GARC Gets ₹221.13 Crore to Upgrade EV and Vehicle Safety Testing Under PM E-DRIVE

What Happened

On 28 September 2026, the Ministry of Heavy Industries announced that the Global Automotive Research Centre is upgrading its testing infrastructure with ₹221.13 crore sanctioned under the PM E-DRIVE scheme. The centre, located at Oragadam near Chennai, is adding electric vehicle and battery testing, electromagnetic compatibility testing, advanced passive safety equipment with crash dummies, advanced driver assistance system testing, heavy commercial vehicle testing and a high-speed crash imaging system. The upgrade is part of the ₹780 crore set aside within the scheme for testing agencies across the country.

When & Where

The announcement came on 28 September 2026. The centre is at Oragadam, near Chennai in Tamil Nadu, inside one of India's largest automobile manufacturing clusters, which is why a national testing facility is located there. The scheme under which the money flows runs until 31 March 2028.

Who Is Involved

• Ministry of Heavy Industries — the nodal ministry for PM E-DRIVE and for automotive testing infrastructure.
• Global Automotive Research Centre — the testing agency at Oragadam receiving ₹221.13 crore.
• National Automotive Board — the body of the Ministry of Heavy Industries under which the centre functions.
• Vehicle and battery manufacturers — the users of the facility, who need certification before a model can be sold.
• Indian consumers — the eventual beneficiaries, since crash and battery safety testing decides what reaches the road.

How It Works

1. Homologation comes first. No vehicle model can be sold in India until an authorised testing agency certifies that it meets the prescribed standards, which is what Rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules provides for.
2. Battery safety is tested to a written standard. Electric vehicle battery testing is built to the AIS-156 standard, because thermal runaway in a battery pack is the central safety risk in an electric vehicle.
3. Electronic interference is checked. Testing under AIS-004 Part 3 Revision 1 confirms that a vehicle's electronics neither emit nor suffer harmful interference, which matters more as vehicles add software.
4. Crashes are measured, not estimated. Advanced passive safety testing uses instrumented crash dummies, and a high-speed imaging system records at 750 frames per second in UHD-4K and 3,000 frames per second in Full HD, so the sequence of a crash can be studied frame by frame.
5. Assistance systems are validated. Advanced driver assistance system testing checks features such as automatic braking and lane keeping, which cannot be certified by static inspection.
6. Capacity is funded centrally. The ₹780 crore testing component of PM E-DRIVE funds such upgrades, so manufacturers do not have to send vehicles abroad for certification.

Why It Matters

• Industrial angle: Domestic testing capacity shortens the time from design to sale, which lowers the cost of launching an electric model in India.
• Safety angle: Battery and crash testing to written standards is the only practical check on quality as electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers spread rapidly.
• Economic angle: Certification done abroad is an invisible import of services; building it at home saves foreign exchange and keeps technical skills in India.
• Policy angle: PM E-DRIVE spends on demand incentives, charging stations and testing together, on the logic that subsidies alone cannot build an industry without standards and infrastructure.

Historical Background

• 1989: The Central Motor Vehicles Rules were framed under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Rule 126 created the framework for authorised testing agencies.
• 2015: The FAME India scheme began supporting hybrid and electric vehicle adoption, marking the first large central push.
• 2019: The second phase of FAME India was launched, widening incentives and adding charging infrastructure.

PM E-DRIVE continues this sequence, but with a specific block of money for testing capacity rather than incentives alone.

Previous Related Events

• 29 September 2024: PM E-DRIVE was launched with an outlay of ₹10,900 crore, including ₹780 crore for testing agencies and ₹2,000 crore for charging infrastructure.
• 8 August 2025: The Ministry of Heavy Industries extended the scheme's implementation period to 31 March 2028, while keeping the deadline for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers at 31 March 2026.
• 27 January 2026: Cumulative sales under the scheme reached 22.12 lakh electric vehicles, made up of 19.19 lakh electric two-wheelers and 2.93 lakh electric three-wheelers.

