Author: abhishek2019cs034abesit@gmail.com

SWITCH Mobility, an Electric Buses and Light commercial vehicle company and part of the Hinduja Group, has secured an order for 840 Electric Buses from Antony Road Transport Solutions under Government of India’s PM E-Drive scheme Phase 1 tender.

Under the order, Switch Mobility will supply 9-metre and 12-metre AC Electric Buses under the CESL PM E-Drive scheme Phase 1 tender, where Antony Road Transport Solutions has been selected as the operator for Delhi. The order comprises 420 Nos. 9-metre and 420 Nos. 12-metre Electric Buses, which will be deployed with Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Transport Department, Delhi for passenger transportation in Delhi.

The agreements for the deployment have been formalised between SWITCH Mobility and Antony Road Transport Solutions, marking an important step towards the electrification of public transportation in the national capital.

On the order, Ganesh Mani, CEO, SWITCH Mobility said, “We are pleased to partner with Antony Road Transport Solutions for deployment of 840 Electric Buses across Delhi by Delhi Transport Corporation and Transport Department, Delhi. This order is a strong testament to the growing confidence in electric mobility solutions for large-scale public transportation. With a mix of 9-metre and 12-metre electric buses, we are enabling operators to address diverse passenger mobility requirements while supporting the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation. At SWITCH Mobility, we remain committed to working closely with our partners to deliver reliable, efficient and commercially viable electric mobility solutions that create long-term value for operators and communities.”

Jimmy John, Director, Antony Road Transport Solutions, said, “Our long-term relationship with Ashok Leyland and the trust we have in the Hinduja Group have led us to place this order. We believe this partnership will go a long way towards supporting the NCR’s sustainable mobility journey.”

The 9-metre and 12-metre electric buses are designed to deliver a combination of operational efficiency, passenger comfort and smart connectivity for urban public transportation. The EiV platform incorporates modular battery configurations, advanced electric powertrains and regenerative braking, while dual-gun fast charging supports quicker turnaround and improved fleet utilization. Passenger-focused features include spacious interiors, comfortable seating, USB charging and low-floor access, while safety technologies include Fire Detection and Suppression Systems and multi-level battery protection. Powered by SWITCH ION, the buses also offer real-time vehicle monitoring, diagnostics and fleet management capabilities, helping operators improve reliability and operational efficiency.

The order reflects the increasing adoption of electric buses for public transportation, driven by the need for efficient, sustainable and commercially viable mobility solutions.

The partnership brings together the capabilities of an electric mobility OEM, fleet operator and public transport authority to support the electrification of public transportation at scale. Through such collaborations, SWITCH Mobility continues to focus on delivering reliable, efficient and commercially viable electric mobility solutions that support the evolving needs of cities, operators and passengers.

Solfin Sustainable Finance Private Limited (“Solfin”), a green-focused non-banking financial company, today launched its Performance-Linked Lease (PLL) in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. The first projects under the offering have been commissioned for The Sukhjit Starch & Chemicals Limited (“Sukhjit”). Sukhjit is a leading manufacturer of starch, related chemicals, and various by-products catering to a wide spectrum of industries.

PLL lets commercial and industrial (C&I) businesses adopt solar with minimal upfront capital. Customers pay according to the power the system generates, while Solfin looks after the asset’s performance and maintenance.

The projects bring together Solfin as financier, Waaree Energies Limited as technology provider and The BrightQ Solutions as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) partner.

Mr. Puneet Sardana, Senior Vice President – Operations, The Sukhjit Starch & Chemicals Limited, said: “The performance-linked model enabled us to expand our use of solar energy without making a significant upfront investment or assuming the risks associated with power generation and maintenance. Efficient energy management through an environmentally friendly solution was an important priority for Sukhjit. We are pleased to partner with Solfin and Waaree on this initiative.”

Mr. Gaurav Arora, Director & CEO, The BrightQ Solutions, said: “We are proud to announce the successful installation and commissioning of a solar power project at Sukhjit’s premises.This project was delivered through a strategic collaboration between The BrightQ Solutions (EPC partner), Solfin (financier), and Waaree (technology provider).”

A conventional solar loan has fixed EMIs. Under PLL, customer payments are linked directly to the power the system generates. Solfin offers lease tenures up to 10 years,but the customer does not have to wait for the tenure to be over to realise savings. Electricity cost savings more than offset lease payments, and customers also benefit from tax savings arising from accelerated depreciation. At the end of the tenure, ownership passes to the customer, who then keeps the full savings from the system. 

