The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has undertaken several key initiatives and accomplishments over the year. One of its flagship programs, the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME-II) Scheme, received an enhanced outlay of Rs. 11,500 crores to promote electric mobility and the creation of charging infrastructure. Under this scheme, substantial subsidies were provided, leading to the sale of over 11.5 lakh electric vehicles by December 2023.
In a significant move towards reducing vehicular emissions, FAME-II facilitated the deployment of thousands of electric buses, with approximately 6,862 e-buses set to be operational across various states. Moreover, the scheme focused on installing electric vehicle charging stations, commissioning 148 EV Public Charging Stations and allocating Rs. 800 crores to PSU Oil Marketing Companies for setting up 7,432 fast charging stations nationwide.
Another major initiative was the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for the automobile and auto components sector, with an outlay of Rs. 25,938 crores over five years. This scheme aimed to boost domestic manufacturing of Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products, generate employment, and foster a robust supply chain. Several companies were approved under this scheme, with significant investments reported.
Additionally, the PLI Scheme for Advance Chemistry Cell (ACC), Battery Storage in India, with an outlay of Rs. 18,100 crores for seven years, aimed to incentivize ACC battery set-up in India. It garnered investment commitments from approved firms and aimed to meet the growing demand for ACC manufacturing in the country.
The Ministry also focused on providing various citizen-centric services, such as issuing GST Concession Certificates to orthopedically disabled individuals through an online portal, streamlining the process and issuing a record number of certificates.
Furthermore, MHI launched schemes like ‘Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector-Phase II’ to augment infrastructure and promote innovation. Several projects were sanctioned, aiming to enhance investments, indigenize technologies, and bolster the manufacturing sector.
Throughout the year, MHI collaborated extensively with various stakeholders, signed memorandums, inaugurated events, and engaged in discussions to promote sustainable practices, technological advancements, and domestic manufacturing. Noteworthy collaborations include partnerships with Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and engagements in G20 meetings focused on digital economies.
Several milestones were achieved by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) under the Ministry, including BHEL’s advancements in developing Selective Catalyst Reactors for limiting emissions and contributing to the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
In summary, the Ministry of Heavy Industries in the past year spearheaded numerous ambitious initiatives to promote electric mobility, incentivize domestic manufacturing, enhance competitiveness, and ensure sustainable practices across the sector. These initiatives aimed to transform the Indian automotive and capital goods industries while fostering innovation, employment generation, and technological self-reliance.