Static GK Connection

• Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989: The parent law and rules that govern vehicle standards, registration and certification in India; Rule 126 provides for authorised testing agencies.
• Homologation: The process by which a vehicle model is certified as meeting all regulatory requirements before it may be sold, distinct from testing an individual vehicle.
• Automotive Industry Standards: The AIS series of standards, such as AIS-156 for electric vehicle batteries, prescribes the technical requirements a vehicle or component must satisfy.
• FAME India: The central scheme launched in 2015, with a second phase in 2019, which preceded PM E-DRIVE in supporting electric mobility.

India & World Comparison

Most large vehicle markets run a homologation system with designated testing agencies: the European Union works through type approval, and other markets use their own certification regimes. India's structure is comparable, with authorised testing agencies notified under Rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules and standards written as the Automotive Industry Standards series. Where India differs is in funding: a central scheme, PM E-DRIVE, has set aside ₹780 crore specifically to modernise public testing agencies rather than leaving capacity to the industry. India is now among the world's largest markets for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, with 19.19 lakh electric two-wheelers and 2.93 lakh electric three-wheelers sold under this scheme up to 27 January 2026, so battery testing capacity has to match that volume.

Future Impact

• Scheme deadline: The upgrade must be completed within the scheme period, which ends on 31 March 2028.
• Faster launches: Once the electric vehicle battery and advanced driver assistance system facilities are running, Indian manufacturers should be able to certify new models without sending them overseas.
• Safer fleet: As crash testing with instrumented dummies expands, passive safety in Indian models is expected to improve across price segments.
• Segment shift: With ₹500 crore each for electric ambulances and electric trucks under the scheme, heavy commercial vehicle testing capacity built now will be needed as those segments grow.

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🔑 Key Points for Revision

• The Ministry of Heavy Industries announced the GARC upgrade on 28 September 2026.
• The Global Automotive Research Centre is getting ₹221.13 crore under PM E-DRIVE.
• The centre is at Oragadam near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• It works under the National Automotive Board of the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
• It is an authorised testing agency under Rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.
• PM E-DRIVE means PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement.
• The scheme was launched on 29 September 2024 with an outlay of ₹10,900 crore.
• ₹780 crore of that outlay is for upgrading testing agencies.
• ₹2,000 crore is for charging infrastructure, covering 72,300 charging points.
• ₹4,391 crore is for 14,028 electric buses.
• ₹500 crore each is set aside for electric ambulances and electric trucks.
• The implementation period was extended to 31 March 2028.
• Electric vehicle battery testing follows the AIS-156 standard.
• Interference testing follows AIS-004 Part 3 Revision 1.
• Up to 27 January 2026, 22.12 lakh electric vehicles were sold under the scheme.

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🧠 Concept Link (Static GK Deep Dive)

Core Concept: Vehicle homologation and India's electric mobility push

• Definition: Homologation is official certification that a vehicle model meets every applicable regulatory standard, granted before the model may be offered for sale.
• Constitutional / Legal Basis: The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 provide the legal framework, with Rule 126 covering authorised testing agencies.
• Scientific Principle: A lithium-ion battery pack can enter thermal runaway, where heat generation feeds on itself, so standards such as AIS-156 test the pack under abuse conditions rather than only in normal use.
• Link to this event: The ₹221.13 crore upgrade adds exactly this kind of capacity, so electric models can be certified within India.
• Origin & History: India's electric mobility push began in a large way with the FAME India scheme in 2015.
• Key milestone 1: The second phase of FAME India was launched in 2019 with wider incentives and charging support.
• Key milestone 2: PM E-DRIVE was launched on 29 September 2024 with an outlay of ₹10,900 crore.
• Related Acts / Schemes / Treaties: Motor Vehicles Act, 1988; Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989; FAME India; PM E-DRIVE.
• Nodal Ministry / Body: The Ministry of Heavy Industries for PM E-DRIVE and the National Automotive Board; road transport rules come under the road transport ministry.
• India-specific relevance: India's electric vehicle market is dominated by two-wheelers and three-wheelers, so battery safety testing matters more here than in markets led by cars.
• Global comparison: The European Union uses type approval and other large markets run their own certification regimes; India's distinctive step is funding public testing agencies through a central scheme.
• Data point: Up to 27 January 2026, 22.12 lakh electric vehicles were sold under PM E-DRIVE, including 19.19 lakh electric two-wheelers.
• Common exam angle: Examiners ask the full form of PM E-DRIVE, its outlay, its nodal ministry, and which rule provides for authorised testing agencies.
• Easy memory hook: ₹10,900 crore in all, ₹780 crore for testing, and the scheme runs to 31 March 2028.