PLL is designed for larger C&I solar installations. It also gives businesses an alternative to long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) and capex projects. 

Mr. Kunal Kuba, Head of Sales, Solfin, said: “Sukhjit shows the appeal of solar priced on performance, with no significant upfront capex and no long-term power contract. We plan to scale PLL across industrial markets.”

Solfin plans to expand PLL across India’s industrial clusters, starting with businesses that use a lot of power during the day.

Solfin Sustainable Finance Private Limited (“Solfin”), a green-focused non-banking financial company, today launched its Performance-Linked Lease (PLL) in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. The first projects under the offering have been commissioned for The Sukhjit Starch & Chemicals Limited (“Sukhjit”). Sukhjit is a leading manufacturer of starch, related chemicals, and various by-products catering to a wide spectrum of industries.

PLL lets commercial and industrial (C&I) businesses adopt solar with minimal upfront capital. Customers pay according to the power the system generates, while Solfin looks after the asset’s performance and maintenance.

The projects bring together Solfin as financier, Waaree Energies Limited as technology provider and The BrightQ Solutions as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) partner.

Mr. Puneet Sardana, Senior Vice President – Operations, The Sukhjit Starch & Chemicals Limited, said: “The performance-linked model enabled us to expand our use of solar energy without making a significant upfront investment or assuming the risks associated with power generation and maintenance. Efficient energy management through an environmentally friendly solution was an important priority for Sukhjit. We are pleased to partner with Solfin and Waaree on this initiative.”

Mr. Gaurav Arora, Director & CEO, The BrightQ Solutions, said: “We are proud to announce the successful installation and commissioning of a solar power project at Sukhjit’s premises.This project was delivered through a strategic collaboration between The BrightQ Solutions (EPC partner), Solfin (financier), and Waaree (technology provider).”

A conventional solar loan has fixed EMIs. Under PLL, customer payments are linked directly to the power the system generates. Solfin offers lease tenures up to 10 years,but the customer does not have to wait for the tenure to be over to realise savings. Electricity cost savings more than offset lease payments, and customers also benefit from tax savings arising from accelerated depreciation. At the end of the tenure, ownership passes to the customer, who then keeps the full savings from the system. 

PLL is designed for larger C&I solar installations. It also gives businesses an alternative to long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) and capex projects. 

Mr. Kunal Kuba, Head of Sales, Solfin, said: “Sukhjit shows the appeal of solar priced on performance, with no significant upfront capex and no long-term power contract. We plan to scale PLL across industrial markets.”

Solfin plans to expand PLL across India’s industrial clusters, starting with businesses that use a lot of power during the day.

Solfin Sustainable Finance Private Limited (“Solfin”), a green-focused non-banking financial company, today launched its Performance-Linked Lease (PLL) in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. The first projects under the offering have been commissioned for The Sukhjit Starch & Chemicals Limited (“Sukhjit”). Sukhjit is a leading manufacturer of starch, related chemicals, and various by-products catering to a wide spectrum of industries.

PLL lets commercial and industrial (C&I) businesses adopt solar with minimal upfront capital. Customers pay according to the power the system generates, while Solfin looks after the asset’s performance and maintenance.

The projects bring together Solfin as financier, Waaree Energies Limited as technology provider and The BrightQ Solutions as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) partner.

Mr. Puneet Sardana, Senior Vice President – Operations, The Sukhjit Starch & Chemicals Limited, said: “The performance-linked model enabled us to expand our use of solar energy without making a significant upfront investment or assuming the risks associated with power generation and maintenance. Efficient energy management through an environmentally friendly solution was an important priority for Sukhjit. We are pleased to partner with Solfin and Waaree on this initiative.”

Mr. Gaurav Arora, Director & CEO, The BrightQ Solutions, said: “We are proud to announce the successful installation and commissioning of a solar power project at Sukhjit’s premises.This project was delivered through a strategic collaboration between The BrightQ Solutions (EPC partner), Solfin (financier), and Waaree (technology provider).”

A conventional solar loan has fixed EMIs. Under PLL, customer payments are linked directly to the power the system generates. Solfin offers lease tenures up to 10 years,but the customer does not have to wait for the tenure to be over to realise savings. Electricity cost savings more than offset lease payments, and customers also benefit from tax savings arising from accelerated depreciation. At the end of the tenure, ownership passes to the customer, who then keeps the full savings from the system. 

