ASNT and AWS Forge Partnership with Indian Railways for Technological Advancements

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. Discussions emphasized enhancing railway safety, collaborating with various sectors, and launching pilot courses in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).

The American Society for Non-Destructive Testing (ASNT) and the American Welding Society (AWS) recently held a significant meeting with Indian Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, aiming to advance the implementation of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and welding training programs for railway personnel across India. The session, convened at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi, focused on boosting the safety and reliability of India's railway infrastructure through specialized training and certification initiatives.

The Railway Minister articulated his vision, stating, '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 aligns seamlessly with ASNT's mission to establish a cutting-edge Training Centre for NDT professionals in India, offering computer-based certifications and advanced NDT technology training. The ASNT's newly launched 9712 program, aligned with International Standard ISO 9712, aims to ensure global standards for these training programs, equipping railway personnel with crucial skills.

Alongside the Ministry of Railways meeting, the ASNT and AWS delegation engaged with top executives from various corporates and public sector units to explore potential collaborations. These discussions included senior leaders from Hindustan Construction Company, GAIL India, Maruti Suzuki, Thales India, and L&T, focusing on leveraging NDT technologies for infrastructure safety and quality improvements. Additionally, the delegation discussed enhancing welding training with the Ministry of Skills Development & Entrepreneurship, aiming to pilot AWS-accredited courses in 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).

Commenting on the visit, Neal Couture, ASNT CEO, and Paul Lang, Executive Director of ASNT Certification Services, affirmed, '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 safety, quality, and innovation.' Richard Arn, Vice President (Welding & Technology) at AWS, added, 'We are excited about collaborating with India to advance the science and technology of welding, creating opportunities for future generations.'

MCI India facilitated this crucial meeting. Reflecting on its potential impact, it aims to benefit a large number of students and government workers through skill development initiatives supported by state and central governments. AWS will focus on curriculum customization and local resource utilization for effective implementation.

(With inputs from agencies.)