Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), India’s largest container port, has flagged off a new fleet of electric trucks at the Nhava Sheva Distribution Terminal, marking a major stride in its commitment to green logistics and sustainable operations. This initiative is part of JNPA’s broader push toward decarbonisation and energy transition in the maritime and logistics sectors, aiming to lower emissions and boost operational efficiency.
During the ceremony, JNPA also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Isaac Centre for Public Policy (ICPP) at Ashoka University, Delhi. The MoU outlines the creation of a Logistics Cost Index — a reference framework that will help port authorities determine tariffs based on both cost and port benchmarking across different cargo types and commodities.
Speaking at the event, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, stated: “JNPA’s move to electrify its logistics fleet sends a powerful message — that India’s ports are not only ready to embrace the future but also lead the way in sustainability, efficiency, and innovation. Across the country, ports are advancing with solar and wind projects, LNG and hydrogen infrastructure, and electrification of cargo handling — step by step, we’re setting new global standards.”
He also praised JNPA’s recent accomplishments, including its ranking among the Top 25 Ports globally in the World Bank’s CPPI index, record-breaking container handling, and progress in SEZ development, digitalisation, and green energy, calling today’s launch “another jewel in its crown of achievements.”
The launch of JNPA’s new electric truck fleet holds major national significance, as the port—handling nearly half of India’s container trade—takes a leading role in redefining sustainable logistics. This move is a key example of India’s logistics transformation under PM Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy (NLP), directly supporting the country’s energy transition goals and 2070 net-zero target.
By integrating electric trucks into its high-throughput port operations, JNPA aligns with the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP), promoting large-scale commercial EV adoption. The initiative aims to reduce operational emissions, particulate pollution, and noise within the port environment while offering a replicable model for other ports—both major and minor—to adopt EVs for cargo handling and last-mile logistics.
Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairperson of JNPA and CMD of Vadhavan Port and Logistics Ltd. (VPLL), remarked: “The launch of this EV truck fleet is not just an incremental upgrade—it marks a transformative shift towards cleaner, greener, and more resilient port operations. As stewards of India’s largest container port, we have a responsibility to adopt innovations that fuse economic growth with environmental accountability. These trucks signal the start of a new era where sustainability is at the core of progress.”
The ceremony further highlights JNPA’s commitment to the Government of India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Green Ports initiative. With this step, JNPA continues to lead the way in environmentally responsible port-led development, setting new standards in operational excellence and ecological stewardship.
