Jammu is at the forefront of a transformative shift in urban mobility, charting a bold and commendable path toward a greener, more sustainable future. Under the aegis of the Jammu Smart City Mission, we are integrating electric mobility solutions—e-Buses, e-Autos, e-Rickshaws, and a Public Bicycle Sharing System (PBSS)—into the city’s fabric to redefine how citizens move through urban space.
This revolution is not only about upgrading public transport infrastructure. It is about addressing pressing environmental concerns, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing the quality of life for every resident. As someone directly involved in this transition, I can confidently say that Jammu is setting a powerful example for cities across India.
Pioneering Climate-Aligned Public Transport
The centerpiece of this transformation is the Jammu e-Bus Project. The introduction of zero-emission e-Buses is a major milestone in reducing our city’s dependence on fossil fuels. These vehicles significantly cut down greenhouse gas emissions and offer a clean, quiet, and efficient alternative to conventional buses.
But green mobility doesn’t end there. Our efforts extend to deploying e-Autos and e-Rickshaws, providing reliable last-mile connectivity and easing urban congestion. These vehicles, powered by electricity, are vital components of a larger vision—one that aligns with India’s climate commitments and global environmental goals.
The PBSS is another crucial step, promoting active transport and reducing our carbon footprint further. Encouraging residents to cycle for short trips supports both public health and urban decongestion.
A Collaborative Effort Backed by Government Support
The success of these initiatives reflects strong collaboration between Jammu Smart City Ltd., government departments, private sector partners, and environmental experts. It is a collective effort—and an effective one.
Particularly noteworthy is the proactive support from the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. Through the Green Action Plan, vital Capex and Opex GAP funding was allocated to ensure the financial feasibility of our e-Bus operations. This support has been instrumental in bringing our vision to life.
Equally transformative is the government’s decision to make e-Bus rides free for women. This initiative promotes gender inclusion in public transport, ensuring that clean mobility is accessible to all—without economic barriers.
Leveraging National Schemes for Growth
The impact of national-level support cannot be overstated. Schemes like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME)-II have provided essential incentives to help Jammu expand its electric fleet and charging infrastructure.
Looking ahead, the PM eBus Sewa Scheme under the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is poised to further accelerate our progress. This support will not only enhance the scale of our green mobility infrastructure but also reinforce Jammu’s role as a model for other urban centers.
We eagerly anticipate the arrival of additional electric buses under this scheme—an important step toward our goal of a carbon-neutral Jammu.
Innovative Financing and Carbon Markets
Financial innovation has been a cornerstone of this transformation. By adopting Gross Cost Contracts and reverse auction mechanisms, we’ve ensured cost-effective, transparent procurement and long-term sustainability for our projects.
We are also exploring opportunities in carbon finance. Engaging with Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCM) and leveraging Article 6 of the Paris Agreement allows us to generate revenue through carbon credits, further supporting our green initiatives. This integration of carbon finance not only aligns with our climate goals but also provides a replicable financial model for other cities.
The Road Ahead: Scaling the Green Ecosystem
Our journey is far from over. Jammu’s green mobility strategy continues to evolve with ambitious goals on the horizon:
- Expansion of the e-Bus fleet to cover more routes, especially in underserved urban and peri-urban areas
- Development of robust EV charging infrastructure to support a growing electric vehicle network
- Introduction of electric taxis and shared mobility options for broader citizen access
- Smart City integration, including real-time tracking, intelligent traffic management, and data analytics to improve operational efficiency
These steps are designed to create a scalable, tech-enabled mobility ecosystem that serves both people and the planet.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Urban Sustainability
Jammu’s Green Mobility Revolution is more than a local success story—it’s a working blueprint for urban sustainability in India. With the integration of electric mobility, carbon finance, and inclusive policy, we are creating a public transport system that is efficient, clean, and equitable.
Thanks to continued government support and innovative partnerships, Jammu is not only meeting the challenges of today—it is preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow.
As we continue to build this future, I firmly believe that our experience will inspire and guide other Indian cities in their journey toward climate-resilient, low-carbon urban development.
By Ashish Anand, Senior General Manager, Jammu Smart City Limited
Nodal Officer, Jammu & Kashmir e-Bus Project
