Pune, August 10, 2026: Jindal Stainless has signed a three-year memorandum of understanding with MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune, to introduce a specialised course on stainless steel applications in tunnel and underground construction.
The course, titled Stainless Steel: A Sustainable, Green & Innovative Material for Tunnel and Underground Space Construction, began with its first batch on August 10. The programme is designed to give civil engineering students practical exposure to material selection, corrosion behaviour and lifecycle considerations relevant to underground infrastructure.
The initiative comes as investments in metro rail, highways, railways, hydropower and pumped storage projects increase the role of underground infrastructure. Tunnel structures can face groundwater, humidity and corrosive environments, making material performance an important consideration in their design and maintenance.
Under the agreement, Jindal Stainless will contribute to curriculum development and conduct expert-led lectures and practical sessions. Students will also have access to plant visits, internships, case studies, research projects and interactions with industry professionals.
The 40-lecture programme includes eight practical sessions and covers metallurgy, corrosion, stainless steel grade selection, design applications, fabrication, welding, lifecycle costing and sustainability. Twenty-five students are currently enrolled, with six faculty members and industry experts involved in teaching the course.
The company said tunnelling projects worth more than ₹5 lakh crore are expected over the next decade, increasing the need for materials that can withstand demanding underground conditions and support longer infrastructure lifecycles.
The academic-industry collaboration also includes faculty exposure to manufacturing practices. A four-member MIT-WPU faculty team, led by Dr Sandeep Potnis, recently visited Jindal Stainless’ Jajpur plant, where it studied stainless steel manufacturing, metallurgy, alloying, automation, quality control and corrosion-resistant applications.
MIT-WPU said the partnership would connect classroom learning with practical engineering requirements as India’s underground infrastructure expands.
