As part of its efforts to reduce Scope 3 emissions, Merino is integrating GreenLine’s LNG-powered trucks into its logistics operations – an industry-first for the laminate sector. This collaboration reflects Merino’s ongoing commitment to decarbonising its value chain and promoting sustainable practices within the industry.

Through its integrated sustainability program, Nirmal, Merino has already made significant progress in reducing its environmental footprint. The company now meets 75% of its energy needs through non-fossil fuel sources such as solar, agro residue, and biogas. These initiatives have already led to a reduction of 95,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions annually.

At the launch event, Prakash Lohia, Managing Director, Merino Industries said, “This transition marks a pivotal moment in our journey toward sustainable operations. The adoption of LNG-powered trucks not only aligns with our vision for a greener tomorrow but also sets a benchmark for responsible logistics in the industry. Together with GreenLine, we are creating a cleaner and more sustainable operational network in India.”

Anand Mimani, CEO of GreenLine Logistics Solutions, further added stating, “As we expand our fleet across various sectors, this partnership with Merino Industries marks a significant milestone, being the first of its kind in the laminate industry. By introducing LNG-powered trucks into their logistics operations, we are not only reducing emissions but also paving the way for sustainable practices to be adopted more widely across different industries.”

GreenLine, home to India’s largest fleet of LNG-powered heavy commercial trucks, is at the forefront of transforming the logistics sector across industries such as FMCG, E-commerce, Automotive, Cement, Steel, Metals and Mining, Express Cargo, Oil and Gas, and Chemicals. GreenLine’s LNG-powered trucks help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 30% compared to traditional diesel vehicles, collectively reducing approximately 7,825 tonnes of carbon emissions to date. This makes GreenLine a key partner for businesses striving to meet their sustainability targets and minimise their environmental impact. 

This collaboration is a game-changer for the logistics industry, as Exide integrates LNG-powered trucking into its operations. By leveraging GreenLine’s cutting-edge technologies, Exide will significantly reduce its Scope 3 carbon emissions, leading the way in a more sustainable supply chain.

Our LNG-powered fleet offers long-haul capabilities with a range of up to 1200 km per tank, coupled with state-of-the-art telematics that provide predictive analytics and real-time data. These innovations empower Exide to streamline its logistics while achieving its environmental goals without compromising on operational efficiency.

The Flag Off event was attended by Krishna Kant Singh (COM, Hosur), Balakumar Subbiah (Material Head, Hosur), Sankhadeep Bardhan (Production Head VRLA), DINESH BABU (Production Head Auto), Prasath A (Head EHS, Hosur), and Manjunath M. (Plant Logistics) from Exide. Representing GreenLine were Charles Devlin D’Costa (Vice President – Sales & Business Excellence) and Aniruddha Neogi (DGM, General Management). Their collaboration and efforts have been pivotal in launching this green initiative.

Their collective vision and support were crucial in bringing this groundbreaking partnership to life. Together, we are driving change in the logistics sector, setting a new standard for sustainable practices that align business growth with environmental responsibility. GreenLine’s mission remains clear: to support businesses in achieving green logistics and a cleaner, greener future for all.

In a statement, GreenLine said in the first phase of this partnership, it will deploy 25 LNG-powered trucks, each equipped with 46 feet containers offering a capacity of 110 cubic meters (CBM).

These vehicles will transport a range of e-commerce goods, including both B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer) loads, across key regional routes.

“The initial deployment will focus on transporting goods from the West to the North of India, with future plans to expand to additional routes covering North to South and West to South corridors,” the statement said.

This partnership is a critical element of both GreenLine’s and Flipkart’s sustainability initiatives.

“GreenLine’s LNG-powered fleet will complement Flipkart’s existing efforts, which also include the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) trucks to further reduce the carbon footprint of its logistics operations,” the statement said.

Recently, Flipkart announced that it has achieved 10,000 EVs in its delivery fleet. The integration of LNG and EV vehicles is part of the company’s broader commitment towards minimising greenhouse gas emissions, and creating a cleaner, more sustainable environment.

Commenting on the partnership, Anand Mimani, CEO, GreenLine Mobility Solutions, said, “E-commerce is transforming lives across India, connecting dreams, needs, and opportunities. Yet, as the sector grows, so does its environmental footprint. At GreenLine, we see this as a call to action.

