Indian Army signs ₹130 crore deal with JBM Auto for 113 electric buses

Indian Army has signed a contract Rs 130.58 crore with JBM Auto Ltd to purchase 113 electric buses and 43 fast chargers. This agreement, signed on October 17, 2025, is the first major step towards inducting electric buses in the Army.

This initiative supports the government’s PM e-Drive programme, which promotes clean and sustainable mobility.

According to officials, the move will help modernize the army’s transport fleet, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to India’s goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions.

Indian Army signed a contract worth Rs 130.58 crore with M/s JBM Auto Limited for 113 buses (electric) with 43 fast chargers. The first procurement of its kind, this is the Indian Army’s step towards a clean and green environment in conjunction with the PM e-Drive initiative.… pic.twitter.com/7aeqDM7q76

– ANI (@ANI) 17 October 2025

The procurement is classified as Buy to Buy (Indian-IDDM) – Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured – highlighting the Army’s focus on promoting local defense production and pursuing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The electric buses will be deployed across all three services, setting an example for the use of green technology in the defense sector. With this step, the Army moves towards a cleaner, more sustainable and self-reliant future.