Indian Railways’ Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) Vadodara and Airbus, a global aviation giant, have recently embarked on a strategic collaboration aimed at fortifying the Indian aviation sector. This partnership, sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi, signifies a significant milestone in fostering industry-academia alliances to propel India’s aviation industry to new heights.
A High-Profile Agreement
The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics, and IT, who also serves as the First Chancellor of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya. Accompanying him were Ms. Jaya Varma Sinha, the Chairperson and CEO of the Railway Board, and other senior officials. This collaboration follows Airbus’ recent partnership with Tata to establish a C295 aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, marking a renewed commitment to bolstering India’s aerospace sector.
Airbus: A Global Aviation Powerhouse
Airbus stands as the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial aircraft and a leading producer of helicopters, defense equipment, and space technology. Over the years, Airbus has developed a symbiotic relationship with India, recognizing it as a pivotal driver of global aviation and a vital source of talent and resources. Airbus is committed to nurturing all the necessary elements for building a fully integrated aerospace ecosystem in India, with “Make in India” at the core of its business strategy.
The Vision of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV)
Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) Vadodara, established through an Act of Parliament in 2022, is dedicated to nurturing top-tier manpower and talent for the transportation and logistics sectors. GSV aims to fulfill the mandates of key national development plans, including the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan 2021 and the National Logistics Policy 2022.
Focusing exclusively on transport and logistics sectors, GSV is a pioneering institution designed to cater to the diverse needs of railways, shipping, ports, highways, roads, waterways, and aviation. Leveraging state-of-the-art infrastructure and a demand-driven curriculum, GSV offers multidisciplinary programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Additionally, the university provides executive training and conducts cutting-edge research. GSV’s reach extends to Indian Railways probationers and serving officers, further solidifying its impact on the transportation sector.
The Collaborative Framework
The collaboration between Airbus and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya encompasses several key aspects:
- Co-development of Skilling Courses: The partnership will result in sector-relevant skilling courses and programs tailored for both regular students and working professionals.
- Joint Research and Industry Experiences: Faculty members from both institutions will engage in joint research endeavors and gain valuable industry experience.
- Internships and Placements: GSV students will have the opportunity to undertake internships and secure placements within Airbus and related industries, ensuring they are well-prepared for careers in the aviation sector.
- Scholarship Programs: The collaboration includes initiatives to provide scholarships to deserving students, fostering equal access to quality education.
A Bright Future for Indian Aviation
This pioneering industry-academic partnership is poised to create abundant job opportunities for students aligned with the ever-evolving demands of the aviation industry. It is projected that around 15,000 students may find placement within Airbus’ Indian operations, further strengthening India’s position in the global aviation landscape.