Lucknow – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, today inaugurated Ashok Leyland's new electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Lucknow. The event was also graced by Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and H.D. Kumaraswamy. Located in Sarojini Nagar near the Lucknow airport, the facility is spread over 70 acres and is designed to be Ashok Leyland's most advanced and sustainable manufacturing unit globally.
The new plant is primarily focused on electric vehicle production and has an initial annual production capacity of 2,500 units, which will be scaled up to 5,000 units in subsequent phases. The facility will also manufacture advanced commercial vehicles powered by internal combustion engines (ICE) and alternative fuel technologies, catering to both domestic and international markets.
Speaking at the inauguration, Rajnath Singh highlighted the significance of the plant for Uttar Pradesh's industrial development and India's clean mobility future. He expressed confidence in Uttar Pradesh's progress as key to achieving a developed India by 2047 and noted the defense sector's movement towards self-reliance, with increased defense production and exports.
Yogi Adityanath emphasized that the project reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on balancing industrial growth with environmental sustainability. He added that the EV manufacturing facility aligns with India's efforts to address climate change while creating employment opportunities for the youth in Uttar Pradesh. Adityanath also highlighted Uttar Pradesh's emergence as a preferred investment destination due to improvements in infrastructure and connectivity.
Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Ashok Leyland, stated that the new plant represents a significant step for the company in Uttar Pradesh, supporting economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. He emphasized its role in advancing India's commercial vehicle sector and contributing to the company's Net Zero emission objectives. Hinduja also noted the speed of the project's completion in just 14 months.
The Lucknow plant is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities and strengthen the MSME ecosystem in the region. The facility has a predominantly Uttar Pradesh-domiciled workforce, including a significant proportion of women.
Designed as an environmentally responsible site, the plant features rooftop solar panels, energy-efficient LED lighting, battery-operated internal logistics, water conservation measures, and a zero-discharge system. The plant is strategically positioned to bolster Ashok Leyland's capabilities in the electric vehicle segment and promote clean and sustainable transportation solutions.
The inauguration of Ashok Leyland's EV plant marks a major milestone in positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leader in green industrial growth and strengthens its position in electric mobility.
