Indian Army To Go Green With Electric Bus Initiative; 114 E-Buses To Be Procured For Troops Movement

In a significant move towards the government's green initiatives, the Indian Army is set to procure 114 electric buses for troop transportation. These 40-seater buses, which boast an endurance of 250 kilometers, are intended primarily for deployment in plains and semi-hilly areas and are currently undergoing trials for procurement.

This initiative of the Indian Army aligns with the Government of India's directive on zero carbon emissions and marks a pivotal moment in the Indian Armed Forces' journey towards eco-friendly transportation solutions. By the end of 2025, the army plans to introduce about 60-70 electric buses, 400 electric cars, and 425 electric motorcycles across 30 stations and 150 establishments.

Officials in the Indian Army said," This shift towards electric buses will not only foster innovation within the defence sector but also set a precedent for other government agencies and industries to follow. From the battlefield to the forefront of eco-conscious initiatives, the Indian Armed Forces are paving the way for a greener future where national security and environmental stewardship go hand in hand,".

Indian Army Pioneers Sustainable Practices to Combat Climate Change

Key green initiatives include solid waste management, the induction of electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell technology, and the construction of the new Thal Sena Bhawan adhering to green norms.

Solid Waste Management: The Indian Army has launched an initiative of waste segregation at source, promoting recycling and composting, and utilising eco-friendly disposal methods. The "Apashisht Mukt Sainya Abhiyan" (AMSA), launched in October 2023, aims to make the army landfill-free by March 2027, ensuring compliance with the Government of India's Solid Waste Management Rules 2016. This initiative involves an investment of approximately 550 crores across all military stations.

New Thal Sena Bhawan: The construction of the new Thal Sena Bhawan demonstrates the Indian Army’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure as it will incorporate green building principles such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management. The use of sustainable materials and innovative technologies, including fly ash bricks, tree transplantation, solar energy harnessing, rainwater harvesting, and solid waste treatment to generate compost, will minimise the environmental impact.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology: The Indian Army, on March 21, 2023, became the first government entity to sign an MoU with NTPC Renewable Energy Limited for green hydrogen-based microgrid power plants. A pilot project at Chushul will provide clean electricity to troops. On May 27, 2024, an MoU with IOCL introduced a hydrogen fuel cell bus, underscoring innovation in sustainable transport solutions.

Solarisation: The Indian Army has completed around 70 solar projects, generating a cumulative capacity of approximately 85 MW. Solar power plants have been installed even at the high-altitude Siachen Glacier, with plans underway to install large solar projects on vacant defence land with assistance from NEEPCO and NTPC.

Afforestation Drives: In celebration of India’s 75th Independence Day, the Indian Army undertook large-scale afforestation drives at all military stations. Over the past two years, more than 1.35 million trees have been planted using traditional and scientific techniques like ‘Miyawaki.’