Jindal Stainless and MIT-WPU Partner to Launch Specialised Course on Stainless Steel Applications in Tunnel Engineering
Jindal Stainless has signed a three-year MoU with MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune, to introduce a specialised course focused on stainless steel applications in tunnel engineering and underground space construction.
Jindal Stainless and MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) have partnered to launch a specialised course titled ‘Stainless Steel: A Sustainable, Green & Innovative Material for Tunnel and Underground Space Construction.’ The programme aims to strengthen industry-academia collaboration while equipping future engineers with practical knowledge of advanced materials, corrosion resistance and sustainable construction practices.
The first batch of the course commenced on August 10, 2026. The programme has been introduced as India continues to see significant investments in metro rail, highways, railways, hydropower and Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs), driving demand for specialised expertise in underground infrastructure.
Focus on Stainless Steel in Tunnel Engineering
The need for durable materials is becoming increasingly important as tunnels are designed for longer service lives and exposed to challenging conditions, including groundwater, humidity and corrosive environments.
The specialised course will therefore focus on the technical and practical aspects of stainless steel applications in tunnel engineering, with students gaining insights into material selection, corrosion behaviour and lifecycle-based design. The curriculum will cover metallurgy, corrosion behaviour, stainless steel grade selection, design applications, fabrication, welding, lifecycle costing and sustainability. The programme will comprise 40 lectures and eight practical sessions, alongside case studies, industry interactions, field exposure and project-based learning.
Currently, 25 students are enrolled in the course, which will be delivered by six faculty members along with industry experts.
Industry Exposure Integrated into the Programme
Under the MoU, Jindal Stainless will support curriculum development and contribute expert-led lectures, practical sessions, learning resources and industry exposure.
Students will also have opportunities to participate in plant visits, internships, live case studies, research projects and interactions with industry professionals. These activities are intended to provide a practical understanding of material selection, manufacturing processes and infrastructure applications.
A team of four MIT-WPU faculty members, led by Dr Sandeep Potnis, Professor and Tunnel Engineering Program Head at MIT-WPU, has already visited Jindal Stainless’ Jajpur plant. The visit provided exposure to stainless steel manufacturing, metallurgy, alloying, automation, quality-control systems and corrosion-resistant applications, allowing the faculty to incorporate industry practices and case studies into classroom learning.
Speaking on the collaboration, Chief Executive Officer, Jindal Stainless, Mr Tarun Khulbe, said, “At Jindal Stainless, we believe that building India’s infrastructure future begins with building future-ready talent. As the country’s infrastructure landscape evolves, closer collaboration between industry and academia will be critical to developing the next generation of engineers. Our partnership with MIT World Peace University reflects this shared vision and our commitment to creating a stronger talent pipeline equipped to support India’s long-term infrastructure ambitions through practical, application-oriented learning.”
Speaking on the initiative, Unit Head – Jajpur, Jindal Stainless, Mr Deepak Agrawal, said, “As India accelerates investments in underground infrastructure and tunnel networks, it is important that future engineers are equipped with a strong understanding of advanced and sustainable materials. Through our collaboration with MIT-WPU, we are pleased to support the introduction of this specialised course, which will provide students with practical insights into the application of stainless steel in tunnel engineering. By combining academic learning with industry expertise and real-world exposure, this initiative will help develop a talent pool capable of driving innovation, durability, and sustainability in critical infrastructure projects.”
Commenting on the collaboration, Professor and Tunnel Engineering Program Head, MITWPU Pune, Dr Sandeep Potnis, said, “India’s underground infrastructure is expanding rapidly, creating the need for engineers with specialised knowledge of advanced materials and lifecycle-based design. This collaboration with Jindal Stainless will strengthen academic learning and industry practice. Through expert interactions, practical exposure and applied research, students will be better equipped to apply engineering principles to real-world tunnel and underground construction projects.”
Preparing Engineers for India’s Underground Infrastructure
According to Jindal Stainless, tunnelling projects worth more than ₹5 lakh crore are expected over the next decade. This growing pipeline is creating demand for durable, corrosion-resistant materials capable of supporting the long-term performance of underground infrastructure.
For tunnel projects, material selection can have a significant bearing on maintenance requirements, durability and lifecycle costs. By introducing stainless steel applications into a specialised engineering curriculum, the programme seeks to familiarise future engineers with the role advanced materials can play in addressing these challenges.
Dr Sandeep Potnis said the collaboration would strengthen the connection between academic learning and industry practice through expert interactions, practical exposure and applied research.
The partnership between Jindal Stainless and MIT-WPU reflects a broader push to develop industry-ready engineering talent as India’s underground infrastructure expands. By combining academic instruction with manufacturing exposure and real-world applications, the programme aims to build expertise around stainless steel in tunnel engineering and support more durable and sustainable approaches to future infrastructure development.
