Dr. Reji Mathai
Dr. Reji Mathai is the Director of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), India’s premier automotive research, testing, and certification organisation under the administrative control of the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India.
Brief Profile
Dr. Reji Mathai is an eminent automotive and alternative fuels expert with extensive experience in vehicle testing, emission studies, fuel technologies, and sustainable mobility solutions. He assumed charge as Director of ARAI on 2 December 2020, following approval by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Professional Experience
Prior to joining ARAI, he served for over 28 years at Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), where he held the position of Chief General Manager.
At IOCL, he played a key role in areas such as:
Engine and vehicle testing
Emission and ambient air quality studies
Development and evaluation of alternative fuels (including hydrogen blends and ethanol fuels)
Policy and technology development for BS-VI and future emission norms.
Education
B.E. in Mechanical Engineering – Shri Govindram Seksaria Institute of Technology and Science, Indore
M.Tech – Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi
Ph.D. in Alternative Fuels – Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
Management Program – Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad.
Achievements & Contributions
Recipient of the Petrofed Award (2006–07) for developing lubricants for marine engines.
Authored 50+ technical papers and holds multiple patents in automotive fuels and lubrication technologies.
Member of several national committees related to fuel standards, emissions, and automotive regulations.
Current Role and Focus
As Director of ARAI, Dr. Mathai leads initiatives in:
Automotive testing, certification, and homologation
Electric mobility and hydrogen technologies
Emission standards and regulatory support for the government
Advanced vehicle technologies such as ADAS, e-mobility, and sustainable mobility solutions.