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Updated On: 17-Jan-2026 05:16 AM
Key highlights from 12–17 Jan 2026: electric buses, EV funding, retrofits, record tractor sales, farmer welfare reforms, and policy updates driving India’s mobility and agricultural growth forward.
The CMV360 Weekly Wrap-Up for January 12–17, 2026, captures the key developments shaping India’s commercial mobility and agricultural ecosystem. The week saw strong momentum in electric public transportation with new e-bus deployments, fresh EV funding, and growing interest in cost-effective solutions, such as EV retrofits. Alongside clean mobility progress, the agriculture sector remained in focus with rising tractor sales, new farmer welfare reforms, mechanisation support, and upcoming Budget 2026 expectations—highlighting how transport innovation and rural growth continue to advance together.
Delhi Government Plans Major Electric Bus Expansion Under PM E-DRIVE Phase 2
Delhi plans to add 3,330 new electric buses under PM E-DRIVE Phase 2 to boost clean public transport and last-mile connectivity. The proposal includes 7m, 9m, and 12m low-floor AC e-buses, with 7m buses introduced for the first time to serve narrow lanes. If approved, Delhi’s total bus fleet could grow to 13,760 buses, strengthening electric mobility across the city.
EKA Mobility Drives Odisha’s EV Push with 100 Zero-Emission Buses for CRUT Network
EKA Mobility has deployed 100 EKA 9M electric buses for Odisha’s Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) system to promote clean and sustainable urban mobility. Virtually flagged off by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the buses are operated in partnership with Travel Time Mobility. These 9-metre, zero-emission buses offer 35 seats, wheelchair access, and improved passenger comfort, supporting Odisha’s transition to greener public transport.
BillionE Mobility Raises $25 Million to Scale Electric Truck Operations in India
BillionE Mobility has raised $25 million through equity and debt to scale its electric truck operations across India’s industrial corridors. The funding will support deployment of over 500 electric trucks by FY 2026–27, with a long-term goal of 1,500 trucks in two to three years. Backed by strong investor support, the company is recording 120% year-on-year growth while advancing low-carbon freight logistics.
Zingbus Targets ₹350 Crore Revenue in FY26 With Strong Route Expansion Plans
Zingbus is targeting over ₹350 crore in revenue for FY26, driven by network expansion and higher demand. The intercity bus aggregator has added 28 new routes across North and South India and now operates 300+ buses across 200 cities in 20+ states. Having served 3 million travellers and completed 6 million journeys, Zingbus is also strengthening sustainability by offsetting over 593,000 kg of CO₂ through EV initiatives.
EV Retrofits Seen as Fast-Track Solution for India’s Commercial Vehicle Transition
Industry experts say EV retrofitting can fast-track India’s electric mobility shift by converting existing commercial vehicles instead of waiting for new EV sales. The approach lowers upfront costs, reduces running expenses, and cuts 4–5 tonnes of CO₂ per vehicle each year. With AIS 123 safety norms already in place, retrofitting offers a practical, cost-effective way to electrify fleets, boost driver savings, and accelerate emission reductions across India.
Atul Auto to Acquire L5 Electric Three-Wheeler Business from Atul Greentech for ₹35.26 Crore
Atul Auto has approved the acquisition of the L5 electric three-wheeler business from its subsidiary Atul Greentech for ₹35.26 crore through a slump sale. The move aims to strengthen EV operations, improve cost efficiency, and expand dealership reach. The L5 business has shown strong growth, with FY25 turnover rising to ₹62.27 crore, while AGPL will now focus on batteries and EV components.
Switch Mobility Strengthens EV Push with Sonali Singh’s Appointment as Head of Marketing
Switch Mobility has appointed Sonali Singh as Head of Marketing to support its electric vehicle growth strategy. With over 15 years of cross-industry experience, including her role as Deputy General Manager – Marketing at Tata Motors, she will lead brand, digital, and integrated marketing initiatives. Her appointment strengthens Switch Mobility’s leadership as it expands its presence in electric commercial vehicles and zero-emission mass transportation solutions.
