The ninth edition of the Mahindra Baja SAE India concluded at the NATRiP facility at Pithampur, near Indore, with a total of 129 teams competing in the endurance rounds comprising both mBAJA and eBAJA.
The top laurels went to College of Engineering, Pune, with Alard College of Engineering, Pune and SRM University, Chennai declared first runners-up and second runners-up respectively.
The highlight of BAJA 2016 was the new track and with natural hurdles spread over 5km. The track was designed in a manner to pose more challenges, and test the success of the vehicles as well as the drivers.
Smt. Kashibai Navale College of Engineering, Pune was declared the ‘Best eBAJA Team’.
eBAJA aims to provide a platform to leverage the onset of electric mobility in India. The event saw participation from 11 colleges. However, only nine colleges competed in the endurance round.
About 395 teams had registered in the 9th year of BAJA SAEINDIA series, out of which 179 teams qualified for the finals. However, only 129 teams made it to the endurance round. Over 8,000 students from different parts of the country were spurred on by the Baja SAE INDIA 2016 theme of ‘Passion to Podium’.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Pawan Goenka, executive director, Mahindra & Mahindra said, “I look forward to personally attending BAJA every year. Witnessing thousands of students coming together to celebrate not just the spirit of BAJA but also the philosophy of Rise has given me immense pleasure.”
“Year on year there has been an increase in participation from colleges and this is testimony to BAJA SAEINDIA’s growing popularity and its national significance. We at Mahindra have always believed in thinking beyond the conventional and this forum gives young engineering talent that opportunity to showcase their skills. Mahindra is delighted to be associated with BAJA SAEINDIA 2016 as the title sponsor and with BAJA we are taking forward the philosophy of Mahindra Rise to the next level”, Goenka added.