Latest news with #JawaharlalNehruNationalUrbanRenewalMission
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Why India's e-truck incentive scheme can be a gamechanger for the economy and the environment
On July 11, 2025, when the Ministry of Heavy Industries officially released guidelines for subsidies under the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme, it marked a historic moment for India's transport sector. For the first time, electric trucks (e-trucks) are being supported by specific incentives at the national level. With a budget allocation of ₹500 crore aimed at supporting around 5,500 e-trucks, this initiative provides a critical push to decarbonize India's freight sector—one of the largest and fastest-growing sources of emissions in the country. Under the new guidelines, medium- and heavy-duty trucks (MHDTs), which are those with a gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tonnes and above, are eligible for subsidies of ₹5,000 per kWh of battery capacity. These subsidies are capped between ₹2.7 lakh and ₹9.6 lakh per vehicle, depending on the different categories of gross vehicle weight, and provide meaningful cost relief for early adopters. Until now, national-level schemes such as FAME I and FAME II have largely focused on electric passenger vehicles including private two- and three-wheelers and public buses. While there was some provision for the electrification of smaller light commercial vehicles, it was limited. Furthermore, earlier initiatives like the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission primarily targeted buses and urban transport infrastructure. By including e-trucks, the PM E-DRIVE scheme is recognizing the critical role of goods movement in India's transport ecosystem. Here's why this shift can be a gamechanger both economically and environmentally. 1. Accelerated climate action and improved air quality E-trucks are central to India's climate commitments. Life-cycle assessments have estimated that greenhouse gas emissions from e-trucks are 17 per cent–37 per cent less than from diesel trucks, even with today's power grid. When powered by renewable energy, these life-cycle emissions drop by as much as 85 per cent–88 per cent. To meet its long-term climate targets—including achieving net-zero emissions by 2070—analysis by the ICCT projects that India will need 100 per cent zero-emission trucks in new sales by mid-century. Moreover, as e-trucks produce no tailpipe emissions, they are vital for improving air quality in freight hotspots such as ports, warehouses, logistics hubs, and industrial clusters. This leads to better public health outcomes for communities living near these zones. 2. Reduced operating costs and unlocking industrial use cases Although e-trucks currently cost 2 to 3.5 times more to purchase than equivalent diesel trucks, their lower operating and maintenance costs help narrow the total cost of ownership gap to about 1.2–1.5 times. The PM E-DRIVE subsidies help bridge this gap even further and make e-trucks more attractive to fleet operators. Industries such as cement, steel, and port logistics offer promising early-adopter use cases. JK Lakshmi Cement, UltraTech Cement, JSW Cement, Tata Steel, and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust have already begun piloting e-truck deployments for closed-loop freight movement. With effective charging infrastructure and strategic deployment, these pilots can succeed in demonstrating economic and operational viability. 3. Strengthened domestic manufacturing and supporting innovation To qualify for subsidies, e-truck models must meet phased manufacturing program (PMP) guidelines that promote indigenous production of key components like battery packs, battery management system (BMS), motors, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, converters, and controllers. When combined with the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for automotive components and advanced battery cells launched in 2021, this could substantially boost India's e-truck manufacturing ecosystem. India is the world's third-largest trucking market and the seventh-largest truck exporter. As global markets transition to electric freight, domestic capacity building will be essential to maintain India's competitiveness, create jobs, and ensure long-term value creation. 4. Improved logistics efficiency and reduced fuel dependency In recent years, India's logistics costs were estimated at around 14 per cent of gross domestic product—higher than the global average. About 70 per cent of freight moves via road, and fuel expenses are a substantial share of transport costs. By reducing fuel dependency, e-trucks can improve logistics cost as a share of gross domestic product and contribute to energy security. Moreover, transport contributes 14 per cent to India's total greenhouse gas emissions, and MHDTs are 40 per cent of that share. Electrifying this segment is therefore not just economically beneficial but also an environmental imperative. The PM E-DRIVE scheme is a vital first step in transitioning India's trucking sector towards a clean and atma-nirbhar (self-reliant) future. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has now addressed this long-overlooked segment and laid the foundation for systemic change. And it is only the beginning. For the transition to scale, the next frontiers include investing in nationwide charging infrastructure, facilitating access to affordable financing for fleet operators, and establishing long-term regulatory pathways. An important complementary step would be a swift rollout of the proposed fuel efficiency standards for MHDTs by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, as such standards help level the playing field and drive faster adoption. The question is no longer if India will electrify its trucking fleet, but how fast it can lead the global charge. With the right mix of policies, industry collaboration, and public investment, India can set a benchmark for sustainable freight in the 21st century.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
