Punjab government will establish “State Institute of Automotive and Driving Skills (SIADS)” as a joint venture between Tata Motors and the State Transport Department in Mahuna village, Muktsar district, Punjab at a cost of Rs 13 crore.

In this regard, a memorandum of understanding was signed in the presence of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Tata Motors managing director Ravi Kant.

Under the agreement, the government will provide 14 acres to set up the SIADS, which would be run by a registered society with equal number of representatives from Tata Motors and the government.

The institute will impart training for driving heavy and light commercial vehicles, buses, passenger cars and earth-moving equipment besides for auto mechanics, welding, painting, electronics and air conditioning.