Page 18 - Construction_Opportunities_January_2026

COVER STORY

Complementing this rise of electric mobility. President and Head of M&HCV, Ashok Leyland. The company’s
Propel Industries unveiled the 4×2 EV Tractor Trailer Truck – the readiness, supported by early adoption of AC cabins in tippers and
470 eTR. Featuring high-capacity lithium-ion battery packs with mining trucks, positions it comfortably ahead of the compliance
up to 350 km range and fast-charging ability that reaches 100% curve. Kumar observed that the industry is well-placed to absorb
in 70 minutes (for the 385 kWh pack), the 470 eTR is engineered the 1–1.5% expected price increase, with financing institutions
for heavy haulage with a powerful 350 kW motor delivering already adjusting their models. He added that Ashok Leyland is
2600 Nm of torque. “This launch marks a going beyond regulatory requirements by integrating performance
momentous stride in EV innovation and AC and HVAC systems, especially suited for extreme climatic
excellence at Propel Industries. More regions. Reflecting on market performance, Kumar acknowledged
than 1,20,000 cumulative hours went a mild 3% degrowth in FY25 but projected lower single-digit growth
into testing of the powertrain and other for FY26, driven by government capex, rising steel and cement
critical components,” said Senthil Kumar, demand, and strong recovery in the bus segment. “The first two
Managing Director. Siddharth Kirtane, months of FY26 have already shown promising volume trends,” he
President – E.V. Business, expanded on its noted, further strengthened by the RBI’s recent interest rate cuts,
mining-focused EV ecosystem: “Our aim which are expected to enhance buying sentiment.
is to tap the rigid dump truck and heavy- Further advancing sustainable heavy freight mobility, Adani
duty truck segment,” noting the company’s Enterprises launched India’s first hydrogen fuel cell truck in May
earlier success with its 45-ton and 60-ton 2025. Developed in collaboration with Indian and international
GVW mining tippers. The 470 eTR also technology partners, the hydrogen-powered truck features three
incorporates advanced safety systems— hydrogen tanks, smart operating systems, and the ability to
ABS, EBS, ESC, HSA, and traction control—alongside telematics carry up to 40 tonnes of cargo over a 200-km range. Flagged
and IoT solutions for real-time monitoring, energy optimization, off in Raipur by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the
and fleet intelligence. truck will initially transport coal from the Gare Pelma III Block to a
As regulatory transitions reshape the commercial vehicle sector, state power plant. “The launch of India’s first hydrogen-powered
Ashok Leyland has proactively aligned truck reflects the state’s commitment to
its manufacturing ecosystem to meet the sustainability,” he said. Dr. Vinay Prakash,
upcoming mandate for air-conditioned CEO – Natural Resources and Director,
cabins across all medium and heavy Adani Enterprises, added, “The initiative
commercial vehicles by October 2025. for hydrogen-powered trucks is a significant
“Currently, all our factories are producing step towards Adani Group’s commitment to
AC cap vehicles,” said Sanjeev Kumar, decarbonization and responsible mining.”

18 CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES|JANUARY 2026