India Opens First Battery Swap Station for Heavy Trucks

10 Oct 2025 CW Team

The integrated swap-cum-charging facility is located off NH-44 at the Delhi International Cargo Terminal Pvt Ltd (DICT) in Panchi Gujran village, Sonipat, Haryana.

The swappable battery technology allows electric truck batteries to be replaced in just seven minutes — a dramatic improvement over the two hours typically required for conventional charging. This innovation is expected to enhance logistics efficiency, reduce operational costs, and significantly lower carbon emissions.

Speaking at the event, Gadkari urged transporters to transition from diesel and petrol to electric and biofuel alternatives, citing both cost-saving and environmental advantages. “India is moving swiftly towards a diesel-free transport future,” he said, adding that such technologies will play a key role in decarbonising logistics.

Gadkari highlighted ongoing efforts to use agricultural stubble in infrastructure development, citing road projects in Nagpur and Jabalpur as examples. He noted that India aims to produce biofuel from five million tonnes of stubble annually — a move that would reduce pollution and provide new income streams for farmers.

The Minister also spoke about the growing adoption of flex-fuel engines in agricultural machinery and the transformative role of electric vehicle (EV) technology in reshaping India’s transport sector. He pointed out that battery prices have fallen by 50 to 60 per cent in recent years, making EVs increasingly affordable for consumers and businesses alike.

Heavy Industries Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy, who attended the inauguration, described the project as a milestone in India’s clean mobility journey and a step forward in strengthening the nation’s leadership in sustainable transport innovation.

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday inaugurated India’s first battery swapping station for heavy-duty electric trucks, marking a major step towards sustainable and efficient freight transport. The integrated swap-cum-charging facility is located off NH-44 at the Delhi International Cargo Terminal Pvt Ltd (DICT) in Panchi Gujran village, Sonipat, Haryana. The swappable battery technology allows electric truck batteries to be replaced in just seven minutes — a dramatic improvement over the two hours typically required for conventional charging. This innovation is expected to enhance logistics efficiency, reduce operational costs, and significantly lower carbon emissions. Speaking at the event, Gadkari urged transporters to transition from diesel and petrol to electric and biofuel alternatives, citing both cost-saving and environmental advantages. “India is moving swiftly towards a diesel-free transport future,” he said, adding that such technologies will play a key role in decarbonising logistics. Gadkari highlighted ongoing efforts to use agricultural stubble in infrastructure development, citing road projects in Nagpur and Jabalpur as examples. He noted that India aims to produce biofuel from five million tonnes of stubble annually — a move that would reduce pollution and provide new income streams for farmers. The Minister also spoke about the growing adoption of flex-fuel engines in agricultural machinery and the transformative role of electric vehicle (EV) technology in reshaping India’s transport sector. He pointed out that battery prices have fallen by 50 to 60 per cent in recent years, making EVs increasingly affordable for consumers and businesses alike. Heavy Industries Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy, who attended the inauguration, described the project as a milestone in India’s clean mobility journey and a step forward in strengthening the nation’s leadership in sustainable transport innovation.

Real Estate

07 Aug 2026

BXB Estates Sets AED 110 Million Jumeirah Golf Estates Record

BXB Estates has completed an AED 110 million residential transaction at Jumeirah Golf Estates, setting a new sales record for the prestigious Dubai residential community.Negotiated by Alfie Tabrez, Managing Partner of BXB Estates, the deal surpassed the previous record of AED 58 million for a completed ready villa in the development.The six-bedroom residence offers 21,714 sq ft of built-up space on a 15,873-sq-ft plot. It features nine bathrooms, four living lounges, a home office, bar lounge, private cinema and rooftop terrace.The property also includes a dedicated wellness area comprising a ..

Infrastructure Urban

07 Aug 2026

SECR Floats Rs 6,019 Mn EPC Tender For Paradol Nagpur Link

South East Central Railway (SECR) has invited bids for an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to build a new broad gauge single line between Paradol Takeoff Point and Nagpur Road Station in Chhattisgarh. The contract carries an estimated cost of Rs 6,019.0 mn and requires an earnest money deposit of Rs 120.4 mn. The work is framed as an EPC assignment intended to strengthen regional rail infrastructure. The tender, issued under number CAO-C-BSP-26-27-15, specifies a completion period of 730 days and a bid validity of 180 days. Two pre-bid meetings are scheduled for 24 Augu..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Aug 2026

Indian Railways Reports Nine Per Cent Rise In July Freight Loading

Indian Railways handled 141.3 million tonnes (141.3 mn t) of freight in July, marking a rise of nine per cent year on year. Freight loading maintained a positive trajectory across the network compared with the same month last year. Passenger traffic also increased in July, contributing to higher overall network utilisation. The July outcome continued a pattern of steady monthly gains, reflecting gradual improvement in industrial and logistics activity. The growth in freight volumes reflected stronger demand across multiple sectors and improvements in logistics and train turnarounds. Enhanced r..