Indus Towers and IIT Madras Forge Partnership for GFRP Research

Indus Towers Limited has announced a significant partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to advance research in Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) structural applications. This collaboration, revealed on September 16, 2025, aims to explore the structural, economic, and environmental benefits of GFRP, marking a pioneering effort in the telecom infrastructure sector.

This initiative falls under Indus Towers’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, known as Pragati, which emphasizes sustainable innovation and inclusive growth. The partnership will enable cutting-edge research at IIT Madras to develop lightweight, corrosion-resistant alternatives to traditional steel structures.

Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability

Anil Gupta, Chief Technology & Delivery Officer at Indus Towers, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This partnership with IIT Madras is a bold step toward redefining the material science landscape for various industries working on GFRP.” He highlighted that GFRP presents a transformative opportunity that is not only structurally sound and cost-effective but also aligns with sustainability goals. Gupta emphasized the need for engineering solutions that are resilient, scalable, and environmentally responsible.

GFRP is emerging as a preferred material in global infrastructure projects due to its superior strength-to-weight ratio and low maintenance requirements. Its resistance to corrosion makes it particularly suitable for coastal and high-exposure environments. Additionally, GFRP’s adaptability in design and ease of transportation position it as a promising choice for future infrastructure developments.

Research Objectives and Industry Impact

IIT Madras will lead comprehensive assessments of GFRP materials, focusing on their mechanical performance, durability, and lifecycle sustainability. The research aims to establish robust design and safety standards, potentially setting new benchmarks for various industries, including telecommunications.

“The grant has enabled us to assess the material and structural potential of glass fibre-reinforced polymers for a range of applications,” said Prof. Ravindra Gettu, Professor-in-charge at IIT Madras. He noted that potential applications include telecommunication towers, scaffolding, roofing elements, and partition wall systems.

Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean of Alumni & Corporate Relations at IIT Madras, added that the partnership illustrates how industry-academia collaborations can translate research into practical, scalable solutions. “The GFRP research project with Indus Towers exemplifies this spirit, as it seeks to deliver sustainable, durable alternatives for India’s telecom infrastructure,” he stated.

This collaboration aligns with Indus Towers’ vision of fostering a digitally connected and sustainable India while reinforcing its leadership in responsible infrastructure development. As the initiative progresses, it is expected to contribute significantly to the evolution of materials used in the telecom sector.

About Indus Towers and IIT Madras

Indus Towers Limited is a leading provider of passive telecom infrastructure in India, managing a portfolio of 251,773 telecom towers across all 22 telecom circles in the country. The company has consistently adopted green energy initiatives, positioning itself as a pioneer in sustainable practices within the industry.

Established in 1959 by the Government of India, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) is recognized as an “Institute of National Importance.” It conducts a broad range of research activities across 18 academic departments and several advanced interdisciplinary research centers. With over 650 faculty members and 10,000 students from various countries, IIT Madras fosters a vibrant entrepreneurial culture and supports innovation through its incubation cell.