Kolar Gold Fields. In a decisive move to foster a knowledge ecosystem in engine technology and drive India’s sustainable industrial growth, BEML Limited, a Defence PSU, hosted a one-of-its-kind National Engine Conference titled “The Future of Clean Non-Road Mobile Machinery” at its KGF complex.
The conference served as a powerful convergence of thought leadership, bringing together renowned scientists, engineers, researchers, and industry pioneers. At the heart of the discussions was a shared vision—to build high-performance, low-emission, and digitally intelligent engine platforms that will power India’s journey toward industrial self-reliance and environmental responsibility. BEML Ltd. is charting its course to emerge as a thought leader and comprehensive power-pack solutions provider, with a strategic emphasis on innovation, technology leadership, and fostering a robust knowledge-driven ecosystem across India’s industrial and defence sectors.
Shantanu Roy, Chairman and Managing Director of BEML Ltd., inaugurated the event in the presence of the company’s functional directors, senior engineering leadership, and a vibrant community of young technologists. In his address, Mr Roy emphasized BEML’s commitment to redefining mobility solutions through sustainable innovation, stating, “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 impressive line-up of speakers and domain experts including Dr. Shailendra Gade (Advisor, BEML & former DRDO scientist), Dr. Sameer Tikar from ARAI, Tejas Kinjawadekar of Cummins, Nagesh from Bosch, Dr. Kathikeyan of Ashok Leyland, Gerhard Schagerl of AVL, Daniel Greszik from MTU, and Manjunath K of Paras Defence. Their perspectives touched upon crucial advancements and disruptions in areas such as hybrid and electric propulsion, clean fuel integration, AI in simulation, and emission control technologies.
Across sessions, it became evident that the next decade in powertrain development will be defined by three core themes: decarbonization, electrification, and digitalization. From dual-fuel hydrogen-diesel systems to digital diesel engines powered by IoT, and from modular power systems to predictive digital twins—emerging technologies are setting a new benchmark for performance, flexibility, and ecological responsibility.
The dialogue also emphasized the urgent need for cross-sector fuel standardization, the integration of alternative fuels like bio-CNG, renewable diesel, and hydrogen, and the development of intelligent control systems that drive both performance and sustainability.
As the event concluded, one message resonated across all panels and discussions: clean engine development is no longer just an engineering challenge—it is an environmental and industrial imperative. With this landmark conference, BEML not only sparked critical dialogue but also laid the foundation for a collaborative ecosystem that can transform India into a global hub for next-generation engine technologies.
Clean engine development is never a solitary pursuit—it thrives on collaboration. It’s the result of a shared commitment between OEMs, governments, research institutions, and supply chain partners working in unison to push boundaries. As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable innovation, BEML has successfully developed an indigenous engine for India’s battle tank—a milestone that not only strengthens self-reliance in defence manufacturing but also provides critical insights and learning in advanced engine engineering.
BEML is planning a series of national-level conferences in the coming months, with a sharp focus on research and development, future innovations, product advancement, and indigenization. BEML’s KGF Engine Division—long regarded as a national hub of manufacturing Mining & construction equipment—is now setting the stage for a new chapter in advanced defence manufacturing in alignment of Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
