e-FAST India Initiative

About e-FAST India Initiative:

• e-FAST was born from the recognition of the urgent need to decarbonize road-based freight transportation in India to realize its 2070 net zero commitments.
• It was launched in September 2022.
• It aims to galvanize the transition towards cleaner and greener freight transportation.
• The platform facilitates active collaborations at both the national and international levels, supports ideation and development of pilot programs on a scalable basis, and explores technology integration and associated research.
• It is a platform that facilitates deliberation, debates and collaboration between different stakeholders including the government, Original Equipment Manufacturers, Logistics Service Providers, Shippers, and industry experts to enable the development and adoption of electric technology in the freight sector at scale.
• It is supported by the collaborative efforts of 12 knowledge partners.

What is NITI GearShift Challenge?

• It was launched by NITI in collaboration with IIM Bangalore, Smart Freight Centre India, CALSTART/Drive to Zero, and WRI India.
• This pioneering hackathon aims to foster innovative business models for the adoption of zero-emission trucks (ZETs) in India, addressing the nation's pressing economic and environmental challenges.
• The NITI GearShift Challenge invites students, transport service practitioners, academics, and researchers to develop innovative business models that address financial, technical, and operational challenges in the adoption of electric trucks.
• The program has garnered participation from e-FAST India knowledge partners, financial institutions, and industry forums.