In a landmark move for India’s telecom infrastructure sector, Indus Towers Limited, one of the world’s largest telecom tower companies, has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras). Together, they will pioneer research in Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) structural sections, marking the first industry-academia initiative of its kind in this field.
Driving Sustainable Innovation
This collaboration is part of Indus Towers’ CSR program, Pragati, which focuses on sustainable innovation and inclusive growth. Through the initiative, Indus Towers will support advanced research at IIT Madras to create lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and high-performance alternatives to conventional steel structures.
Anil Gupta, Chief Technology & Delivery Officer at Indus Towers, said:
“This partnership with IIT Madras is a bold step toward redefining material science for industries working on GFRP. GFRP offers a transformative opportunity that is structurally sound, cost-effective, and aligned with our sustainability goals. Our focus is on engineering solutions that are resilient, scalable, and environmentally responsible.”
Why GFRP Matters
GFRP is gaining global traction as a next-generation material. It offers:
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Corrosion resistance, ideal for coastal and high-exposure environments
- Low maintenance requirements
- Easy transportation and installation
- Potential for reuse and recycling
These advantages make GFRP a compelling choice for future-ready infrastructure across industries.
Role of IIT Madras
IIT Madras will conduct rigorous research on the mechanical performance, durability, and lifecycle sustainability of GFRP materials. The findings are expected to shape new design and safety standards, influencing not just telecom but also construction and other infrastructure-heavy industries.
Prof. Ravindra Gettu, Professor-in-charge at IIT Madras, said:
“The grant allows us to assess the potential of GFRP for diverse applications like telecom towers, scaffolding, staircases, roofing, and cladding. The research will create models of durability, performance, and sustainability.”
Bridging Research and Real-World Impact
This collaboration also highlights the importance of industry-academia partnerships in scaling innovation.
Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations), IIT Madras, explained:
“Our partnership with Indus Towers shows how collaborations can take research from the lab to real-world solutions. The GFRP project demonstrates this by delivering sustainable, durable, and future-ready alternatives for India’s telecom infrastructure.”
Building a Sustainable Future
Through this initiative, Indus Towers reinforces its commitment to enabling a digitally connected and sustainable India. By investing in GFRP research, the company is setting a benchmark for responsible infrastructure development while supporting India’s vision for greener, more resilient growth.