Introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Government of India, in 2017 on a pilot basis by the Mumbai Traffic police in October 2016, the e-challan system has since been put into practive all over the country. Aimed at digitising the process of traffic violation enforcement by eliminating manual loopholes, the system is proving to be annoying for transporters however.

It is not the technology, but the ones who deploy the system, claims transporters. Stating that the e-challan system has over time become a source of significant distress for transporters even though its introduction was appreciated by the industry as it digitised the process of traffic violation enforcement and eliminated many manual loopholes, Bal Malkit Singh, Chairman - Core Committe and Former President, All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), averred, "The system has over time become a source of significant distress for transporters and other road users. It has become a new ‘Frankenstein’ and death knell for the road transport sector.” 

Stating that a strong resentment is brewing and the transport fraternity across the country is agitating, Singh said, “The intention behind e-challans is to improve transparency and reduce manual intervention, but several issues have risen to complicate the situation for transporters.” “The primary issue stems from the large volume of incorrect or excessive e-challans issued to them. Many trucks plying long distances are receiving multiple e-challans for the same alleged offense or due to erroneous readings from speed detection or overloading devices,” he added. 

Giving an example of trucks travelling through multiple states often receiving fines for supposed infractions such as over-speeding or minor overloading even though they are within legal limits, Singh explained, “Such errors accumulate and led to a financial strain for transporters. This is exacerbated as transporters operate nationwide – covering diverse terrains and jurisdictions – that would mean that they may be penalised in various states.” “These fines often lack clarity or the chance for immediate redressal, leading to confusion and increased operational costs,” he elaborated.

Informing that enforcement officials have found a way around technology to generate motivated challans without any verifiable proof of offence, which is leading to acute harassment of the transport fraternity, Singh articulated, “There is neither authentication of any violation through static photo nor there is any transparency leading to acute harassment of the transport fraternity. Static photo of a parked vehicle is clicked and challans are issued for random offences. The vehicle owner may be from a geographically distant state and cannot contest the challan in court. Lack of communication regarding issuance of e-challan to the vehicle owner/operators who is sitting in one part of the country and must travel across the length and breadth of it to get it disposed/rectified.”

With instance where the vehicle owner comes to know of the challans issued only after he tries to dispose of his vehicle, goes to renew its fitness and to renew the permit (in the case of commercial vehicles), the issues with e-challans is pan-India in nature than be limited to a certain geographically or cultural area it looks like. 

Transport associations like the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) have voiced concerns and are actively engaging with state and central authorities to address the growing problem. They have raised issues related to inaccurate e-challans due to technical errors or faulty detection equipment, lack of a unified system across states leading to inconsistency in how fines are issued and difficulty in contesting these fines as there is no streamlined process for redressal or appealing incorrect challans.

They are demanding a centralised and transparent grievance redressal system, standardisation of e-challan policies, equipment calibration across states and leniency or waiver of penalties that are clearly issued due to system malfunctions, according to Singh. 

Of the opinion that traffic enforcement is a state subject, Singh expressed that the intensity and frequency of issues differ state-to-state therefore and in some states use of faulty equipment or overly strict enforcement practices that has led to a higher number of incorrect challans. Singh drew attention to issues like non-integration with national vehicle databases (such as Vahan 4) in some states. “The system in Telangana for example,” Singh articulated, “has been of specific concern for transporters because it is not fully integrated with the national system, leading to problems like wrongful issuance of challans for vehicles from other states.” 

"The potential solutions to addressing the issue of e-challan," Singh commented, “Is to ensure scientifically verifiable evidence. A centralised grievance redressal system with a nodal officer should be put in place. The exact recording of the offence with exact measurement in case of over-height or overload or similar such case should be presented rather than a picture to avoid any doubt about motivated action. Equipment and procedures should be standardised. Vehicle databases should be integrated. Enforcement officials should ne trained to be humane. The accountability of the enforcement officials should be ascertained whenever the issue of motivated challans is there." 

Image for representative purpose only. 

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Fresh Bus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Exponent Energy to deploy 250 electric intercity buses across India. The agreement introduces a rapid-charging platform designed to support long-distance travel, including the deployment of a sleeper electric vehicle (EV) fleet. The partnership will initially focus on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru corridor before expanding to other regions.

