NLC India Limited (NLCIL), a Navratna Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Coal, today (09^th February 2026) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Tiruchirappalli, marking a significant step towards strengthening industry–academia collaboration in Applied Research and technology development.

The MoA exchange ceremony was held on the sidelines of the inauguration of the CARD Signage Wall at the Centre for Applied Research & Development (CARD), the in-house R&D centre of NLCIL at Neyveli. Senior officials from NLCIL and distinguished representatives from NIT Tiruchirappalli were present on the occasion.

CARD serves as the technological backbone of NLCIL, supporting its Mining, Thermal Power, Renewable Energy, Materials Research, Environmental Management and Emerging Technology initiatives. Over the years, CARD has evolved as a key enabler in addressing operational challenges through applied research, innovation, and indigenous technology development.

As part of its structured R&D expansion strategy, CARD had floated an Expression of Interest (EoI) inviting research proposals from premier academic institutions. The initiative received an encouraging response, resulting in the signing of 13 MoAs with leading institutions including IISc, IITs, NITs, and State Universities. These collaborations are aligned with NLCIL’s core requirements in mining efficiency, power generation, advanced materials, sustainability, and energy transition.

The MoA exchanged today with NIT Tiruchirappalli is for the project titled “Development of New Material for Bucket Wheel Teeth and Its Life Improvement.” With a project cost of ₹50.73 lakh and a duration of two years, the research aims to develop advanced materials with enhanced wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and toughness for bucket wheel teeth, one of the most critical components in lignite mining operations. The project is expected to significantly enhance service life, reduce downtime, improve equipment availability, and optimize operational costs.

Speaking on the occasion, Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, CMD, NLC India Limited, emphasised the critical role of research and development in nation-building. He stated that R&D-driven innovation is central to achieving operational excellence, sustainability, and technological self-reliance in core sectors such as mining and energy. As India progresses towards the vision of “Vikshit Bharat” articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, strengthening indigenous research capabilities and fostering meaningful collaboration between industry and premier academic institutions will be vital. Such partnerships accelerate technology development, reduce import dependence, and build globally competitive capabilities aligned with the aspirations of a developed India.

The collaboration reflects NLCIL’s philosophy of structured industry–institution partnerships, wherein academic excellence is aligned with real-time industrial challenges to create practical, scalable, and cost-effective solutions. By combining field experience with scientific research depth, such partnerships aim to deliver measurable technological advancements with tangible operational benefits.

NLC India Limited looks forward to expanding its R&D footprint through similar collaborations and expects meaningful technical outcomes from its partnership with NIT Tiruchirappalli and other premier institutions in the coming years.