JCB India, India’s leading manufacturer of earthmoving and construction equipment, has launched its NXT 215 LC Fuel Master tracked excavator aimed at enhancing the profitability of customers through a significant reduction in fuel consumption. Developed at the company’s factory in Pune, the new machine targets the domestic as well as global markets. 

The NXT 215 LC Fuel Master has been extensively engineered to reduce fuel consumption by 14 percent compared to the previous model. Developed using JCB’s Intelliflow Hydraulics technology, the new machine provides real-time fuel consumption data through the onboard interface screen as well as over JCB’s remote monitoring solution, LiveLink. Additionally, the new ‘auto engine long idle stop’ feature avoids fuel wastage in case the engine is idling for long. This improvement in fuel efficiency can lead to an estimated savings of INR 290,000 per year, claims the company.

Apart from its fuel-saving features, the new machine is also five percent more productive and significantly benefits customers through reduced operating costs. It has been tested for demanding working cycles for Indian operations and comes equipped with a Power Boost function to perform in tough applications, including Rock Breaker applications. The newly introduced LED lights further aid in brighter work area illumination and durable performance.

Deepak Shetty, CEO and Managing Director, JCB India, said, “Innovation has been the cornerstone of our operations in India for over four decades. This new machine has been engineered to enhance the profitability of our customers through a significant reduction in fuel consumption of 14 percent. It will lead to a better return on their investments in today’s competitive working environment. At JCB, the customer is at the centre of all our efforts. Through technology, this new machine will mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs. The JCBNXT 215 LC Fuel Master will be a trusted partner for our customers who are playing a key role in the creation of a world-class infrastructure. This fuel saving is also in line with the government’s focus on reduction of fossil fuels, which has a significant impact on our economy and the environment.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Switch Mobility, the electric vehicle subsidiary of Hinduja Group, has secured an order to supply 650 electric buses to transport operator Sai Green Projects. The e-buses will be deployed for public transit operations in Mumbai and Pune under Phase II of the Government of India's PM E-Drive scheme.

Under the supply agreement, Switch Mobility will deliver 9-metre electric buses procured through the CESL PM E-Drive Phase II tender framework. Sai Green Projects won the operational rights to run the fleet, which comprises air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned variants. The buses will serve routes managed by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking in Mumbai and Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal (PMPML) in Pune.

Ganesh Mani, Chief Executive Officer, Switch Mobility, said, "The deployment of 650 electric buses is a significant step towards India’s ambition to reduce emissions, improve operating economics, and modernise public transport systems. At Switch Mobility, we remain focused on delivering reliable and efficient electric mobility solutions that enable operators to transition towards cleaner public transport while ensuring a superior passenger experience. With a growing product portfolio, we are well positioned to support the evolving mobility requirements of cities across India."

"We are pleased to partner with Sai Green Projects in supporting large-scale deployments in Mumbai and Pune under the PM E-Drive initiative. This is the beginning of a long-term partnership where we look forward to covering many green miles together," added Mani.

RG Venkataraman, Chief Commercial Officer, Switch Mobility, said, "This development is a strong testament to our commercial proposition and our ability to deliver at scale for operators across the country. At Switch Mobility, we go way beyond manufacturing great products. Our focus is to make sustainability commercially viable to the operators so they can run efficient, profitable fleets."

Vikas Gupta, CEO, Sai Green Projects, said, "Sustainable living is at the core of what we do at Sai Green Projects. We are proud to partner with a leading OEM like Switch Mobility to take India's vision for clean, efficient, and future-ready public mobility forward. We are confident that these electric buses will enhance the everyday experience of commuters in Mumbai and Pune."

The contract expands Switch Mobility's operational footprint in India, where the manufacturer has supplied over 2,500 electric buses to date across city, intercity and specialised transport segments.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Chennai-headquartered commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Shriram Automall India to establish a platform for certified pre-owned CVs. The agreement was signed by Viplav Shah, Head - LCV, Ashok Leyland and Sameer Malhotra, Director & CEO, SAMIL.

