New Delhi, September 17, 2025: Indus Towers Limited, one of the world’s largest telecom tower companies, has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to advance research in Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) structural sections. The collaboration aims to explore structural, economic, and environmental benefits of GFRP, marking the first-of-its-kind industry-academia initiative in this area.
The partnership is part of Indus Towers’ flagship CSR program Pragati, which focuses on driving sustainable innovation and inclusive growth. Through this initiative, Indus Towers will support research at IIT Madras to develop 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 the material science landscape for various industries working on GFRP. GFRP offers a transformative opportunity not only structurally sound and cost-effective but also aligned with our sustainability goals. As we look to the future, our focus is on engineering solutions that are resilient, scalable, and environmentally responsible. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to innovation that serves both business and society.”
Globally, GFRP is gaining traction as a next-generation material for infrastructure due to its strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, low maintenance, and adaptability. IIT Madras will lead research into its mechanical performance, durability, and lifecycle sustainability, with the aim of establishing robust design and safety standards for telecom and other industries.
Prof. Ravindra Gettu, Professor-in-charge, IIT Madras, said, “The grant has enabled us to assess the material and structural potential of glass fibre-reinforced polymers for a range of applications, such as telecommunication towers, scaffolding, staircases and ladders, roofing elements and framing systems for partition walls and dry cladding. The research will lead to models of durability, structural performance and sustainable applications.”
Highlighting the role of collaboration, Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean – Alumni & Corporate Relations, IIT Madras, added, “IIT Madras’ partnership with Indus Towers stands testimony to how industry-academia collaborations take research from the laboratory to market ready, socially and economically impactful solutions. The GFRP research project with Indus Towers exemplifies this spirit, as it seeks to deliver sustainable, durable and future-ready alternatives for India’s telecom infrastructure.”
The initiative aligns with Indus Towers’ broader vision of enabling a digitally connected and sustainable India while reinforcing its leadership in responsible infrastructure development.
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