“Through our partnership with Flipkart, we are enabling India to go green, one mile at a time. By deploying our LNG-powered fleet, we’re making logistics more sustainable, ensuring that every delivery contributes to a brighter, cleaner future for our nation.”

Hemant Badri, SVP & Head of Supply Chain, Customer Experience & ReCommerce Business at Flipkart Group, said,” By integrating LNG-powered vehicles into our logistics operations alongside our existing electric vehicle fleet, we aim improve supply chain efficiency, and contribute to India’s broader environmental objectives.”

This collaboration highlights Flipksrt’s continuous efforts to drive green innovation and support the long-term sustainability of the operations, he added.

GreenLine has been at the forefront of driving sustainable mobility solutions, serving industries such as cement, steel, metals and mining, FMCG, express cargo, oil and gas, chemicals, and consumer goods.

“Over the past two years, GreenLine’s initiatives have led to a 30 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional diesel vehicles, equivalent to a decrease of 7,398 tonnes of carbon emissions,” the statement said.

Flipkart, one of India’s leading e-commerce platforms, has always prioritized sustainability in its operations. As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce Scope 3 emissions, Flipkart is integrating GreenLine’s LNG-powered long haul trucks into its logistics operations. This partnership will support Flipkart in achieving its sustainability targets while also setting new standards for responsible logistics in India.

The flag-off ceremony was attended by Flipkart’s leadership team, including Ankit Jain (Senior Vice President, Management), Prabhu Balasrinivasan (Vice President, Commercial), indranil dhar (Senior Director, Line Haul Ops), Shashank Jain (Senior Director), Lubna Ahmed (Vice President) and Amit Sood (Vice President, Business Finance). Representing GreenLine were Charles Devlin D’Costa (Vice President, Sales & Business Excellence) and Santosh Bhurke (General Manager, Sales & Marketing), whose collaborative efforts have been pivotal in driving this initiative forward.

As India’s logistics sector evolves, this partnership demonstrates the importance of sustainable practices. By integrating LNG-powered trucks into Flipkart’s supply chain, we are helping reduce carbon emissions and improve operational efficiency. This collaboration represents more than just logistics; it is about contributing to a greener planet and a better future for all.

At GreenLine, we are proud to be part of Flipkart’s sustainability journey. Together, we are working towards a future where sustainability and operational excellence work together, creating lasting value for businesses and the environment.

Merino Laminates, a global leader in decorative surfacing solutions, has taken the lead by adopting GreenLine’s eco-friendly LNG-powered fleet. This initiative demonstrates their commitment to reducing Scope 3 emissions and aligning with sustainable business practices, setting a powerful example for the industry.

As India’s largest fleet of LNG-powered trucks, GreenLine is dedicated to empowering businesses with efficient, reliable, and environmentally conscious logistics solutions. Our fleet combines cutting-edge technology, including telematics and ADAS safety systems, with green certifications audited by EKI, providing an ideal match for forward-thinking companies like Merino Laminates.

The flag-off event, attended by distinguished leaders such as Mr. Prakash Lohia (Managing Director) and Mr. Kapil Kapoor (Head SCM) from Merino Laminates, alongside GreenLine’s leadership team—CEO Mr. Anand Mimani, COO Mr. Kaizad Pesi Palia, and CTO Mr. Vijayakumar Velayutham—celebrated the beginning of this transformative collaboration.

By becoming the first in their industry to embrace LNG-powered logistics, Merino Laminates is shaping a sustainable future for the building materials sector. Together, GreenLine and Merino Laminates are redefining eco-conscious logistics and setting new standards for sustainability in operations.

In its journey to net zero goal by 2070, India is encouraging use of super-chilled gas in heavy duty long-haul trucking fleet instead of diesel to cut pollution.

GreenLine Mobility currently operates a fleet of over 500 LNG-powered trucks and is adding another 1,000 such trucks by March 2025, its CEO Anand Mimani said.

What has changed now is the entry of the private sector and an acceptance among India’s large corporations that their emissions need to be in order before government regulations come calling. The result is that from Gautam Adani to Prashant Ruia, and from heads of India’s top state-run oil and gas companies to top city gas utilities, everyone is betting on turning India’s goods transport by road green. Not by electrifying the trucks but by replacing diesel with the cleaner and more affordable LNG.

The business case is humongous if you look at the success of gas-fired heavy vehicles in China, where rough estimates value the LNG needed for these vehicles at $9 billion annually. A million trucks are expected to be on China’s roads next year — worth $70 billion at Indian ticket prices.