The partnership combines Ashok Leyland's commercial vehicle network with Shriram Automall's auction and remarketing infrastructure to facilitate vehicle exchange, disposal and inspection services for fleet operators and single-truck owners across India.

Viplav Shah, said, “We are delighted to partner with Shriram Automall to strengthen our presence in the pre-owned commercial vehicle market. As we continue our journey towards becoming a comprehensive mobility solutions provider, this collaboration marks an important step in expanding our footprint across the entire commercial vehicle lifecycle. By combining Ashok Leyland's deep expertise in the commercial vehicle industry with Shriram Automall's strong network and customer base in the used vehicle segment, we aim to create greater value and a seamless ownership experience for customers.”

Sameer Malhotra, said, "At SAMIL, our vision has always been to build an organised and trusted marketplace for pre-owned vehicles, equipment, and other assets in India. Partnering with Ashok Leyland marks another significant milestone in that journey. Ashok Leyland has earned the trust of millions through its quality, durability, and innovation, and we are proud to collaborate with such an iconic brand. Together, we aim to create greater value for customers by providing a transparent, efficient, and reliable platform that simplifies the buying and selling of pre-owned commercial vehicles across the country."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Pune-headquartered commercial vehicle company Force Motors has launched the Urbania Deluxe, replacing the current-generation Urbania as its standard offering in the shared mobility segment.

The Urbania Deluxe features a 2.6-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine delivering 100 kW and 350 Nm of torque. It comes with leatherette seats, wood-finish flooring, 16-inch alloy wheels, a power sliding footstep, a TFT instrument cluster, a 23 cm HD touchscreen infotainment system and an 8-speaker Digital Theatre System.

Safety features include 3-point seat belts for every passenger, airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, Electronic Stability Program, Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Engine Drag Torque Control.

The CV is available in three wheelbases and eight seating layouts ranging from 9+D to 16+D configurations through the dealer network, with prices starting at INR 2.87 million ex-showroom.

The Urbania Deluxe comes with Force Care package featuring i-Pulse telematics, a 5-year/500,000 km warranty, a 3-year sensor warranty and 3 years of Roadside Assistance.

Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors, said, "With Urbania, we redefined premium shared passenger mobility in India and created an entirely new segment that has found strong acceptance both in India and across international markets. Its success reflects the growing preference for vehicles that combine superior comfort, safety and modern engineering. With the introduction of the new Urbania Deluxe, we are taking this platform to the next level with enhanced performance, premium features and advanced technology to meet the evolving expectations of our customers and deliver the premium travel experience passenger’s demand. As the premium mobility segment continues to evolve, we remain committed to enhancing our products and delivering mobility solutions that set new benchmarks in passenger comfort, safety and performance."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Prawaas 5.0, an event focused on the public transport industry, concluded on 11 July 2026 at the Helipad Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The three-day event marked the 10th anniversary of the Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI).

The event recorded 20,129 registrations and hosted 227 exhibitors, 20 startups and 120 speakers across 15 sessions. It saw participation from 31 states and union territories, as well as 11 countries.

During the event, two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed. The first, between Rotary International District 3080 and BOCI Naari, aims to support the skilling and employment of women as drivers. The second, between Rotary International District 3080 and BOCI, addresses the mental well-being of drivers and road safety.

Prasanna Patwardhan, President of the Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI), said, "As BOCI completes ten years, Prawaas 5.0 reflects how collaboration, innovation and progressive policymaking are shaping the future of passenger mobility in India. Over the past three days, the exhibition has brought together operators, policymakers, manufacturers, technology providers and entrepreneurs on a common platform to exchange ideas, build partnerships and explore solutions for the sector's evolving needs. The participation and enthusiasm witnessed this year reaffirm our collective commitment to building a safer, smarter and more sustainable passenger transport ecosystem that supports the vision of Viksit Bharat."

The Bharat Prawaas Awards 2026 honoured 72 recipients, including 50 BOCI Excellence Awards and 22 redBus People's Choice Awards. The event was organised by BOCI, hosted by the Akhil Gujarat Pravasi Vahan Sanchalak Mahamandal, and curated by MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!