Lucknow, Sep 16 (Representative) Ashok Leyland, one of the leading manufacturers of commercial vehicles, on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Uttar Pradesh government to set up an electric bus manufacturing unit in the state. The MoU was signed between Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner (IIDC) Manoj Kumar Singh and Managing Director and CEO of Ashok Leyland Shenu Agarwal in a programme organised in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.Welcoming Ashok Leyland on the special occasion, the CM said that today is a historic milestone for the people of UP. He said that it was surprising that Ashok Leyland had not yet had a presence in a state like UP, which has a huge population of 25 to 30 crore and is the largest youth capital in the country. He said that the state government is committed to providing security and facilities to all its investors. He said that the industrial groups that used to avoid coming here until six years ago are now expanding their establishments after coming here. The CM said that Ashok Leyland’s decision to invest in UP is timely and the entire Hinduja Group will benefit from it. He said that this step by Ashok Leyland aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, where the country is determined to reduce dependence on traditional fuel options.He said that the UP government is eager to attract investment from the private sector in line with the net zero emission. “Reducing emissions through cleaner public and freight transportation is an important step in that direction.
The government is working continuously on the manufacturing and operation of electric vehicles. The administration had also issued state policies in this regard,” he said.Yogi said, “Today, most of the EVs are registered in UP and efforts are underway to develop more charging stations. Electric vehicles are being incorporated into the UPSRTC fleet and the EVs are being operated in various cities. “Chairman of Ashok Leyland Dheeraj Hinduja said that this year, Ashok Leyland is celebrating its 75th anniversary. “Signing the MoU with the UP government to set up a manufacturing plant in the state expresses our commitment to shape it,” he said. He further highlighted that the administrative environment in UP is conducive to the development of industries, and the company is eager to take full advantage of it. Providing details about the activities before the MoU signing, the Chairman, mentioned that for the first time, discussion regarding investment with UP took place this year on August 10 and today it is September 15. The Chairman said that everything was finalised within a mere 36 days. He said that if work is carried out efficiently, just like CM Yogi’s team in other states as well, it will significantly transform the industrial landscape. The Chairman expressed his gratitude to CM Yogi and his entire team for their quick decisions. He also praised the state government, stating that under the guidance of the CM, UP has become a dynamic state today. Giving information about the proposed unit, Hinduja said that this new unit in UP will start in the next 18 months. He informed that the work on various dimensions of e-mobility will be done in the state in a phased manner.
He said that they are working on a plan to convert their entire fleet of diesel buses and commercial vehicles into electric and other alternative fuels in the coming years.Minister for Industrial Development of UP Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’ said that Ashok Leyland’s decision to establish a unit in the state will further enhance the strength of the company. He said that this will create additional employment opportunities for our youth, thereby improving their skills and strengthening the overall economy of the region. As a part of the MoU, Ashok Leyland will set up an integrated commercial vehicle bus manufacturing plant in UP focused on e-mobility. This will be Ashok Leyland’s first plant in the state.Under this partnership, Ashok Leyland will primarily concentrate on the production of electric buses, while also having the facility to assemble other vehicles operated by currently available fuel alongside emerging alternative fuels.