The collaboration addresses the range limitations traditionally associated with electric buses. Standard intercity EVs often require large battery packs or lengthy charging stops to cover distances beyond 350 km. The new system utilises Exponent Energy’s 1.5 MW infrastructure to provide 15-minute rapid charging during transit. This allows vehicles to operate on routes up to 1,000 km by recharging during highway stops, mimicking the operational patterns of diesel vehicles.

By using rapid-charging technology instead of larger batteries, the companies aim to reduce vehicle weight and lower the total cost of ownership. The megawatt-scale charging stations are positioned to enable faster turnaround times and higher fleet utilisation. This infrastructure supports the goal of Fresh Bus to operate 10,000 electric buses and capture 10 percent of the Indian intercity market.

The technology was developed in India and is intended to prove the viability of long-haul electrification for the domestic transportation sector. The partners spent two years on joint engineering to ensure the platform could meet the demands of India’s highway network and climate conditions.

Sudhakar Chirra, Founder & CEO, Fresh Bus, said, "This is a systems-level solution built for real-world intercity operations. Fast charging is inherently more efficient than simply adding oversized batteries. After two years of close collaboration and rigorous joint engineering with Exponent Energy, we’re ready to deploy at scale. We are not merely adopting EVs; we are co-designing a new paradigm for intercity travel that is faster, more reliable, and ultimately, more passenger-centric, directly addressing the myth that electric buses cannot reliably conquer India’s vast intercity network."

Arun Vinayak, Founder & CEO, Exponent Energy, said, “Rapid charging truly unlocks the opportunity to replace diesel buses with EVs on long-haul routes. A 15-minute quick charge every 300 km during highway pitstops allows for diesel vehicle-like operations with all the benefits of EVs to the fleet operator, the passengers and the climate. We are proud to have developed the entire 1.5MW charging capability and rapid charging technology in India and we are pleased to be working with Fresh Bus to co-design the ecosystem. Together, we’re putting India in pole position when it comes to long-haul electrification globally.”

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Tata Motors has unveiled a transformative new lineup of commercial vehicles, fundamentally redefining standards across safety, profitability and sustainability in Indian trucking. The launch encompasses an extensive portfolio of 17 trucks from 7 to 55 tonnes, featuring the all-new Azura series, significant upgrades to the Prima, Signa and Ultra platforms and a comprehensive electric range under the Tata Trucks.ev brand.

A cornerstone of this launch is the introduction of the Azura, a series engineered for the intermediate and light commercial vehicle segment. Designed to boost productivity and driver comfort, it features a new 3.6-litre diesel engine noted for its performance and efficiency. Available in 7- to 19-tonne variants, the Azura caters to a wide spectrum of logistical needs, including e-commerce, regional distribution and construction transport.

Safety receives unprecedented focus across the entire portfolio, with every truck now engineered to meet stringent global ECE R29 03 crash standards. This commitment extends to cabins built for frontal, rollover and side-impact protection, integrated with up to 23 advanced active safety features such as collision mitigation systems. Enhanced by real-time monitoring via the connected Fleet Edge platform, this initiative positions Tata Motors as the sole Indian manufacturer to achieve this international safety benchmark.

Simultaneously, the upgrades are meticulously crafted to enhance transporter profitability. Engineering refinements have increased payload capacity by up to 1.8 tonnes, while drivetrain improvements, including an advanced Cummins engine, deliver up to seven percent greater fuel efficiency. This drive for lower total cost of ownership is supported by digital tools like Fleet Edge Priority, which provides predictive analytics and real-time vehicle health insights to optimise fleet utilisation and uptime.

Propelling the industry towards sustainable logistics, Tata Motors also debuts its Tata Trucks.ev portfolio. Based on a new modular electric architecture, it includes models from 7 to 55 tonnes for diverse applications. The Ultra EV range leads in the light commercial segment, while the powerful Prima E.55S prime mover and the robust Prima E.28K tipper set new benchmarks for heavy-duty electric performance in port, mining and construction operations. Developed with deep localisation of key components and supported by a growing charging and financing ecosystem, these vehicles aim to make electric trucking both accessible and reliable for Indian businesses.

Beyond the vehicles themselves, customers benefit from Tata Motors' holistic Sampoorna Seva 2.0 support ecosystem. This includes an extensive service network, assured parts availability, round-the-clock assistance and tailored financing solutions, collectively designed to ensure complete operational peace of mind for fleet operators.

