e-FAST India, an initiative of NITI Aayog, launches PACT to support accelerated zero-emission freight deployment in India

Key Highlights:

• NITI Aayog's e-FAST India initiative launched the Platform for Aggregating Clean Transport (PACT) at the 5th e-FAST India Summit.
• PACT aims to aggregate freight demand to accelerate the deployment of zero-emission trucks in India.
• The Summit also introduced the ZET Marketplace to facilitate business, financing, and charging partnerships for zero-emission freight.
• India's e-freight vehicle deployments increased over fourfold, from 201 in FY25 to 826 in FY26.
• Over 3,000 electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks (e-MHDVs) are currently operational across the country.

Detailed Insights:

• PACT is designed to bring together shippers, Logistics Service Providers (LSPs), vehicle manufacturers, financiers, and charge point operators.
• It seeks to improve demand visibility, support charging infrastructure planning, and strengthen the commercial case for e-MHDVs.
• The ZET Marketplace is an interactive platform connecting various stakeholders to explore commercial opportunities and develop partnerships.
• This initiative addresses ecosystem-wide challenges such as demand aggregation, charging infrastructure expansion, and access to finance.
• Accelerating electric freight mobility is crucial for enhancing India's logistics competitiveness and energy security.

Key Concepts Involved:

• NITI Aayog: The apex public policy think tank of the Government of India, fostering economic development and cooperative federalism.
• e-FAST India: A NITI Aayog-led platform accelerating the transition to zero-emission freight in India.
• Zero-emission trucks (ZETs): Vehicles that produce no exhaust emissions from their onboard power source.
• Electric Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles (e-MHDVs): Electric vehicles designed for freight transport, including trucks and buses.