Lucknow: Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Friday said that the launch of Ashok Leyland’s electric bus manufacturing plant in Uttar Pradesh marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards net-zero carbon emissions, sustainable mobility, and self-reliant manufacturing. Addressing the inaugural ceremony at Sarojininagar, Lucknow, the Minister lauded Uttar Pradesh’s infrastructure growth and its emergence as a key hub for India’s transport and industrial ecosystem.
Uttar Pradesh Emerges as a Transport and Infrastructure Hub
Highlighting the transformation of Uttar Pradesh, Kumaraswamy said the state today hosts India’s largest expressway and railway network, reflecting extensive infrastructure reforms over recent years. He noted that the establishment of the electric bus manufacturing facility in Lucknow is not only a landmark moment for Ashok Leyland but also a historic step for India’s green mobility ambitions.
“The launch of this plant aligns perfectly with the country’s broader vision of sustainable development and industrial growth,” he said.
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PM Modi’s Vision for Net-Zero and Atmanirbhar Bharat
The Union Minister emphasized that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has prepared an ambitious and well-defined roadmap to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. He said the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives are being aggressively strengthened, particularly in the advanced manufacturing sector, which will shape India’s industrial future.
According to Kumaraswamy, electric mobility forms a core pillar of this vision, as it addresses climate change while also strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Government Push for Electric Vehicles
Kumaraswamy detailed several flagship initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Heavy Industries to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles across the country:
FAME-II Scheme:
With an outlay of ₹11,500 crore, the scheme has played a pivotal role in boosting EV adoption. So far, over 16.71 lakh electric vehicles have been deployed on Indian roads, and more than 9,000 public charging stations have been sanctioned nationwide.
PM e-DRIVE Scheme:
Continuing the momentum, the PM e-DRIVE scheme, with an allocation of ₹10,900 crore, provides sustained incentives for EV adoption. Under this scheme, over 20 lakh electric vehicles have been sold so far.
Strengthening the Auto and Battery Manufacturing Ecosystem
The Minister said that to further strengthen India’s automobile sector, the government has implemented the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Auto Scheme, with a total outlay of ₹25,938 crore, mandating domestic value addition and promoting advanced automotive technologies.
He also highlighted the PLI Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Scheme, with an outlay of ₹18,100 crore, which aims to create 50 GWh of battery manufacturing capacity in India—an essential step towards energy security and EV self-sufficiency.
Boost to Indigenous Manufacturing of Critical Components
Kumaraswamy referred to the recently approved REPM (Rare Earth Permanent Magnet) Scheme, cleared by the Union Cabinet under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, with a budgetary outlay of ₹70,280 crore.
The scheme seeks to promote indigenous manufacturing of sintered rare earth permanent magnets, which are critical for:
- Electric vehicles
- Wind energy systems
- Defence equipment
- Electronics and advanced technologies
This move is expected to reduce import dependence and strengthen India’s strategic manufacturing base.
Focus on Commercial Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure
The Union Minister stressed that commercial vehicles account for over 40% of transport-related pollution, making this segment crucial for India’s clean mobility transition.
Keeping this in mind, the government has earmarked ₹2,000 crore under the PM e-DRIVE scheme for setting up more than 70,000 electric vehicle charging stations across the country. This nationwide charging network is expected to remove range anxiety and significantly accelerate EV adoption.
Ashok Leyland’s Record-Time Achievement
Praising Ashok Leyland, Kumaraswamy said the company has set a new benchmark by establishing a state-of-the-art electric bus manufacturing facility in just 18 months. He described the project as a testament to India’s improving ease of doing business and the synergy between industry and government.
“This facility reflects India’s commitment to clean mobility, domestic manufacturing, and technological advancement,” he added.
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