Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), through the CSR arm of the Japanese automaker, the Honda India Foundation, has provided training to more than 7,000 individuals at its advanced driver and rider training facility in Karnal, Haryana.
This training center, known as the Karnal Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR), is a collaborative effort between HMSI and the Haryana government and was established with an investment of Rs 34 crore. It officially commenced its operations in August 2022.
Spanning over 9.25 acres, the facility offers training and testing for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and heavy motor vehicles. So far, it has successfully trained over 7,000 individuals using advanced simulators, comprehensive theory sessions, and practical hands-on training on test tracks.
The IDTR in Karnal also features an Advanced Driver Test Track (ADTT). It is the first IDTR in India established by a two-wheeler original equipment manufacturer (OEM) with an integrated ADTT, allowing testing of riding and driving skills for various types of vehicles, including heavy commercial vehicles. The ADTT at IDTR Karnal, operational since June 2023, has conducted over 6,000 tests, reducing human intervention in the driving assessment and evaluation process.
Honda’s initiative aligns with its global vision to eliminate road accident fatalities by 2050. The company recognizes the importance of a change in mindset and approach to enhance road safety in India, where a lack of knowledge and insensitivity to other road users are contributing factors to accidents.
The IDTR offers a range of driving tests, including hill-start, reverse-S, angular parking, and parallel parking, aiming to provide a comprehensive solution for road safety training.
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India is also actively promoting road safety through Traffic Training Parks (TTPs) and Safety Driving Centers (SDCs) in various locations across the country. These initiatives target students from a young age and learning license holders to instill a safety-oriented mindset.
The company plans to expand its road safety efforts, with the potential establishment of more centers and IDTRs in different states. A significant portion of HMSI’s annual CSR budget is allocated to safety initiatives, focusing on Education, Enforcement, Engineering, and Emergency Response, with the aim of reducing road fatalities by 50 percent by 2030.