Srinagar, Aug 13: A faculty member from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar has secured a prestigious research grant of ₹73,92,450 from the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, for a project aimed at strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s infrastructure through advanced material technology.
The three-year project, titled “Strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s Infrastructure: Corrosion-Resistant and High Strength 6082 T6 Aluminium Alloy for Bridges and High Structures”, will be led by Dr. Deepak Kumar Naik, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, as the Principal Investigator (PI), along with Dr. Sandeep Samantaray, Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering Department, as the Co-PI.
The research will focus on improving the mechanical strength and corrosion resistance of the 6082 T6 aluminium alloy, making it ideal for demanding infrastructure projects such as bridges, towers, and high-rise structures in the Union Territory. Given J&K’s challenging climate and terrain, the project aims to deliver durable, safe, and cost-effective construction materials.
Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, congratulated Dr. Naik and Dr. Samantaray, stating that the project reflects the institute’s commitment to addressing real-world engineering challenges and contributing to regional development.
“This project is a testament to our faculty’s capability to secure competitive national grants and address critical engineering challenges. It will have a direct impact on infrastructure quality in the region,” he said.
Institute’s Registrar, Prof. Atikur Rehman also praised the achievement, noting that such initiatives elevate the research stature of the institute and demonstrate how academic expertise can be channelled to solve pressing developmental issues.
“This grant is a significant milestone that will strengthen the institute’s research profile and reinforce its role in national infrastructure initiatives, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Naik expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Mines for the support, noting that the funding will enable cutting-edge research to enhance the properties of the 6082 T6 aluminum alloy.
Dr. Samantaray highlighted that the outcomes would directly benefit infrastructure projects such as bridges, towers, and high-rise structures, particularly in J&K’s demanding climatic conditions.
He further stated that his research group is currently working on multiple projects focused entirely on development of Jammu & Kashmir, with the combined value of these initiatives amounting to ₹1.06 crore.
