In this transformative journey, we find ourselves at the crossroads of the Industry 4.0 revolution, a paradigm shift that integrates digital technologies with traditional manufacturing processes.
Since its inception, 'Make in India' has been a catalyst for innovation, propelling India towards becoming a global manufacturing hub. The automotive sector, a vital contributor to India's GDP, has witnessed revolutionary growth, solidifying its position as a key player in the global automobile market. Presently, it constitutes a significant 7 per cent of our GDP, showcasing the industry's pivotal role in our nation's economic landscape.
The surge in the automotive sector has not only expanded Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) suppliers but has also attracted a remarkable 57% rise in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) equity inflow within the manufacturing sector from 2014 to 2022. These investments have paved the way for technological advancements, setting the stage for a potentially remarkable $1 trillion manufacturing sector by 2025–2026, firmly establishing India as a leader in the Industry 4.0 era.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, last year marked the introduction of "Amrit Kaal," envisioning India's transformation into a developed nation by 2047. This ambitious goal, coupled with the commitment to achieving net-zero emissions, lays the foundation for a forward-thinking India. During this critical phase of our development, the automotive manufacturing sector is witnessing a consistent upsurge, aligning strategically with national initiatives for eco-friendly transportation and infrastructure development.
Our dedication to sustainability is paramount. Recognizing the transport sector's substantial contribution to carbon emissions, we are steadfast in our commitment to address the pressing emission challenges. Our research and development initiatives focus on pioneering new technologies across the transportation spectrum – from enhancing batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) to building charging station networks, advancing hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles, incorporating lighter materials in vehicle construction, deploying smarter energy systems, and promoting the use of more renewable energy in operations.
The impact of 'Make in India' on commercial vehicle manufacturing has been profound, integrating smart manufacturing practices, automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. Not only has it significantly enhanced our domestic manufacturing capacity, but it has also positioned us as significant players in the commercial vehicle sector. Initiatives like the implementation of Bharat Stage 6 norms have spurred the development of cleaner vehicle technologies, meeting eco-friendly demands in the market. Schemes such as FAME have incentivised our production of electric commercial vehicles, paving the way for future growth and aligning with the digital transformation trends of the fourth Industrial Revolution.
At Tata Motors, we strongly believe that the 'Make in India' initiative has played a crucial role in motivating the industry to participate in the country's economic growth, embracing the principles of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Government's efforts to simplify business processes and provide a supportive environment for manufacturing have improved our efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness, positioning us at the forefront of Industry 4.0 adoption.
For over seven decades, Tata Motors has been at the forefront of building the nation, contributing to the growth of various sectors such as e-commerce, FMCG, FMCD, construction, mining, steel and cement, logistics, infrastructure, and mining, now integrating smart manufacturing practices into our operations. Our state-of-the-art commercial vehicle manufacturing facilities across the country have not only created substantial employment opportunities but also paved the way for a robust and diverse product portfolio developed with superior technology, ensuring performance and safety throughout the vehicle lifecycle.
As we celebrate a decade of 'Make in India' and 'Make in India for the World,' we recognize these initiatives as signals of India's readiness to embrace the future of manufacturing – an era marked by connectivity, automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. They have been instrumental in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainability. The journey continues, charting a course toward a greener, more innovative, and globally competitive future for Indian manufacturing in the context of Industry 4.0.
Published: 31 January, 2024 | The Machinist