But India’s LNG trucks’ path is strewn with rocks, namely, poor infrastructure, high vehicle prices, lack of government support, and a highly fragmented market dominated by small transporters.

Private sector drive
The impetus for LNG-fired trucking in India has come from the Essar group, which has reshaped itself as a group focused on energy transition and future fuels. LNG came into the mix after Essar realised the fuel could help decarbonise transport, says Anand Mimani, CEO of Mumbai-based clean logistics provider GreenLine Enterprises, an Essar company.

Says Anirudh Bhuwalka, CEO of Blue Energy, which has a capacity to make 10,000 heavy duty LNG trucks and counts GreenLine as an anchor customer. “Clearly, there was an opportunity to participate in this whole energy transition story in the sector. And nobody really was focusing on it, and nobody was doing anything about it.’’

GreenLine says it operates most of the 1,500 LNG trucks in India today, still a fraction of the 300,000 medium and heavy diesel trucks sold annually.

That could change. Tata Motors, Volvo, and Ashok Leyland are entering the LNG truck business. So is Adani, which commissioned its first LNG station in Tirupur, the textile hub in Tamil Nadu, with plans to build 50 LNG retail outlets over the next three to five years, Suresh Manglani, CEO, Adani Total Gas, has said in an earnings call.

State-run Indraprastha Gas will set up 100 LNG stations by 2029-30, managing director Kamal Kishore Chatiwal told Business Standard earlier.

However, unlike the others, which are either into fuel retailing or truck building, Essar is trying to build an entire ecosystem around LNG trucking, says Raunak Modi, logistics analyst with rating agency CareEdge.

GreenLine buys the trucks from Blue Energy, an Essar associate company, and provides clean logistics support to companies like Vedanta, Tata Steel, Jindal Steel, Ultratech, Hindalco, Reliance, Shell, Nestle, and Castrol.

Rocks on the path
LNG-powered trucks deliver considerable reductions in toxic emissions compared to diesel, with cuts of up to 30 per cent in CO2, up to 100 per cent in SOx, up to 59 per cent in NOx, up to 91 per cent in particulate matter, and up to 70 per cent in carbon monoxide.

“Capacity is not the issue. Products are now ready. I think the bottleneck so far has been the network creation for LNG stations,’’ Bhuwalka said.

There are hardly 20 outlets scattered across the country, compared to the 90,000-odd diesel outlets. This, says Modi, prevents bulk users such as ecommerce companies Amazon or Delhivery from using LNG vehicles. China has 8,000 LNG retail fuel stations.

LNG retail outlets are several fold more expensive to set up compared to a pump selling petrol or diesel. Industry sources say India requires either strict emission rules on diesel trucks or generous government subsidies on LNG ones. The latter is awaited even as the government supports electric two-wheelers.

Beijing incentivised adoption of LNG trucks. It began conversions in 2015, with its LNG truck fleet almost tripling since 2019 and on track to reach 1 million next year, says Greg Molnar, LNG analyst at Paris-based International Energy Agency.

As in India, LNG truck sales compete with diesel vehicles in China on price. While operating costs of LNG fired vehicles are lower than diesel powered ones in both nations, the difference lies in capital costs. Advantages of a lower operating cost are nullified by the high capital costs of the trucks, and the high cost of setting up an LNG retail outlet.

A LNG-fired truck is more expensive than a diesel-fired equivalent by Rs 20-25 lakh, a
steep climb for most of India’s truckers. This gap is half in China.

“I think capital cost definitely is a major concern. You know, the transport industry is very reluctant to try on new technologies in a hurry,’’ says Bhuwalka, “and especially when those new technologies come at a high price point.’’

India’s dream of increasing the share of gas in its energy mix to 15 per cent by 2030 from 6 per cent now will be a steep climb unless the government creates an entirely new demand sector in retail LNG, analysts say.

But LNG has to be priced competitively or demand from trucks may evaporate, especially in a price sensitive market such as India.

“Whilst all cylinders are firing to celebrate the growth of China’s LNG fuelled trucks, how many remember that China used to have a huge fleet of LNG fuelled buses which have disappeared, gone electric by now?’’ Yiyong He, CEO of LNG Easy, a fuel retailer, said in a post on LinkedIn.

