MUMBAI: The Government of India has taken another major step towards strengthening the country’s quality assurance infrastructure, with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi inaugurating new testing facilities and laying the foundation stone for the expansion of the National Test House (NTH) campus in Mumbai. The initiative is aimed at enhancing product quality, safeguarding consumer interests and improving India’s industrial competitiveness at the global level.
The event took place at the NTH Western Region campus in Mumbai on June 19 and marked an important milestone in India’s efforts to build world-class scientific testing and certification infrastructure. Alongside the inauguration, a Bhoomi Pujan ceremony was also conducted for the future expansion of the facility. The move reflects the Centre’s broader objective of modernising India’s quality ecosystem and strengthening consumer confidence in domestically manufactured products.
Government Focuses on Quality-Driven Growth
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi underlined the importance of robust testing and certification systems in a rapidly growing economy. He said reliable quality assessment mechanisms are essential for protecting consumers, improving product reliability and creating a business-friendly environment.
The minister emphasised that India’s aspiration to become a global manufacturing hub under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission requires strong institutions that can certify products according to international standards. He added that better quality assurance will significantly improve the global acceptance of Indian goods and services.
He also appreciated the efforts made by the Department of Consumer Affairs and National Test House in expanding advanced testing facilities across different regions of the country, making such services more accessible to industries and consumers alike.
Three Major Facilities Inaugurated
During the event, three important facilities were formally inaugurated to strengthen testing capacities across multiple sectors.
The newly launched facilities include:
- A Microbiological Testing Laboratory at National Test House, Mumbai.
- A Shoe Testing Facility at National Test House (Northern Region) in Ghaziabad.
- An NTH-AURIC Satellite Centre at NICDC’s AURIC City in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra.
These facilities are expected to support a wide range of industries, including footwear, consumer products, manufacturing and public health sectors.
The microbiological laboratory will help improve safety assessments of products that directly impact consumer health, while the shoe testing facility will ensure footwear products comply with national and global quality benchmarks. The satellite centre in Maharashtra will decentralise testing capabilities and provide easier access to industries located in emerging industrial corridors.
Emphasis on Consumer Welfare and Industrial Development
The event also witnessed participation from senior government officials, including Nidhi Khare and Richa Misra.
Both officials highlighted the growing importance of National Test House in maintaining product standards and ensuring consumer safety. They said the institution has become a crucial pillar supporting industrial competitiveness and regulatory compliance in India.
Meanwhile, Alok Kumar Srivastava presented an overview of the organisation’s future plans, ongoing modernisation projects and long-term strategic roadmap aimed at transforming NTH into a globally benchmarked testing institution.
Mumbai MP Highlights Emerging Sector Opportunities
Ravindra Waikar, who was also present at the programme, stressed that strong quality infrastructure is fundamental to India’s industrial growth journey.
He noted that reliable testing systems will benefit emerging sectors and create stronger trust among domestic and international consumers. Waikar also praised the Department of Consumer Affairs for expanding quality assurance services beyond traditional industries.
Strengthening India’s Global Manufacturing Ambitions
The expansion of National Test House comes at a time when India is positioning itself as a preferred global manufacturing destination. International markets increasingly demand stringent quality certifications and regulatory compliance, making advanced testing infrastructure a critical requirement.
Experts believe investments in scientific testing facilities can significantly boost exports, reduce product failures and improve overall market confidence in Indian brands.
National Test House, with a legacy spanning over a century, continues to play a pivotal role in delivering trusted scientific testing services across various sectors. Its modernisation aligns with India’s broader goals of enhancing consumer protection, promoting quality manufacturing and accelerating economic growth.
The latest expansion demonstrates the government’s commitment to building a stronger quality assurance ecosystem that supports industries, empowers consumers and strengthens India’s position in global trade.
