The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) hosted a high-level roundtable discussion focused on ‘Building Last Mile Connectivity: Flexible, Affordable, Sustainable Solutions’ to chart a path towards a more inclusive and sustainable mobility ecosystem in India. 

The discussion brought together leaders from various sectors, including policymakers, aggregators and think tanks, and deliberated on the opportunities and problems associated with improving last-mile connectivity, with a focus on smart mobility solutions like bike taxis and the function of public-private partnerships in doing so. During the conversation, participants emphasised how smart mobility solutions may create jobs, lessen traffic and cut down on pollution. The panel also covered the significance of sustainability in the design of future transport networks and underlined the necessity of laws that guarantee the creation of livelihoods while promoting the green transition.

Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest via video conference. The panel featured Mahmood Ahmed, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Roads, Transport and Highways; Surendra Ahirwar, Joint Secretary, DPIIT; Sudhendu Sinha, Advisor, Mobility, NITI Ayog; and Mike Orgill, Head of Public Policy, Asia-Pacific, Uber.

Aggregators like Shadowfax, Rapido and Uber discussed the difficulties experienced by bike taxi drivers in the conversation. The main obstacle has been the absence of commercially viable two-wheelers that can offer bike taxi operators a safe and reasonably priced substitute for ICE motorbikes. They also mentioned that one of their main concerns was the difference in the electrification timeframe between delivery service providers and passenger transport.

Malhotra noted that new-age mobility solutions that enable affordable travel, like app-based on-demand bike taxis and auto rides, are emerging as popular choices among commuters today and are increasingly playing a pivotal role in improving first- and last-mile connectivity. He emphasised the importance of government and private sector collaboration in improving last-mile connectivity for passengers and businesses alike. In order to reach India's goal of Net Zero by 2070, he also emphasised the importance of the transport sector in the country's clean energy transformation. "Thoughtful partnerships between the public and private sectors in this space that guarantee smooth last-mile travel can help alleviate traffic congestion and generate employment opportunities for millions of people," stated Malhotra.

TI Clean Mobility, part of the Murugappa Group, has appointed Jalaj Gupta as the new Managing Director.  

The auto industry veteran in his last position was the Business Head for Commercial Vehicles at Mahindra Group. He has around 29 years of experience in the automotive industry with expertise in business strategy, product development, sales, marketing, and vendor management.

Gupta an alumnus of Punjabi University and IMT Ghaziabad has also held leadership roles at Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland.

Prior to Gupta, TI Clean Mobility was led by Kalyan Kumar Paul, who served as the Managing Director with over 30-years of career with Tube Investments of India (TII) Group, which is part of the Murugappa Group. Paul had retired from the company in October 2024.

TI Clean Mobility, the electric vehicle business of the Murugappa Group, currently sells electric three-wheelers under the Montra brand and is also set to enter the electric small commercial vehicle (e-SCV) and electric tractor space. 

Mumbai-based automotive major Mahindra has unveiled the teaser sketches of its upcoming electric origin SUVs – the BE 6e and XEV 9e ahead of the November 26 debut.

Based on the Heartcore design philosophy, the BE 6e and XV 9e are completely new pure electric vehicles designed by the company, which it believes will disrupt the passenger vehicle segment.

The company is betting big on the upcoming EVs as they encapsulate dynamic styling, premium materials, and progressive proportions.

Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “Heartcore Design is about creating an emotional bond with our customers through design. Prepare to fall in love with our Electric Origin SUVs.”

Montra Electric, a brand owned by Tl Clean Mobility Pvt Ltd, has praised the Government of India for the continuation of subsidy support for the electrification of last-mile mobility under the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme.

Roy Kurian, Business Head, Montra Electric (Last Mile Division), said, “Montra Electric sincerely thanks the Ministry of Heavy Industry, Govt of India for ensuring continuity of the subsidy support to last-mile mobility. This crucial support will help the industry navigate challenges and further speed up the shift to electric last-mile solutions.”

The PM E-DRIVE Scheme was launched on 29 September 2024. The scheme was put into effect on 1 October 2024 and will continue until 31 March 2026. Furthermore, EMPS-2024, the number of vehicles and the spending under EMPS-2024 for e-2w and e-3w being implemented from 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024 are being subsumed under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme; hence, the scheme's effective time will be two years.

Pure EV, one of India's leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers, has entered into a strategic partnership with Arva Electric Vehicles Manufacturing LLC, a subsidiary of Clarion Investment LLC, with an aim to expand its presence across the Middle East and African regions.

Under the terms of the agreement, Pure EV will provide Arva Electric with a first shipment of 50,000 of its flagship models, the eTryst X and ecoDryft, over the next couple of years. Pure EV's position in these developing markets is anticipated to be cemented when the supply rises to 60,000 units per year after this initial phase. Pure EV will be Arva Electric's key technology partner in addition to supplying motorcycles, offering knowledge and assistance all the way through the distribution process. Pure EV will uphold all intellectual property rights pertaining to the bikes in order to safeguard unique technology as they increase their market share.

Dr Nishanth Dongari, Founder and Managing Director, Pure EV, said, “Our commitment to innovation and user experience ensures that we provide market-ready offerings and meet the growing demand for electric mobility solutions. This partnership not only aims to enhance sales but also to foster sustainable mobility solutions in regions where electric motorcycles are rapidly gaining traction, marking a significant step towards expanding our footprint in Middle East and African markets. By leveraging our strengths and capabilities together with Arva Electric, we are poised to make a significant impact on the electric vehicle landscape globally.”

Aniyan Kutty, Managing Director, Arva Electric Vehicles Manufacturing LLC, said, “We are pleased to partner with Pure EV, as their expertise in R&D and cutting-edge technology helps in building efficient and reliable 2W products. Both the companies are committed to promoting eco-friendly mobility solutions with an aim to reduce carbon emissions and support environmental sustainability in these regions.”