India’s First Heavy Truck with Swappable Batteries Unveiled. Check Highlights

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) launched India's first fleet of electric heavy trucks with swappable batteries at the Nhava Sheva Distribution Terminal. The port flagged off 50 vehicles as part of a plan to convert 90 percent of its internal truck fleet to electric by December 2026.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the trucks. The event included R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairperson of JNPA. JNPA plans to expand the fleet to 80 trucks by the end of this year. A heavy-duty battery swapping station was opened to support operations.

Sarbananda Sonowal said, "Today, when JNPA takes a decisive step in electrifying its fleet of logistics vehicles, it sends a message that India's ports are ready to embrace the future and pioneer practices that will set benchmarks for sustainability, efficiency, and innovation."

JNPA handles nearly half of India's container trade. The electric trucks are expected to reduce emissions, particulate pollution and noise inside the port. The deployment supports the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan, the PM Gati Shakti initiative, the National Logistics Policy, Maritime India Vision 2030, and the Green Ports initiative.

JNPA signed a memorandum of understanding with the Isaac Centre for Public Policy at Ashoka University, Delhi. The partnership will create a framework for port authorities to set tariffs based on cost and benchmarking across cargo types.

Unmesh Sharad Wagh said, "This launch is a paradigmatic leap towards a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future for port operations."

JNPA ranks among the top 25 ports globally in the World Bank Container Port Performance Index. The port is expanding projects in special economic zones, digitalization, and green energy as part of its sustainability strategy.

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