30 New E-Buses Remain Idle As Charging Infra Not Ready
1 2 3 Nagpur: Even as Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has inducted 30 new air-conditioned electric buses into its Aapli Bus fleet on June 22 with much fanfare in the presence of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, the vehicles remain idle due to absence of charging infrastructure. These buses are part of the long-pending 250 e-bus project sanctioned by Fadnavis in 2023. Though delivered by Hansa Vahan India Pvt Ltd, which is implementing the project in partnership with Pune-based EKA Mobility, the firm's permanent charging depot at Wathoda is still under construction and will take another four to six months to become operational. To avoid further delay in deploying the new buses, the firm has approached existing Aapli Bus operators — EV Trans and PMI Electro Mobility — for temporary access to at least three charging points each at either their Wadi or Lakadganj depots. NMC has also temporarily allotted space at Matrushakti E-Depot in Lakadganj for setting up provisional charging stations. The arrival of these 30 e-buses increases Nagpur's electric bus fleet from 230 to 260, and the overall Aapli Bus fleet to 539, including 150 midi buses, 45 mini buses, and 237 standard diesel buses procured under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) scheme. Many of the diesel buses have already crossed their 15-year lifespan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like "밤새 나던 종아리 쥐가 사라졌어요!', 막힌 혈관 찌꺼기 싹~ 청소한 "이것.' 대박이네!! 카이스트 건강비결 더 알아보기 Undo In the first phase, NMC scrapped 123 such buses and plans to phase out more as new electric buses arrive. The goal is to gradually replace the ageing fleet with zero-emission alternatives. The Rs550 crore electric bus project faced multiple delays on account of several factors, including the enforcement of model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. The project gained traction only in 2024 after NMC awarded the contract to Hansa Vahan. In addition, NMC expects the first batch of 150 e-buses under Pradhan Mantri e-Bus Sewa scheme to arrive next month and has sent a proposal for another 240 e-buses. "We aim to fully electrify the city's public transport fleet by 2029," a senior official said.
The Hindu
24-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
VMC council meet sees heated discussion on drinking water needs, drainage works in Vijayawada
A heated discussion on the status of Budameru retaining wall, incomplete drainage works, stormwater drain project, drinking water needs of JAMAC society and the alleged lackadaisical attitude of corporation authorities to various issues marked the beginning of the day-long Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC)'s general council meeting here on Tuesday. The council meeting, which was scheduled to be held on June 13, was postponed in view of the Ahmedabad airplane crash on June 12. On Tuesday, the corporators and Mayor R. Bhagyalakshmi began the meeting with the question hour after observing a two-minute silence for the victims of airplane crash, Pahalgam terror attack and for a former corporator who died recently. During the question hour, only five of 19 questions were discussed. The five pertained to CPI(M) Floor Leader B. Satya Babu's questions on why houses constructed under the scheme of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission have not been allotted to beneficiaries yet, status of work on Budameru retaining wall and stormwater drain project and TDP corporator Ummadi Venkateswara Rao's questions on what the corporation has done so far to ensure that the drainage and drinking pipelines are not mixed. Many corporators pointed out that many residents have complained to them about the discolouration of water, drainage water entering houses, water-logging issues, and demanded answers from the corporation officials on these subjects. The Mayor instructed the corporation officials to ensure that work on the Budameru retaining wall is expedited. Later, during a discussion on the issue of drinking water for the residents of Jawahar Autonagar Mutually Aided Consumer (JAMAC) Cooperative Stores Ltd. Housing Complex, near Autonagar in the city, a war of words broke out between corporators of Telugu Desam Party and YSRCP. Later, the TDP corporators led a noisy protest for a while, holding their water bottles. Residents of the housing complex, are dependent on borewells for their drinking water needs, and many have complained of health problems, they said. The TDP corporators questioned as to why they should not be given drinking water through the corporation. After warnings from the Mayor, the corporators went back to their seats. There were lengthy discussions on the subjects of quality of water at Head Water Works and property tax as well. Many corporators expressed discontent that the corporation officials did not respond to their queries. Out of the 156 points mentioned in the agenda, most of them were presented in the meeting and the important ones were discussed. Later, while speaking to mediapersons, Mr. Satya Babu, who walked to the council meeting holding a placard, said the NDA government, which came to power promising to undo the wrongs the previous government did, has betrayed the people of Vijayawada. He questioned why it has not released funds for the development of the city.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
