News n Pics : P.Archibald Furtado
Talented students demonstrate that old petrol vehicles can be converted into electric vehicles at a fraction of the cost
In an era where electric vehicles (EVs) come with hefty price tags, talented students of National ITI, Barkur, Udupi have proven that existing petrol-powered vehicles can be successfully converted into electric vehicles at a remarkably low cost.
This is not the first time the institution has made headlines with such innovation. Back in 2021–2023, students of the Electrical Department, under the mentorship of Senior Lecturer Sri Bhaskara Upadya, converted an old Nano car into a fully functional EV and showcased it at exhibitions in local colleges, earning widespread recognition. Around the same time, Nitin Naik, a student of the Automobile Department (2021–2023), demonstrated his skills by converting a Honda Activa scooter into an electric vehicle under the guidance of Lecturer Sri Praveen Shetty.
Now, continuing this proud legacy, the 2024–2026 batch students of the Automobile (MMV) Senior Division have built a model electric car, bringing further glory to the institution. Under the joint guidance of Senior Lecturer of the Automobile Department, Sri Jagannatha Sherigara, and Senior Lecturer of the Electrical Department, Sri Bhaskara Upadya, the students sourced an old Maruti 800 car and procured all necessary automobile and electrical components to assemble the model EV — an achievement that has drawn widespread praise. Automobile Department lecturers Sri Praveen Shetty, Sri Sudhakar Shettigar, and Sri Madhusudana Achar also extended their valuable support throughout the project.
In another feather in its cap, National ITI, Barkur has secured first place in Udupi District in the ITI Grading conducted by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, for the year 2025–2026, based on institutional quality standards.
The institution, governed by The Barkur Educational Society, has grown from strength to strength under the efficient leadership of President Sri B. Shantarama Shetty and with the support of Director Sri B. Ramachandra Kamath.