Modi of CareEdge says: “Overall, you know, larger scale adoption, I think it is sort of a matter of time right now. We do not really see it happening anytime very, very soon.”

How is India’s green mobility sector transforming, and what factors are influencing its trajectory?
India’s green mobility sector is undergoing a significant transformation, fuelled by strong government policies, technological progress, and increased consumer awareness. The EV market is poised to experience substantial growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40% by 2030. This growth is underpinned by substantial investments in local manufacturing and charging infrastructure. Key government initiatives, such as the FAME scheme, play a pivotal role in driving this transition. Furthermore, the Union Budget 2024-25 emphasised a focus on renewable energy and green initiatives, reinforcing India’s commitment to sustainable transportation.

What initiatives are you implementing to enhance your market presence and accelerate growth?
To enhance our market presence and accelerate growth, we are focusing on several key domestic initiatives. We are investing in research and development to continuously improve our products and introduce innovative features that differentiate us from competitors. Targeted marketing strategies are being implemented to reach our ideal customers and build strong brand awareness within the domestic market. We are also exploring strategic partnerships and alliances with domestic companies to expand our market reach and leverage complementary strengths. A critical component of our strategy is the reduction of Scope 3 emissions, which encompass indirect emissions along our value chain. By prioritising sustainable practices and collaborating with suppliers and partners, we aim to minimise our overall carbon footprint. This commitment not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also resonates with environmentally conscious consumers, enhancing our brand reputation. Through these initiatives, we aim to strengthen our market position and drive sustainable growth within India.

How effective have your green mobility launches been in reducing CO₂ emissions over the past two years?
GreenLine has been at the forefront of reducing CO₂ emissions with the innovative launch of our LNG trucks, equipped with Level 1 ADAS cameras and telematics data sensors. Over the past two years, our commitment to sustainability has resulted in a remarkable 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to traditional diesel trucks. This achievement translates to a significant environmental impact, with GreenLine successfully cutting 6,049 tonnes of carbon emissions. Such reductions not only contribute to improved air quality but also align seamlessly with India’s broader sustainability goals.

What are the primary challenges for green mobility in India, and how are current innovations addressing these issues?
India faces several significant challenges in its pursuit of green mobility, including inadequate infrastructure, high upfront costs for electric vehicles (EVs), and a heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. These hurdles can impede the transition to a more sustainable transportation ecosystem. To address these challenges, the Indian government has introduced initiatives like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, which aims to boost EV adoption and facilitate infrastructure development. A critical component of this initiative is the expansion of charging stations, with an ambitious target of 1.32 million stations by 2030. This expansion is vital for easing range anxiety among consumers and promoting widespread EV use.  In addition to government efforts, private companies are stepping up to contribute to green mobility. For instance, our investment in LNG-powered trucks represents a significant step forward. These trucks reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 30%, providing a cleaner alternative to traditional diesel vehicles while also improving operational efficiency in logistics. Together, these efforts are paving the way for a more sustainable transportation future in India, aligning with global sustainability goals and responding to the increasing demand for environmentally friendly solutions among consumers.

What interventions can the government implement to accelerate the growth of the green mobility sector in India?
To accelerate the growth of the green mobility sector in India, the government can implement several strategic interventions. First, expanding charging infrastructure and providing incentives for electric vehicle adoption are essential steps to encourage greater consumer uptake. Second, supporting research and development, fostering partnerships, and developing clear policies will create a favourable environment for innovation and growth in the sector. Integrating EV infrastructure with renewable energy can significantly reduce oil dependency, allowing the government to waive toll fees, offer green financing, and provide low-cost loans. Finally, promoting LNG-powered vehicles through incentives, infrastructure development, and regulatory support can further drive emissions reductions and enhance sustainable transportation options. By combining these efforts, the Indian government can create a conducive environment for the growth of green mobility, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

How do your financial and technological partnerships contribute to strengthening green mobility in India?
At GreenLine, we believe that collaboration is essential to advancing green mobility, which is why we have formed partnerships with leading financial institutions to secure funding for expanding our fleet of LNG-powered trucks. This initiative not only facilitates the transition for businesses to cleaner alternatives but also significantly reduces their carbon footprints. We are actively collaborating with technology companies to develop innovative solutions that enhance fuel efficiency and explore alternative clean fuels. Furthermore, our subsidiary, Ultra Gas and Energy, is establishing a robust network of LNG refuelling stations across India, effectively removing a major barrier for businesses considering the switch to LNG trucks. Through these strategic partnerships, GreenLine is playing a pivotal role in shaping a cleaner and more sustainable future for India’s transportation sector.

