ASNT and AWS Collaborate with Indian Railways for Enhanced Training Programs

The American Society for Non-Destructive Testing (ASNT) and the American Welding Society (AWS) met with Indian Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss implementing NDT and welding training programs. The initiative aims to enhance railway safety and efficiency through advanced training and certification.

The American Society for Non-Destructive Testing (ASNT) and the American Welding Society (AWS) held a significant meeting with the Indian Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, aimed at establishing Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and Welding training programs for railway staff across India. Hosted at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi, the discussions focused on boosting the safety and reliability of the Indian railway system through advanced training and certification initiatives.

During the meeting, Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed his forward-thinking vision, saying, 'I envision a future where welding, NDT, and cryogenics are integral to every division. Training our people in these areas is key to achieving this goal.' This statement aligns with ASNT's objective to set up a state-of-the-art Training Centre for NDT professionals in India. The proposed center aims to offer computer-based certifications and training in advanced NDT technologies, aligning with international standards like ISO 9712 to equip railway personnel with the necessary skills to improve railway safety and efficiency.

In addition to their meeting with the Ministry of Railways, ASNT and AWS engaged with top executives from various corporates and public sector units to explore collaborative opportunities. Key figures such as Shettigar Praveen of Hindustan Construction Company, Upal Sen Gupta and Harindra Kumar of GAIL India, Krishna Mukund from Maruti Suzuki, and Ashish Saraf from Thales India participated in these discussions. The dialogue centered on employing NDT technologies and professional training in areas such as infrastructure projects, pipeline integrity, automotive manufacturing, defense, and aerospace, aiming to elevate safety and quality standards.

The delegation also focused on enhancing welding training by engaging with the Ministry of Skills Development & Entrepreneurship. They discussed incorporating AWS content into welding simulators, aligning the training with industry standards, and rolling out AWS-accredited courses across 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). Neal Couture, CEO of ASNT, and Paul Lang, Executive Director of ASNT Certification Services, expressed their enthusiasm, stating, 'Our visit to India was a tremendous success, reinforcing the vital role of NDT in India's advancing infrastructure. We look forward to a long-term partnership to drive advancements in safety, quality, and innovation.'

This ambitious initiative targets a broad demographic, including students and government workers, with a focus on skilling as a social initiative backed by state and central governments. AWS will play a crucial role in customizing the curriculum and utilizing local resources for effective implementation. Reflecting on these fruitful meetings, Richard Arn, Vice President of AWS, stated, 'We at AWS are excited about collaborating with India to advance the science and technology of welding. There is immense potential here, and we look forward to creating opportunities for future generations of welding professionals.'

The initiative's successful execution can be attributed to MCI India, a global leader in association management and consulting, which facilitated these strategic discussions. MCI India collaborates closely with ASNT and AWS to advance their growth strategies in India, the Middle East, and globally. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)

(With inputs from agencies.)