Dealers & Services
More
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has taken a big step towards green logistics. On Thursday, the port flagged off India’s first electric heavy truck fleet at the Nhava Sheva Distribution Terminal. With this launch, JNPA has also introduced swappable battery technology for heavy trucks, which is a first for Indian ports.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, flagged off the first 50 electric heavy trucks during the event. The ceremony also saw the presence of R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairperson of JNPA.
With this step, JNPA has now become the largest operator of electric truck fleets among Indian ports. In addition, the port has also set up a dedicated heavy-duty battery swapping station to ensure smooth fleet operations.
JNPA has planned to expand the electric truck fleet to 80 vehicles by the end of this year. Moreover, the port aims to convert 90% of its internal heavy truck fleet about 600 commercial vehicles into electric by December 2026. This goal reflects JNPA’s strong focus on sustainable growth and clean energy adoption.
Speaking at the event, Sonowal said, “When JNPA takes a step to electrify its logistics fleet, it sends a strong message. Our ports are ready to embrace the future and set benchmarks for sustainability, efficiency, and innovation.”
The move supports India’s larger sustainability targets. Perhaps most importantly, it aligns with the country’s net-zero commitment by 2070 and the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan.
JNPA handles nearly half of India’s container trade. Therefore, this electric truck deployment is seen as a key proof point for the nation’s logistics transformation under the PM Gati Shakti initiative and National Logistics Policy.
As part of the event, JNPA also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Isaac Centre for Public Policy at Ashoka University, Delhi. This partnership will help create a reference framework for port authorities. It will guide how to determine tariffs from cost and benchmarking perspectives across different cargo categories.
Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairperson of JNPA, described the launch as “a leap towards a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future for port operations.” He also underlined that the port is committed to balancing economic growth with ecological responsibility.
The deployment of these electric trucks will reduce carbon emissions, noise pollution, and dust within the port area. In addition, it will set an example for other major and minor ports in India to follow.
The electric truck initiative supports the Government of India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Green Ports program. Furthermore, it shows how ports can become leaders in sustainable operations.
In recent months, JNPA has earned global recognition, ranking among the top 25 ports in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index. The port has also set new records in container handling and continues to focus on projects related to special economic zones, digitalization, and renewable energy.
JNPA’s move to introduce electric heavy trucks with swappable batteries is more than just a fleet upgrade. It is a bold step that highlights India’s commitment to greener logistics, cleaner operations, and future-ready ports. With plans to electrify 90% of its heavy truck fleet by 2026, JNPA is showing the way for sustainable port operations across the country.
☞ Facebook - https://bit.ly/TruckFB
☞ Instagram - https://bit.ly/TruckInsta
☞ YouTube - https://bit.ly/TruckYT