What are the major growth targets, expansion plans, and strategies your organization aims to achieve over the next three years?
GreenLine’s growth plans for the next three years in India are ambitious and forward-looking. Currently operating a robust fleet of over 500 LNG trucks, we aim to expand this fleet to 5,000 trucks in the next 2 years. While our primary focus remains on heavy trucking, we are also excited to announce the upcoming launch of our electric vehicle (EV) trucks for short-haul operations, further diversifying our offerings. A key aspect of our growth strategy revolves around innovation and sustainability. We are committed to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to optimise our routes, enhance fuel efficiency, and reduce our carbon footprint. This relentless focus on innovation will drive our expansion efforts as we strive to meet the increasing demand for eco-friendly transportation solutions. With our comprehensive expansion plans, we anticipate a substantial transformation in India’s LNG network. The introduction of new refuelling stations and improved LNG availability will further support our growth trajectory, positioning us as a leading player in India’s sustainable transportation sector.

Our eco-friendly, LNG-powered trucking fleet will now play a central role in L’Oréal India’s supply chain. By integrating our sustainable long-haul trucks, L’Oréal India can make significant strides toward cutting Scope 3 emissions associated with transportation. This partnership is not only an opportunity to drive positive environmental change but also a model for efficiency and safety, where our cleaner-energy logistics meet L’Oréal’s high standards of excellence.

The formal event marking this partnership included several leaders from L’Oréal India’s operations and supply chain teams, such as Basant Mohta, Regional Fulfillment Director; Shivank Saran, General Manager – Supply Chain; and Anil Jindal, Senior Manager of International & Domestic Transport. Their involvement underscores L’Oréal India’s active commitment to creating an eco-conscious operational framework.

At GreenLine, we are happy to support L’Oréal India on this journey. Together, we are setting a new standard in sustainable logistics, providing a foundation for a cleaner, more efficient future in beauty. This collaboration reinforces GreenLine’s role as a trusted partner in the sustainability journey of global leaders, working to build a greener tomorrow for all.

JSW Steel, a company well-recognized for its proactive environmental initiatives, has strengthened its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint by integrating GreenLine’s LNG-powered trucks into its logistics operations. Our eco-friendly fleet provides a cleaner alternative to traditional diesel, significantly reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the sustainability of JSW Steel’s supply chain.

The flag-off event was attended by prominent members of JSW Steel’s operations and logistics teams, including Mr. Lokendra Raj Singh (COO), Mr. Sushil Nowal, S.A. Sreenivas, Niti Kumar Jain (Head of Mechanical Maintenance), Govinda Raju (Sr. Vice President, Planning and Logistics), Bhoopal Reddy (Vice President, Operations – Cold Rolling Mill), Manmohan Shetty (GM, Logistics), Mukesh Maloo (GM, Logistics), Stephen Thomas (Chief Business Officer), Mayank V. Agarwal (Revenue Head West and Head of Brand & Communication), and Jessmon Eappen (Assistant Manager). Their invaluable support and commitment have been key in bringing this eco-friendly initiative to life.

Through this partnership, our LNG-powered fleet will support JSW Steel’s logistics requirements by providing an efficient, environmentally-conscious transportation solution. LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) offers a substantial reduction in emissions while maintaining high standards of safety and operational efficiency. Every truck in our fleet is designed to reduce emissions per trip, fully aligning with JSW Steel’s sustainability goals and commitment to a greener supply chain.

Our collaboration with JSW Steel goes beyond the adoption of cleaner fuel. Together, we are setting a new industry benchmark that prioritizes environmental impact alongside operational efficiency. This initiative showcases the potential for meaningful change when industry leaders unite under a shared vision for sustainability.

At GreenLine, we believe that our partnership with JSW Steel serves as a model for the logistics industry, demonstrating that the path to a cleaner tomorrow can be paved through innovative, sustainable logistics practices. By aligning environmental stewardship with operational efficiency, we are creating real impact in the industry.

As we continue this eco-friendly journey together, GreenLine remains dedicated to supporting JSW Steel’s vision for a sustainable future. We look forward to building a lasting positive impact in the logistics sector, driving forward sustainable transportation solutions that contribute to a healthier planet.