30 new AC e-buses roll in, Aapli Bus EV fleet to grow to 260
1 2 Nagpur: The city's push towards cleaner and greener public transport is gaining pace, with 30 new air-conditioned electric buses arriving this week under the much-delayed 250 e-bus project sanctioned in 2023 by then deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. These buses will soon be inducted into the Aapli Bus service, increasing the electric vehcile fleet from 230 to 260. The Aapli Bus fleet now comprises a total of 539 buses, including 150 midi buses, 45 mini buses, and 237 standard diesel buses procured under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). Out of the 230 electric midi buses already in service, 184 are air-conditioned while 46 are non-AC. Many of the 237 standard diesel buses have surpassed their 15-year lifespan. Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has already begun phasing them out. In the first phase, 123 such ageing buses were scrapped, and more are expected to be replaced gradually as electric buses arrive. In 2023, Fadnavis sanctioned Rs136 crore for the procurement of 250 AC e-buses. However, the project was marred by delays, including the enforcement of the model code of conduct during the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Costco Shoppers Say This Wrinkle Cream Is "Actually Worth It" The Skincare Magazine Undo The Rs550 crore project finally gained traction in 2024 when NMC awarded the contract to Hansa Vahan India Private Limited, which partnered with EKA Mobility for the execution. "NMC twice floated tenders for this project. Hyderabad-based Olectra and Nagpur-based Hansa Vahan India Pvt Ltd emerged as top contenders. Hansa's competitive bid of Rs62.84 per km was significantly lower than Olectra's Rs77.91, leading to the selection of the local firm. NMC issued the Letter of Award on October 11, 2023, and gave the firm 300 days to supply and operate all 250 buses," said a senior transport official. As per the Request for Proposal (RFP), the selected contractor is to operate the 250 air-conditioned electric buses under this scheme at a cost of Rs62.91 per kilometre. The state govt is offering a subsidy of Rs55 lakh per bus, while the remaining cost will be borne by the operator. NMC will pay the operator based on the kilometres operated. The official added that NMC has already received the first lot of 30 e-buses from the company. Construction of depots is underway at Wathoda and Khapri. Meanwhile, the company has been temporarily allotted space at the Matrishakti E-Depot in Lakadganj for setting up a charging station, allowing it to begin operations while permanent infrastructure is developed. In addition, the civic body is expecting the first lot of e-buses next month as part of the 150 sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri e-Bus Sewa scheme. Besides this, NMC has also sent a proposal to the PMe-Bus Sewa scheme to allocate another 240 e-buses. "By next year, NMC plans to phase out the remaining JNNURM standard buses. By 2029, our target is to convert the entire city fleet to electric, achieving zero emissions in public transport operations," the official said.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
NMC seeks 240 more e-buses, begins scrapping old fleet
In a major push for sustainable public transport , the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) submitted a proposal to Maharashtra govt seeking 240 additional electric buses under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme . This move coincides with civic body's phased scrapping of 237 old diesel-run buses procured over a decade ago under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). In a letter to urban development department, municipal commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari requested 140 standard 12-metre electric AC buses and 100 midi 9-metre electric AC buses. The proposal follows a directive from the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs (MoHUA), which invited cities to indicate if they require additional electric alternatives under the central scheme. Earlier, NMC was allotted 150 electric buses under the scheme and is now looking to further bolster its clean-energy fleet. The civic body highlighted its preparedness to handle the additional buses, pointing to progress in building depot charging infrastructure and back-end power systems essential for electric operations. Confirming the development, Aapli Bus administrative officer Sonam Deshmukh said the detailed proposal, including technical specifications, infrastructure plans, and required undertakings, was submitted to the state-level steering committee for approval. "The expansion is expected to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and enhance daily commuting experience through quieter and more reliable transport," she said. NMC previously owned 539 buses, including 237 sanctioned under JNNURM. These are being phased out in two stages: the first phase involves auctioning 123 buses, followed by another 114 in the second phase. Currently, NMC operates 150 midi, 45 mini, and 230 electric buses. Of the electric fleet, 184 are AC buses and 46 are non-AC. These buses run on 129 routes with an average of 6,209 daily trips, covering nearly one lakh kilometres and serving around 1.17 lakh commuters each day. This year, another 400 AC electric buses will be added to the Aapli Bus fleet—250 from the state govt and 150 under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme. The first batch of 40 centrally sanctioned buses is expected to arrive starting July. Depots for these buses are being developed at Koradi and Khapri, while infrastructure for the 250 state-allotted buses is under construction at Wathoda.