PLL is designed for larger C&I solar installations. It also gives businesses an alternative to long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) and capex projects. 

Mr. Kunal Kuba, Head of Sales, Solfin, said: “Sukhjit shows the appeal of solar priced on performance, with no significant upfront capex and no long-term power contract. We plan to scale PLL across industrial markets.”

Solfin plans to expand PLL across India’s industrial clusters, starting with businesses that use a lot of power during the day.

North Star Renewable Energy has appointed Shivanand Nimbargi as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, with the mandate to lead the company’s renewable energy platform and project development activities in India.

Nimbargi brings more than three decades of experience across the energy, transport and infrastructure sectors. Prior to joining North Star, he served as Managing Director and CEO of Ayana Renewable Power, a renewable energy platform established by British International Investment (BII) in 2018.

North Star was established in 2026 as a joint venture between BII and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its Growth Markets Fund II, to invest in and develop renewable energy opportunities in India. The platform combines BII’s long-term investment experience in emerging markets with CIP’s expertise in renewable energy infrastructure.

The company plans to develop projects across solar, wind, hybrid renewable energy and energy storage. Its portfolio is expected to generate more than 4 million MWh of clean electricity annually and avoid around 4 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

North Star is also a key platform within British Climate Partners (BCP), BII’s £1.1 billion climate finance initiative focused on supporting decarbonisation in coal-dependent economies, including India, through increased mobilisation of private capital.

Commenting on his appointment, Nimbargi said he was joining North Star at an important stage in India’s energy transition and highlighted the role of long-term capital and partnerships in building sustainable energy platforms.

The appointment comes as North Star works to establish and scale its renewable energy platform in India, with a focus on developing projects and attracting investment across the country’s growing clean energy sector.

North Star Renewable Energy has appointed Shivanand Nimbargi as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, with the mandate to lead the company’s renewable energy platform and project development activities in India.

Nimbargi brings more than three decades of experience across the energy, transport and infrastructure sectors. Prior to joining North Star, he served as Managing Director and CEO of Ayana Renewable Power, a renewable energy platform established by British International Investment (BII) in 2018.

North Star was established in 2026 as a joint venture between BII and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its Growth Markets Fund II, to invest in and develop renewable energy opportunities in India. The platform combines BII’s long-term investment experience in emerging markets with CIP’s expertise in renewable energy infrastructure.

The company plans to develop projects across solar, wind, hybrid renewable energy and energy storage. Its portfolio is expected to generate more than 4 million MWh of clean electricity annually and avoid around 4 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

North Star is also a key platform within British Climate Partners (BCP), BII’s £1.1 billion climate finance initiative focused on supporting decarbonisation in coal-dependent economies, including India, through increased mobilisation of private capital.

Commenting on his appointment, Nimbargi said he was joining North Star at an important stage in India’s energy transition and highlighted the role of long-term capital and partnerships in building sustainable energy platforms.

The appointment comes as North Star works to establish and scale its renewable energy platform in India, with a focus on developing projects and attracting investment across the country’s growing clean energy sector.

North Star Renewable Energy has appointed Shivanand Nimbargi as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, with the mandate to lead the company’s renewable energy platform and project development activities in India.

Nimbargi brings more than three decades of experience across the energy, transport and infrastructure sectors. Prior to joining North Star, he served as Managing Director and CEO of Ayana Renewable Power, a renewable energy platform established by British International Investment (BII) in 2018.

North Star was established in 2026 as a joint venture between BII and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its Growth Markets Fund II, to invest in and develop renewable energy opportunities in India. The platform combines BII’s long-term investment experience in emerging markets with CIP’s expertise in renewable energy infrastructure.

The company plans to develop projects across solar, wind, hybrid renewable energy and energy storage. Its portfolio is expected to generate more than 4 million MWh of clean electricity annually and avoid around 4 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

North Star is also a key platform within British Climate Partners (BCP), BII’s £1.1 billion climate finance initiative focused on supporting decarbonisation in coal-dependent economies, including India, through increased mobilisation of private capital.

Commenting on his appointment, Nimbargi said he was joining North Star at an important stage in India’s energy transition and highlighted the role of long-term capital and partnerships in building sustainable energy platforms.

The appointment comes as North Star works to establish and scale its renewable energy platform in India, with a focus on developing projects and attracting investment across the country’s growing clean energy sector.