Girish Wagh, MD & CEO, Tata Motors Ltd., said, “India’s trucking landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by progressive national policies, modern infrastructure and the rising demand for safer, cleaner and more efficient logistics. Tata Motors has always led the way in setting benchmarks that shape the industry’s future. With the introduction of our next-generation portfolio – including the all-new Azura series, two advanced high-efficiency powertrains, India’s widest range of zero-emission electric trucks and tippers on our new I-MOEV architecture, significant upgrades to European standard cabins and industry-leading safety features, increased payload and fuel efficiency, all seamlessly integrated with Fleet Edge digital services, we are advancing this legacy. Guided by ‘Better Always’ philosophy, our relentless drive for innovation, deep commitment to localisation and unwavering focus on customer success embody the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, enhancing India’s self-reliance and aspiration to lead in sustainable mobility.”

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MAN Truck & Bus and TIP Group have entered into a framework agreement for the delivery of up to 600 commercial vehicles annually over the next three years. The contract includes up to 1,800 units across all weight classes, ranging from 7.5 to 42 tonnes and covers operations in 18 European countries. The agreement, which includes both diesel and battery-electric trucks, has a total order value of up to EUR 160 million.

The diesel vehicles supplied will feature the PowerLion drivetrain, incorporating the D30 engine and TipMatic-14 transmission. According to the automaker, these aerodynamic updates reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 5 percent compared to previous models. In the electric segment, the contract includes the eTGL, eTGX and eTGS models. Depending on battery configuration, these vehicles offer claimed ranges between 310 km and 830 km.

The electric heavy-duty models are equipped with Combined Charging System (CCS) connections supporting up to 375 kW. From mid-2026, these models will support megawatt charging up to 750 kW. MAN produces both drive types on a single assembly line at its Munich plant to manage market demand and production costs.

TIP Group, which manages a fleet of over 90,000 assets, will utilise MAN service contracts to manage maintenance and repairs across its European network. These contracts provide fixed monthly rates to ensure cost transparency and vehicle uptime for rental customers.

Friedrich Baumann, Executive Board Member for Sales & Customer Solutions, MAN Truck & Bus, said, “With the new framework agreement, MAN Truck & Bus and TIP Group are sending a strong signal for the future of freight transport. We are pleased to accompany TIP as an important partner on the path to sustainable logistics – with efficient diesel trucks and innovative battery-electric vehicles. This agreement underscores the trust in our products and services and shows how we are jointly driving the transformation of the industry forward.”

Arjen Kraaij, CEO, TIP Group, said, “Supporting customers through the transition means offering the right solutions at the right time. By working closely with partners like MAN, we can expand our fleet with both highly efficient diesel trucks and electric trucks, giving operators practical choices that balance performance, cost efficiency and sustainability.”

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Gulf Oil Lubricants India has established strategic alliances with three construction equipment manufacturers – ACE (Action Construction Equipment), Ammann India and XCMG. These agreements are intended to expand the company’s presence in the infrastructure segment by providing equipment-specific lubricants for the Indian market.

As part of the collaboration with ACE, Gulf has added new products to the ACE Genuine Oil range, covering machinery such as cranes, backhoe loaders, motor graders and tractors. For Ammann India, which holds a 60 percent market share in asphalt mixing plants, Gulf will serve as the official partner for its entire equipment range. This includes the development of formulations for future machinery. Additionally, Gulf will launch branded lubricants for XCMG to support its range of construction equipment within India.

Alongside these alliances, Gulf has introduced a range of specialised products including fire-resistant hydraulic oil, zinc-free hydraulic oil and CEV V diesel engine oil. These formulations are engineered to meet the requirements of new-generation equipment while improving uptime and reducing the total cost of ownership for contractors.

The company currently manages over 50 OEM associations across the automotive, industrial, and construction sectors. These partnerships are a component of Gulf’s strategy to provide technical services and product selection tailored to Indian operating environments.

Ravi Chawla, Managing Director & CEO, Gulf Oil Lubricants India, said, “Infrastructure has been a strategic focus area for Gulf for over 15 years, and these partnerships mark a significant step forward in strengthening our presence in this growing sector. By working closely with leading OEMs like ACE, Ammann, and XCMG, among others, we are able to deliver application-specific, future-ready lubricant solutions for new generation equipments that help customers improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and optimise total cost of ownership. We firmly believe that long-term value is built through strong, enduring partnerships.”

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