Union Heavy Industries and Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has underscored electric mobility as a critical pillar of India’s strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, stating that large-scale electrification of the transport sector is essential for reducing carbon emissions and enabling sustainable growth.
Addressing the inauguration of Ashok Leyland’s electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Lucknow, Kumaraswamy said the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) aligns with the government’s broader climate action roadmap under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that lowering dependence on fossil fuels and curbing transport-related emissions remain central objectives of this shift.
Kumaraswamy highlighted that electric mobility is not only an environmental imperative but also a significant opportunity for domestic industry, innovation and employment generation. He said the push for EVs strengthens the vision of an “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” by promoting advanced manufacturing and local value creation.
Detailing policy support, the minister pointed to the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME-II) programme, with an outlay of about ₹11,500 crore, which has facilitated the deployment of more than 16.7 lakh EVs and sanctioned over 9,000 public charging stations across the country. He also cited the PM e-Drive scheme, backed by around ₹10,900 crore, aimed at boosting EV demand incentives, expanding charging infrastructure, promoting electric buses and e-ambulances, and supporting wider electrification, under which over 20 lakh EVs have been sold so far.
In addition, Kumaraswamy referred to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for the automobile sector and advanced battery manufacturing. These include the ₹25,958 crore PLI Auto Scheme and the ₹18,100 crore PLI Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) scheme, designed to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities, particularly in battery technologies critical to clean mobility.
Emphasising the need to address emissions from heavier vehicles and freight transport, which account for a large share of transport-related pollution, the minister said the Ministry of Heavy Industries has allocated funds to expand EV charging infrastructure, with plans to install more than 70,000 charging stations nationwide.
The newly inaugurated Lucknow facility, completed in a record timeframe, will focus on manufacturing electric buses, illustrating how investments in domestic EV production can align industrial development with national climate goals.
Overall, Kumaraswamy said electric mobility will remain central to India’s efforts to build a cleaner transport system, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen energy security and support long-term economic growth on the path to net-zero by 2070.