Farmers to Get Accident Compensation at Home as UP Government Digitises Welfare Scheme
The Uttar Pradesh government is fully digitising the Chief Minister’s Farmer Accident Welfare Scheme by February 2026 to make it faster and more transparent. Farmers will be able to apply online, track applications, and receive up to ₹5 lakh as compensation directly in their bank accounts. So far, 29,394 applications have been approved, showing the scheme’s wide reach and its focus on providing timely financial support to farming families.
The Bihar government has selected 154 sugarcane farmers for the 2025–26 Sugarcane Mechanization Scheme, offering a 50–60% subsidy on nine types of modern farm equipment. The initiative aims to reduce labour costs, improve efficiency, and boost farmer income. Subsidies will be transferred through DBT after verification, and approval letters are valid until 18 January 2026, ensuring timely adoption of mechanised farming practices.
Sonalika Tractors marks 30 years in Indian agriculture in 2026, celebrating a journey that began in 1996 in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. Trusted by over 18 lakh farmers, the brand now exports tractors to more than 150 countries. To mark the milestone, Sonalika has unveiled a new logo and announced its theme “Jeetne Ka Dum,” along with plans to launch new tractor models focused on performance, durability, and farmer needs.
PM Kisan Yojana Rule Change: These Farmers Will Stop Getting Benefits After March 2026
The government has updated PM Kisan Yojana rules, making land ownership mandatory to continue receiving benefits after March 2026. Farmers must have agricultural land and land revenue records registered in their own name. Those cultivating ancestral land without legal documents risk losing the ₹6,000 annual assistance. Farmers are advised to update land records before the deadline to ensure uninterrupted PM Kisan benefits and avoid reapplication issues later.
Domestic Tractor Sales Grow 29% in Apr–Dec 2025; State-Wise Performance Highlights
India’s domestic tractor wholesales grew 29.29% year-on-year from April to December 2025, reaching 8.89 lakh units, driven by strong farm activity and rural demand. Maharashtra emerged as the largest and fastest-growing market, while Gujarat, Telangana, and Punjab showed solid momentum. Eastern states also reported high percentage growth. Overall, sales expansion remained broad-based across most regions, reflecting improving rural sentiment and rising adoption of farm mechanisation nationwide.
Budget 2026: Agriculture Sector Seeks Strong Push for Technology and Climate Support
Ahead of Budget 2026, agriculture leaders are urging higher investment in digital infrastructure, climate-smart farming, and green irrigation to boost productivity and farmer incomes. Despite employing 45% of India’s workforce, agriculture contributes only 18% to output, highlighting structural gaps. Experts also seek support for dairy, renewable farm assets, women-led units, and integrated data platforms to improve efficiency, resilience, and long-term rural growth.
Mahindra Unveils Tricolour Yuvo Tech+ 585 DI Limited Edition for Republic Day 2026
Mahindra has launched the Yuvo Tech+ 585 DI Republic Day Limited Edition to mark January 26, 2026. Featuring a tricolour-inspired Metallic Orange, White, and Green design, it celebrates Indian farmers with patriotic appeal. The tractor delivers 45.4 HP PTO power, 215 Nm torque, and a 2000 kg lifting capacity. This limited edition will be available nationwide through authorised dealerships from Republic Day 2026.
In summary, the week of 12–17 January 2026 highlights significant progress across India’s mobility and agriculture sectors. Electric public transport is expanding rapidly with new bus deployments, EV funding, and retrofitting initiatives driving cleaner, cost-effective solutions. Meanwhile, agriculture continues to gain momentum through record tractor sales, farmer welfare digitisation, mechanisation subsidies, and policy updates like PM Kisan rule changes. With companies like Sonalika and Mahindra innovating for farmers, the combined growth of sustainable transport and rural development underscores India’s focus on technology-driven, inclusive progress, paving the way for a greener, more productive future.