IITGN Signs Landmark MoU with CPWD

In a significant step, the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), marking a new chapter in the advancement of construction technology and human resource development. The agreement was formally signed by Shri Sanjeev Rastogi, Deputy Director General (Works), CPWD, and Prof Amit Prashant, Dean of Research and Development (R&D), IITGN, in the presence of Prof Rajat Moona, Director, IITGN, Ms D Thara, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, and Shri Mohd Kamal Ahmad, Special Director General (Civil), CPWD, on April 7, 2025, in New Delhi.

Noting the significance of this collaboration, Prof Rajat Moona, Director, IITGN, remarked: “This partnership comes at a time when the nation is witnessing unprecedented growth in infrastructure and enables IITGN and CPWD to join hands to develop transformative construction technologies. This MoU offers an exciting opportunity to bridge the gap between academia and industry, allowing us to make meaningful contributions to the future of construction technology.”

Ms Thara welcomed this move, adding that CPWD shall benefit out of such collaboration with IIT Gandhinagar wherein the advances in construction technology out of world-class research can be implemented by CPWD to provide better, greener and more efficient contemporary infrastructure.

Shri Mohd Kamal Ahmad, Special Director General (Civil), CPWD, added: “This MoU is a step towards making public infrastructure more efficient and sustainable. With the help of expert researchers, we aim to produce solutions which are modern, viable, and eco-friendly.”

“This collaboration represents our commitment to addressing the pressing challenges in construction technology. Through this MoU, we aim to foster sustainable practices, innovative solutions, and significant skill development across the sector.” said Prof Amit Prashant, Dean of R&D, IITGN.

The focus of the collaboration is on joint research and innovation in Building Construction Technology, with the goal of enhancing the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of public infrastructure. The partnership will explore the application of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Building Information Modelling (BIM), and green construction methods. Some of the key highlights include: joint R&D initiatives in construction technology and sustainability, development of technical guidelines and best practices for the sector, capacity-building programs for engineers and architects, internships and joint projects offering practical exposure for students, and promotion of joint publications and patents in the field of construction innovation.