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❓ Practice MCQs

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Q1. What does GARC, the testing agency in the news, stand for and where is it located? [Easy]

A) Global Automotive Research Centre, at Oragadam near Chennai

B) General Automobile Regulation Council, at Pune

C) Government Automotive Research Council, at Manesar

D) Global Auto Research Corporation, at Ahmedabad

Answer: A

Explanation: The Global Automotive Research Centre is located at Oragadam near Chennai in Tamil Nadu.

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Q2. How much has been allocated to the Global Automotive Research Centre for its testing upgrade? [Easy]

A) ₹121.13 crore

B) ₹180 crore

C) ₹221.13 crore

D) ₹780 crore

Answer: C

Explanation: The centre is receiving ₹221.13 crore under the PM E-DRIVE scheme; ₹780 crore is the scheme's total testing component.

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Q3. What is the total outlay of the PM E-DRIVE scheme? [Moderate]

A) ₹7,800 crore

B) ₹10,900 crore

C) ₹14,028 crore

D) ₹22,120 crore

Answer: B

Explanation: PM E-DRIVE was launched on 29 September 2024 with a total outlay of ₹10,900 crore.

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Q4. How much of the PM E-DRIVE outlay is earmarked for upgrading testing agencies? [Moderate]

A) ₹221.13 crore

B) ₹500 crore

C) ₹2,000 crore

D) ₹780 crore

Answer: D

Explanation: ₹780 crore of the ₹10,900 crore outlay is set aside for upgrading testing agencies across the country.

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Q5. The Global Automotive Research Centre functions under which body and ministry? [Moderate]

A) Automotive Research Association of India, under the road transport ministry

B) Bureau of Indian Standards, under the consumer affairs ministry

C) National Automotive Board, under the Ministry of Heavy Industries

D) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, under the science ministry

Answer: C

Explanation: The centre functions under the National Automotive Board of the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

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Q6. Until when has the implementation period of PM E-DRIVE been extended? [Tricky]

A) 31 March 2026

B) 31 March 2028

C) 31 March 2027

D) 31 December 2028

Answer: B

Explanation: The scheme period was extended to 31 March 2028, though the deadline for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers stayed at 31 March 2026.

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Q7. The AIS-156 standard referred to in the upgrade relates to which area? [Tricky]

A) Electric vehicle battery safety and performance

B) Electromagnetic interference of vehicle electronics

C) Braking performance of heavy commercial vehicles

D) Tyre rolling resistance and noise

Answer: A

Explanation: AIS-156 covers electric vehicle battery safety and performance requirements; electromagnetic compatibility is covered by AIS-004 Part 3 Revision 1.

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Q8. Which pair correctly matches the electric bus component of PM E-DRIVE? [Tricky]

A) ₹2,000 crore for 72,300 electric buses

B) ₹780 crore for 14,028 electric buses

C) ₹500 crore for 10,900 electric buses

D) ₹4,391 crore for 14,028 electric buses

Answer: D

Explanation: The scheme sets aside ₹4,391 crore for 14,028 electric buses; the ₹2,000 crore and 72,300 figures belong to charging infrastructure.

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📜 Previous Year Question Style (PYQ)

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PYQ 1:

Authorised testing agencies for vehicle certification in India are provided for under which of the following?

A) Rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules

B) Section 12 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act

C) Rule 45 of the Legal Metrology Rules

D) Section 8 of the Energy Conservation Act

Answer: A

Explanation: Rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules provides for authorised testing agencies, and the Global Automotive Research Centre is one of them.

