Chennai: Indus Towers Limited has announced a partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to advance research in Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP).
This first-of-its-kind industry-academia collaboration aims to explore the structural, economic, and environmental benefits of GFRP in sustainable infrastructure development.
The initiative is part of Indus Towers’ flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, Pragati, which focuses on sustainable innovation and inclusive growth.
Also Read: Indus Towers Announces Foray into Africa, Starting with Nigeria, Uganda, and Zambia
Through this collaboration, Indus Towers will support advanced research at IIT Madras to develop lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and high-performance alternatives to conventional steel structures.
Focus on Sustainable GFRP Solutions
Speaking on the initiative, Anil Gupta, Chief Technology & Delivery Officer at Indus Towers, said the partnership is a step towards redefining material science for industries exploring GFRP applications.
He noted that GFRP combines strength, cost efficiency, and sustainability, making it a transformative solution for future-ready infrastructure.
GFRP is gaining international recognition due to its superior strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, low maintenance, and adaptability in design. Its ease of transportation, installation, and potential reuse make it an attractive choice for industries operating in high-exposure and coastal environments.
IIT Madras Research Contributions
IIT Madras will lead in-depth investigations into the mechanical performance, durability, and lifecycle of GFRP materials. The research will help set robust design and safety standards, with applications extending beyond telecom towers to scaffolding, staircases, roofing systems, and dry cladding.
Also Read: Indus Towers Launches Green Energy Innovation Projects with IIT Bombay
Prof Ravindra Gettu, Professor-in-charge at IIT Madras, highlighted that the research would model durability and structural performance for various applications.
Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean – Alumni & Corporate Relations at IIT Madras, added that the collaboration exemplifies how industry-academia partnerships can translate laboratory research into socially and economically impactful solutions.
Strengthening Sustainable Infrastructure
This collaboration reflects Indus Towers’ broader vision of enabling a digitally connected and sustainable India. By driving innovation through GFRP research with IIT Madras, the company reinforces its leadership in building responsible and resilient telecom infrastructure.
