New Delhi, December, 2023.
In the midst of India’s urbanisation and a growing focus on sustainable mobility, the shift towards cleaner transportation options has become crucial. With the country moving towards electric and hydrogen cell-based vehicles, there’s a pressing need for an interim solution to reduce emissions. Natural gas, recognised as a ‘transition fuel,’ serves as an ideal bridge. Tata Motors, India’s leading automobile company, is actively contributing to the development of natural gas-powered vehicles. Leveraging their expertise and commitment to innovation, Tata Motors is playing a pivotal role in shaping the transition to sustainable transportation in India.
A Niti Aayog report projects a fourfold increase in trucks on Indian roads by 2050, emphasising the need for a transition to natural gas-based fuels. This shift is critical for environmental, public health and economic sustainability in the Commercial Vehicle industry. India, dedicated to emission reduction and energy security, actively promotes Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). CNG offers economic advantages, potentially reducing India’s crude oil import bill. Dedicated to innovation and sustainable transportation solutions, Tata Motors plays a crucial role in promoting the adoption of CNG in the commercial vehicle sector, in line with India’s aspirations for a more environmentally friendly and efficient transportation system. As per reports, Rajasthan has more than 250CNG stations, contributing to the widespread accessibility of cleaner fuel options.
India strategically invests in its natural gas infrastructure to support this transition, with plans for 17,000 operational CNG stations by 2030. National initiatives like the gas grid, additional LNG terminals and the SATAT scheme for bio-CNG aim to broaden natural gas access. Incentives such as tax credits and subsidies encourage the adoption of gas-based vehicles. The Government’s approval of a new natural gas pricing mechanism further enhances CNG affordability compared to petrol and diesel, marking a significant step in India’s sustainable transportation journey.
Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Vice President &Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motorsstated that“At Tata Motors, we are at the forefront of the transition to sustainable fuels. With our wide range of CNG-powered commercial vehicles and our commitment to achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2045, we are leading the charge in sustainable logistics. Our showcase of natural gas, electricand hydrogen options at Auto Expo 2023 demonstrates our dedication to shaping the future of transportation. As the demand for CNG-powered vehicles rises, driven by favorable operating economics and increasing availability, we are confident that natural gas will play a crucial role in the industry’s journey towards zero-emission vehicles. Together, we are driving towards a greener and more efficient future.”