Jammu is taking bold strides toward a sustainable future with its Green Mobility Revolution, powered by the Jammu Smart City Mission. By pioneering the deployment of electric buses (e-Buses), e-Autos, e-Rickshaws, and a Public Bicycle Sharing System (PBSS), Jammu is leading the way in integrating clean mobility solutions into urban infrastructure. These projects, designed to reduce carbon emissions and improve urban air quality, are setting a new standard for climate-resilient, low-carbon transport in India.
The transformation is driven by Jammu Smart City Ltd. (JSCL), which has successfully implemented a range of e-mobility projects designed to enhance the city’s public transport system and address urban congestion while improving the quality of life for residents. With the active support of government initiatives and a collaborative approach involving experts from various sectors, Jammu is charting a path to a carbon-neutral urban transport system.
About Jammu Smart City Ltd
Jammu Smart City Ltd. (JSCL) is dedicated to transforming Jammu into a smart, sustainable, and inclusive urban center through forward-thinking projects and cutting-edge technologies. The Smart City Mission focuses on enhancing urban mobility, improving energy efficiency, and promoting environmental sustainability, while shaping Jammu into a global model for sustainable urban development.
Pioneering Climate-Aligned Public Transport: e-Buses, e-Autos, and e-Rickshaws
The centrepiece of Jammu’s green mobility efforts is the Jammu e-Bus Project, which aims to transform public transportation through the introduction of zero-emission e-Buses. These buses are playing a pivotal role in reducing the city’s carbon footprint and enhancing air quality, marking a significant shift from traditional fossil-fuel-based transport to cleaner, greener alternatives.
The e-Bus initiative is part of a broader strategy to revamp Jammu’s mobility landscape. Alongside the e-Buses, e-Autosand e-Rickshaws have been deployed to provide last-mile connectivity. These electric vehicles help ease urban mobility by providing an efficient, eco-friendly alternative to traditional vehicles. By embracing these sustainable transport options, Jammu is contributing to national climate goals and the global effort to combat climate change.
In addition to electric buses and vehicles, the Public Bicycle Sharing System (PBSS) has been implemented to encourage residents to adopt active and sustainable transport for short-distance travel. By promoting cycling, Jammu is reducing traffic congestion and further reinforcing the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Collaborative Approach and Government Support
The successful implementation of Jammu’s green mobility projects is made possible by the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including Jammu Smart City Ltd., government bodies, private sector partners, and environmental experts. These partnerships have been key in ensuring the financial viability and sustainability of the projects.
A significant contributor to these initiatives has been the Government of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), whose support has been instrumental in the success of the green mobility projects. In a bold move to accelerate the transition to sustainable transport, the Government of J&K allocated funds through the Green Action Plan, which has significantly supported the financing of Jammu’s e-Bus fleetoperations.
The Capex and OpexGAP funding was crucial in reducing the financial barriers to adopting clean technologies, ensuring that the city’s green mobility vision could be realized in a timely and efficient manner.
Further showcasing its commitment to social inclusivity and sustainable development, the Government of J&K also introduced a landmark decision to make rides free for women on e-Buses, ensuring that women can access sustainable transport options without any financial burden.
This decision not only supports gender equality but also encourages greater participation of women in environmentally-friendly transport modes, fostering a more inclusive and empowered society.
Leveraging National Schemes for Accelerated Growth
National schemes such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME)-II have played a crucial role in supporting Jammu’s e-mobility initiatives. By offering financial incentives for the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), FAME-II has made it possible for Jammu to expand its e-Bus fleet, install EV charging infrastructure, and promote electric mobility solutions like e-Autos and e-Rickshaws.
The ongoing support of the PM eBus Sewa Scheme, under the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), will further strengthen Jammu’s green mobility infrastructure by adding more electric buses to the existing fleet. This is part of India’s broader strategy to promote sustainable urban transport across the country.
We are excited about the upcoming fleet under the PM eBus Sewa Scheme and how it will complement the current e-Bus initiatives in Jammu. This is a transformative step towards achieving our vision of a carbon-neutral Jammu and setting a benchmark for other cities to follow
Innovative Financial Structuring and Carbon Finance Integration
Jammu’s green mobility projects have also benefited from innovative financial structuring that ensures their sustainability. Through mechanisms like Gross Cost Contracts and reverse auction, Jammu has ensured that the e-Bus fleet and other electric mobility projects remain financially viable in the long term.
In addition to financial structuring, the integration of carbon finance into these projects has opened up new avenues for revenue generation. By exploring opportunities in the Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCM) and leveraging cooperative approaches under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, Jammu is not only contributing to climate action but also creating a sustainable revenue model for expanding green mobility solutions. The potential to generate carbon credits from these projects is a vital component of the city’s long-term green mobility strategy.
The Path Ahead: Expanding the Green Mobility Ecosystem
Jammu’s green mobility vision is continuously evolving to meet the growing demand for sustainable urban transport. The future of e-mobility in Jammu includes several key initiatives:
- Expansion of the e-Bus Fleet: Plans are underway to further expand the e-Bus network, covering more routes across Jammu, particularly targeting underserved areas and urban outskirts.
- Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: A robust charging infrastructure will be developed to ensure the smooth operation of the growing fleet of electric vehicles.
- Electric Taxis and Shared Mobility: Electric taxis and shared mobility services will be introduced to provide residents with affordable, eco-friendly transport options.
- Smart City Integration: The integration of smart technologies like real-time tracking, intelligent traffic management, and data analytics will optimize the performance of electric vehicles, improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.
The collaborative efforts of Jammu Smart City Ltd., knowledge partners, and various government bodies are laying the foundation for a climate-resilient, low-carbon transport future not just for Jammu but also for other cities across India.
Conclusion: A Sustainable Future for Jammu
Jammu’s green mobility revolution is an exemplary case of how sustainable urban transport can be achieved through the integration of electric mobility solutions, carbon finance, and innovative financial mechanisms.
The city’s commitment to a low-carbon transport network is providing clean, efficient, and affordable alternatives for residents, setting a benchmark for sustainable urban development in India.
With continued support from the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, innovative financial structuring, and collaborative partnerships, Jammu is positioning itself as a global leader in green mobility and sustainable transport.
The success of these projects showcases the potential of integrated mobility solutions that combine electric vehicleswith public bicycle sharing, enabling cities to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and encourage active transportation.
As Jammu Smart City Ltd. continues to lead the charge in green mobility, the city’s initiatives will undoubtedly inspire other urban centers across the country to follow suit, contributing to a more climate conscious and sustainable India.
(The Author is Senior General Manager, Jammu Smart City Limited. Nodal Officer, Jammu & Kashmir e-Bus Project)
