In a groundbreaking move for sustainable transportation, the Indian Army has signed a ₹130.58 crore contract with JBM Auto Ltd for the procurement of 113 electric buses and 43 fast chargers. This marks the Army’s first large-scale adoption of electric vehicles, reflecting a growing emphasis on eco-friendly solutions in defense operations. Aligned with the Government of India’s PM E-DRIVE program, this initiative underscores a commitment to clean, efficient, and modern transportation systems. It is expected to significantly reduce the Army’s dependence on fossil fuels while supporting India’s overarching goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

Features of the Electric Bus Fleet

Each electric bus is designed to seat 40 personnel and is engineered to perform in plains and semi-hilly terrains, making them versatile for a wide range of deployment scenarios. With an estimated range of 250 kilometers per charge, these buses are optimized for operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. The inclusion of 43 fast chargers ensures minimal downtime and uninterrupted mobility, allowing the fleet to support the Army’s daily transport needs effectively. By adopting electric buses on this scale, the Army is not only modernizing its fleet but also setting a benchmark for green transformation in the defense sector.

Boosting Domestic Manufacturing and Aatmanirbhar Bharat

The procurement falls under the “Buy (Indian–IDDM)” category—Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured. This highlights the Army’s focus on promoting domestic defense production, advancing the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, and supporting local industry. JBM Auto Ltd, one of India’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, will play a key role in supplying these buses and chargers, demonstrating the growing synergy between defense modernization and domestic technological innovation. By sourcing locally, the Army is reinforcing its commitment to self-reliance in defense capabilities.

Green Technology Across the Three Services

The deployment of electric buses will not be limited to the Army alone. The Indian Navy and Air Force will also integrate these vehicles into their fleets, creating a pan-defense sector shift toward sustainable mobility. Defense officials believe this initiative will serve as a model for future green projects. The move to electric buses has both environmental and operational advantages. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the Army contributes to lowering carbon emissions, which is crucial for meeting India’s climate targets. Operationally, electric buses are quieter, require less maintenance, and reduce fuel costs, which can translate into long-term savings and more efficient troop movement. Soldiers and personnel who commute daily for training, deployment, and administrative purposes stand to benefit from cleaner, more reliable transportation.

Supporting the Government’s PM E-Drive Program

The Indian Army’s initiative is a key contributor to the PM E-Drive program, which promotes electric mobility and sustainable transport across India. The program encourages large-scale adoption of electric vehicles in government fleets, commercial transport, and private sectors to reduce pollution and energy dependency. By participating, the Army is setting a strong example for other government institutions. This first-ever adoption of electric buses by the Indian Army is more than a technological upgrade; it’s a blueprint for sustainable transformation in public sector fleets. The project demonstrates that green technology can be operationally viable, cost-effective, and scalable. It also reinforces the message that environmental sustainability is a national security priority, connecting climate action with strategic defense planning. This project sets a precedent, proving that a cleaner, greener, and self-reliant defense force is not just possible but achievable today.