Scrapyard to showroom: ITI trainees turn waste into a functional 4-wheeler

In a remarkable display of ingenuity and teamwork, trainees of the Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Garnota, in the Chowari subdivision have successfully developed a fully functional petrol-powered four-wheeler — crafted entirely from scrap materials. The ambitious project, aimed at showcasing frugal engineering, was initiated about six weeks ago under the guidance of ITI Principal Manish Rana.

The challenge was assigned to students of the Mechanic Motor Vehicle and Mechanic Electric Vehicle trades, who embraced the task with creativity and dedication. Leading the project were trainees Shubham and Aditya Sharma, who worked closely with their instructors to turn discarded parts into a functioning vehicle.

Using the engine of an old motorcycle, the steering mechanism of an 800-cc car and wheels salvaged from a scooty, the team brought the four-wheeler to life. Most of the components were procured from scrap dealers and the vehicle’s chassis and body were fabricated by welding steel pipes and sheets collected from the trainees’ own homes. The entire project was completed at a cost of just Rs 23,908.

This homegrown innovation is not just an engineering feat — it is also a shining example of sustainable design and waste management. It reflects how skilled hands, guided by purpose and creativity, can turn what’s discarded into something valuable.

Principal Manish Rana, while speaking to The Tribune, said the project is a result of the perfect blend of four essential pillars of grassroots innovation: “Idea, Technique, Skill and Frugal Engineering.” He praised the trainees’ determination and technical acumen, adding that such projects strengthen the core mission of technical education by transforming lives through innovation.

Rana further revealed that the team plans to install a lighting system in the vehicle soon, taking the design a step closer to real-world application. The success of this initiative has not only sparked pride in the institute but also serves as inspiration for how skill-based education can drive meaningful change, even with limited resources.