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PYQ 2:

Consider the following statements about the PM E-DRIVE scheme:

1. Its nodal ministry is the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

2. Its total outlay is ₹10,900 crore.

3. It sets aside ₹780 crore for upgrading testing agencies.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 1 and 2 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation: All three are correct: the Ministry of Heavy Industries runs the scheme, whose outlay of ₹10,900 crore includes ₹780 crore for testing agencies.

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PYQ 3:

Assertion (A): Battery safety testing capacity matters more for India's electric vehicle market than for markets led by cars.

Reason (R): Sales under PM E-DRIVE have been dominated by electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A

C) A is true but R is false

D) A is false but R is true

Answer: A

Explanation: Of the 22.12 lakh electric vehicles sold under the scheme up to 27 January 2026, 19.19 lakh were electric two-wheelers and 2.93 lakh were electric three-wheelers.

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✍️ Mains Answer Pointers

Question 1 (150 words): Why does a scheme meant to promote electric vehicles also spend money on testing agencies?

Because demand incentives alone cannot build an industry. A buyer subsidy raises sales, but a vehicle cannot legally be sold until an authorised testing agency certifies it against the prescribed standards, as provided under Rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. If testing capacity does not exist, certification becomes the bottleneck and models wait in a queue or are sent abroad for approval.

PM E-DRIVE therefore sets aside ₹780 crore of its ₹10,900 crore outlay for upgrading testing agencies. The ₹221.13 crore announced for the Global Automotive Research Centre on 28 September 2026 is one part of that, adding electric vehicle battery testing to the AIS-156 standard, electromagnetic compatibility testing, crash testing with instrumented dummies and advanced driver assistance system testing.

The safety logic is equally strong, since 19.19 lakh electric two-wheelers were sold under the scheme up to 27 January 2026. The way forward is to complete these facilities well before the scheme ends on 31 March 2028.

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Question 2 (250 words): Evaluate India's approach to building electric mobility, using PM E-DRIVE as an example of policy design.

India's electric mobility policy has moved through three stages. The FAME India scheme of 2015 was the first large central push, and its second phase in 2019 widened incentives and added charging support. Both were mainly demand-side instruments. PM E-DRIVE, launched on 29 September 2024 with an outlay of ₹10,900 crore, is the first to spread its money deliberately across demand, infrastructure and institutions.

The allocation shows that design. ₹4,391 crore supports 14,028 electric buses, ₹2,000 crore funds charging infrastructure covering 72,300 charging points, ₹500 crore each is set aside for electric ambulances and electric trucks, and ₹780 crore goes to upgrading testing agencies. The ₹221.13 crore announced on 28 September 2026 for the Global Automotive Research Centre at Oragadam near Chennai falls in that last category, adding battery testing to the AIS-156 standard, interference testing under AIS-004 Part 3 Revision 1 and crash testing with instrumented dummies.

The results so far are concentrated in small vehicles. Up to 27 January 2026, 22.12 lakh electric vehicles had been sold under the scheme, of which 19.19 lakh were two-wheelers and 2.93 lakh were three-wheelers. That is a real achievement in a price-sensitive market, but it also shows the buses, trucks and ambulances have lagged.

Two weaknesses stand out. The scheme is fund-limited, so components close when their money runs out, which makes industry planning harder. And the implementation window, extended to 31 March 2028, is short for building physical testing infrastructure. Front-loading the institutional spending, rather than the subsidy, is the sensible correction.

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⚠️ Examiner Trap

• Trap 1: Students confuse the ₹221.13 crore given to one centre with the ₹780 crore testing component of the scheme. The correct fact is that ₹221.13 crore is the Global Automotive Research Centre's share, while ₹780 crore is the total testing allocation under PM E-DRIVE.
• Trap 2: A common wrong assumption is that PM E-DRIVE ends on 31 March 2026. The reality is that the scheme period was extended to 31 March 2028, and only the deadline for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers remains 31 March 2026.
• Trap 3: Many students miss which ministry runs the scheme. Always remember PM E-DRIVE is run by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, not by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, even though the testing rules come from the motor vehicle rules.