Home-grown commercial vehicle manufacturer Eicher Trucks and Buses, in partnership with Phoenix Foundation, has established the Phoenix-Eicher Institute of Driver Training and Research in Latur, Maharashtra, to upskill driver fraternity in the state. Set up under public-private partnership with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, this institute aims to enhance the core competencies of the commercial vehicle drives by training them across a wide range of vehicles through comprehensive and professional Driver Training programmes, the company said in a press release. The institute is inaugurated by Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways, in the presence of JP Verma, Vice President Aftermarket – Eicher Trucks and Buses, and Pasha Patel, Chairman, Phoenix Foundation. Eicher already has eight Driver Training Institutes where pre-licensing training for new drivers is being provided. The company also conducts regular driver training programmes through twelve Regional Driver Trainers and trains around 20,000 drivers every year. So far, more than two lakh drivers have been trained across the country through these programmes. The Phoenix-Eicher institute, which is spread across 12 acres, is equipped with facilities like a driving practice track, automobile lab, training vehicles & equipment, and training content provided by Eicher. It will also be able to house 150 drivers in the hostel developed for their convenience. In addition, the institute will train new drivers and strengthen the skills of existing drivers by upskilling them with the latest technologies. The training also emphasises driving techniques for improving fuel efficiency and making drivers understand the latest vehicle technology. The Phoenix-Eicher Institute of Driver Training and Research intends to act as an effective resource for promoting road safety education among commercial vehicle drivers and conducting programmes for educating the general public. Speaking on the occasion of the inauguration, Gadkari appreciated Eicher’s contribution in establishing the institute and other driver development initiatives. He said, “The country has a strong need for skilled CV drivers and the Phoenix-Eicher driver training institute will play an important role in developing competent commercial vehicles drivers for promoting safe and efficient transportation in the region”. Verma said, “The introduction of connected vehicles, has revolutionised the commercial vehicle industry forever, by preventing break downs and increasing driver safety. To take full advantage of such next-gen technology, it becomes imperative for the drivers to fully understand the features and benefits, which is why Eicher has established this institute. Eicher is also committed to promoting road safety education in the country through training and awareness programs for safer roads and safe transportation.