Indian Army Inducts 113 Electric Buses Under PM E-DRIVE Initiative

Indian Army Inducts 113 Electric Buses Under PM E-DRIVE Initiative

Analysis:

1. The Indian Army has inducted 113 electric buses and 43 fast chargers as part of the PM E-DRIVE initiative, marking a major step toward achieving sustainable and eco-friendly mobility within the defence forces.
2. The initiative aligns with the Government’s commitment to a cleaner and greener environment, promoting the adoption of green mobility solutions across all three defence services.
3. The Army signed a contract worth over ₹130 crore with a private company for the procurement and deployment of these electric buses and charging infrastructure.
4. The induction is expected to significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuels, thereby cutting carbon emissions and operational costs.
5. The electric buses are designed for intra-station movement of troops and logistics, offering a quiet, energy-efficient, and pollution-free mode of transportation.
6. The introduction of fast chargers ensures operational efficiency and reduced downtime, enhancing readiness while maintaining environmental sustainability.
7. The initiative also complements the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) and FAME India Scheme, which aim to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles across the country.
8. The Army stated that this step represents the beginning of a larger shift toward sustainable transport solutions within the defence establishment, setting a benchmark for other government departments and institutions.

Static Part:

1. PM E-DRIVE Initiative:
   • A national mission aimed at promoting Electric mobility, Decarbonisation, Renewable energy, Innovation, Vehicle efficiency, and Environment-friendly practices.
   • Objective: To make India a global leader in sustainable transport and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Contract Details:
   • Total Value: ₹130 crore
   • Includes: 113 electric buses and 43 fast chargers
   • Implementing Authority: Indian Army under the Ministry of Defence (MoD)
3. Environmental Impact:
   • Expected reduction in carbon footprint and noise pollution.
   • Promotes India’s goal of achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2070, as announced at COP26.
4. Future Outlook:
   • The Army plans to extend the E-DRIVE initiative to other logistics and operational vehicles.
   • The initiative supports the ‘Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)’ movement, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to encourage sustainable living practices
     
     Updated - October 17, 2025 6:04 PM | News On Air