GARC Gets ₹221.13 Crore PM E-DRIVE Testing Upgrade

The Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC) at Oragadam is receiving a reported ₹221.13 crore testing infrastructure upgrade under the PM E-DRIVE scheme. The programme targets electric-vehicle batteries, electromagnetic compatibility, crash safety, advanced driver-assistance systems and heavy commercial vehicles. Equipment orders and installation have progressed, but the report does not establish that every new test facility is already operating.

What is being funded at GARC?

GARC is an authorised vehicle test agency at Oragadam, Tamil Nadu, under the National Automotive Board and the Ministry of Heavy Industries. The reported ₹221.13 crore allocation is for a package of test equipment and infrastructure rather than one finished laboratory. Purchase orders have been issued for almost all proposed equipment and installation has begun, according to the report. Dates for commissioning each individual capability have not been confirmed.

• Allocation: ₹221.13 crore reported for GARC.

• Current stage: Almost all equipment purchase orders issued; installation under way.

• Scope: EV and battery work, EMI/EMC, passive safety and crash tests, ADAS, and heavy commercial vehicle testing.

• Operational caution: An order or installation is not the same as a commissioned test service.

Capabilities targeted by the upgrade

The table translates the announced areas into practical test categories. It describes the intended scope, not a list of newly commissioned services.

How does this fit into PM E-DRIVE?

PM E-DRIVE has a stated total outlay of ₹10,900 crore. Within that scheme, ₹780 crore is earmarked for testing-agency upgrades. The GARC package is one part of that larger provision. The programme runs through 31 March 2028, but that end date is a scheme timeline, not a promised launch date for each new GARC facility.

Stronger domestic testing capacity could help vehicle makers and suppliers validate emerging EV systems and safety technology in India. The practical effect will depend on which instruments are installed, calibrated, accredited and made available for testing. Manufacturers should confirm current service availability with GARC rather than assume a planned workstream can already accept a test booking.

FAQs

How much is GARC receiving under PM E-DRIVE?

The reported allocation for GARC's automotive testing infrastructure upgrade is ₹221.13 crore.

Are all the new GARC test facilities operational?

That has not been established. Purchase orders for almost all proposed equipment have reportedly been placed and installation has started; equipment-by-equipment commissioning dates were not provided.

What is the wider testing budget?

PM E-DRIVE has a ₹10,900 crore total outlay, including ₹780 crore for testing-agency upgrades, according to the reported scheme figures.

The GARC upgrade is a meaningful step for Indian automotive testing. Its full value will become clearer as the planned equipment moves from orders and installation to verified operational services.