New Delhi: BEML Limited, a Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, hosted a landmark national-level conference titled “The Future of Clean Non-Road Mobile Machinery” at its Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) complex on Thursday, marking a pivotal step in shaping India’s future in sustainable engine technology.
The event served as a strategic platform to bring together eminent scientists, engineers, researchers, and industry leaders, united by a shared vision—to advance high-performance, low-emission, and digitally intelligent engine technologies. With this initiative, BEML is positioning itself as a thought leader and full-spectrum power-pack solutions provider in the clean mobility and defence manufacturing space.
BEML Limited’s Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Shantanu Roy inaugurated the conference witnessed participation from the company’s functional directors, senior engineering leadership, and a strong contingent of young technologists. Emphasizing the organisation’s commitment to innovation-driven sustainability, Roy stated, “Our objective is not only to manufacture cutting-edge machines, but to engineer a greener, cleaner planet for the generations to come.”
The conference featured an extensive line-up of expert speakers including Dr Shailendra Gade (Advisor, BEML and former DRDO scientist), Dr Sameer Tikar (ARAI), Tejas Kinjawadekar (Cummins), Nagesh (Bosch), Dr Kathikeyan (Ashok Leyland), Gerhard Schagerl (AVL), Daniel Greszik (MTU), and Manjunath K (Paras Defence). Their deliberations covered emerging themes such as hybrid and electric propulsion, AI-driven simulation, clean fuel integration, and emission control technologies.
A clear consensus emerged around three transformative pillars that will define the next decade of powertrain development— decarbonization, electrification, and digitalization. Discussions highlighted technological advancements including dual-fuel hydrogen-diesel engines, IoT-enabled digital diesel systems, modular power platforms, and predictive digital twins. Speakers underscored the importance of cross-sector fuel standardization and the integration of sustainable alternatives such as bio-CNG, renewable diesel, and hydrogen.
The conference also reaffirmed that clean engine development is no longer a singular engineering challenge, but a national imperative that necessitates collaboration between OEMs, policymakers, research institutions, and supply chain stakeholders.
As a testament to its indigenization efforts, BEML highlighted the successful development of an indigenous engine for India’s battle tank—an achievement that not only enhances self-reliance in defence production but also enriches the nation’s capabilities in advanced engine engineering.
Looking ahead, BEML announced plans to organize a series of national conferences with a focused agenda on research and development, innovation, and the expansion of India’s indigenous technological ecosystem. The KGF Engine Division, historically known for manufacturing mining and construction equipment, is now being positioned as a cornerstone for India’s advanced defence manufacturing journey in line with the Government’s AatmaNirbhar Bharat vision.
With this pioneering conference, BEML has set in motion a dynamic dialogue that is expected to shape India’s leadership in clean, intelligent, and indigenous engine technologies.
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