In a landmark move for India’s maritime sector, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, today inaugurated the country’s first fleet of electric heavy-duty trucks equipped with swappable batteries at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA). This initiative positions JNPA at the forefront of green port operations, underscoring the government’s commitment to more sustainable, efficient logistics.
The initial deployment includes 50 electric heavy trucks, with plans to scale up to 80 trucks by the end of 2025. JNPA aims to electrify about 90% of its internal heavy truck fleet, which is approximately 600 vehicles, by December 2026. Alongside this, a heavy-duty battery swapping station has been installed to facilitate rapid turnarounds, reducing downtime and enabling continuous operations of the fleet.
Beyond operational gains, the environmental benefits are significant. The electrification of JNPA’s truck operations is expected to lower carbon emissions, reduce noise and particulate pollution, and contribute to India’s broader targets, including the net-zero emissions goal by 2070 and the objectives laid out under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP).
Strategic partnerships are also part of the framework for this initiative. JNPA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Isaac Centre for Public Policy (ICPP), Ashoka University, to develop a tariff benchmarking framework for ports. This is intended to increase transparency and improve operational efficiency across port activities.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Sonowal emphasized that this EV fleet marks a significant stride in India’s move toward sustainable and technologically advanced logistics. He noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the maritime sector is not only aligning with global sustainability norms but is also emerging as a trendsetter in eco-friendly and efficient operations.
Looking ahead, JNPA’s deployment is expected to serve as a benchmark for other ports across India. The success of this fleet—with its swappable battery tech—could pave the way for green logistics and set new standards in port operations, helping accelerate India’s transition to cleaner modes of transportation and more sustainable supply chains.
