Maruti Suzuki Achieves Eco-Milestone of 20 Lakh Vehicle Dispatches via Indian Railways

Maruti Suzuki, a leading automobile manufacturer, has made a significant stride towards a sustainable future by dispatching 20 lakh vehicles via Indian Railways. This remarkable feat has not only reduced carbon emissions by 10,000 metric tonnes but also saved around 270 million liters of fuel. This achievement is a testament to the company’s commitment to its Green Logistics initiative, which was launched a decade ago.

The journey began in FY 2014-15, when Maruti Suzuki started dispatching vehicles via Indian Railways, with a modest 65,700 units. Over the years, the company has consistently increased its dispatches, with a significant surge of 11.6% in FY 2019-20. By FY 2023-24, the dispatches had scaled up to 447,750 units, a remarkable 21.5% increase. This milestone makes Maruti Suzuki the first automobile company in India to achieve this eco-milestone.

Transporting vehicles via railways offers several benefits, including reduced congestion, increased safety, and energy efficiency. The dispatches are carried out to over 20 destinations across India, covering more than 450 cities. The company plans to further scale up its vehicle dispatches via railways in the coming years.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “We pioneered the use of railways for vehicle dispatches over a decade ago and have been working towards increasing our share of vehicle dispatches using railways. Our sustained efforts have resulted in outstanding outcomes, including a cumulative reduction of 10,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions and 270 million liters of fuel savings. With our production capacity set to double by FY 2030-31, we plan to increase the use of railways in vehicle dispatches to nearly 35% over the next 7-8 years. We are committed to the Government of India’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.”

This initiative is part of Maruti Suzuki’s broader efforts to promote sustainability and renewable energy. In June 2024, the company launched a biogas plant at its Manesar facility, which will produce 0.2 tons of biogas per day, generating around 100,000 standard cubic meters of biogas per annum and reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 190 tonnes each year.

In a significant development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first automobile in-plant railway siding at the Suzuki Motor Gujarat (SMG) plant earlier this year. This facility has the capacity to dispatch 3,00,000 vehicles per annum and was set up in collaboration with Maruti Suzuki India and Gujarat Rail Infrastructure Development (G-RIDE). The company is also working on a similar project at its Manesar facility, which is expected to be operational soon.

This achievement is a significant step towards a more sustainable future and demonstrates Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. As the company continues to grow, it is likely to play a crucial role in promoting eco-friendly transportation and reducing carbon emissions in the country.

Historical Context:

Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its environmental footprint dates back to 2014, when it launched its Green Logistics initiative. Since then, the company has been working towards increasing its use of railways for vehicle dispatches, which has resulted in significant reductions in carbon emissions and fuel consumption. This milestone of dispatching 20 lakh vehicles via Indian Railways is a testament to the company’s sustained efforts over the past decade.

In 2024, Maruti Suzuki launched a biogas plant at its Manesar facility, which will produce biogas and reduce CO2 emissions. The company is also working on a similar project at its Manesar facility, which is expected to be operational soon. Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first automobile in-plant railway siding at the Suzuki Motor Gujarat (SMG) plant earlier this year, which has the capacity to dispatch 3,00,000 vehicles per annum.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Maruti Suzuki has achieved a significant milestone by dispatching 20 lakh vehicles via Indian Railways, reducing carbon emissions by 10,000 metric tonnes and saving around 270 million liters of fuel. • The company’s Green Logistics initiative was launched a decade ago, with a modest 65,700 units dispatched via railways in FY 2014-15. • Over the years, Maruti Suzuki has consistently increased its dispatches, with a significant surge of 11.6% in FY 2019-20 and 21.5% in FY 2023-24. • The dispatches are carried out to over 20 destinations across India, covering more than 450 cities. • The company plans to further scale up its vehicle dispatches via railways in the coming years, aiming to increase its share to nearly 35% over the next 7-8 years. • Maruti Suzuki’s production capacity is set to double by FY 2030-31, and the company is committed to the Government of India’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. • The company has launched a biogas plant at its Manesar facility, which will produce 0.2 tons of biogas per day and reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 190 tonnes each year. • Maruti Suzuki is working on a similar project at its Manesar facility, which is expected to be operational soon. • The company is also collaborating with Gujarat Rail Infrastructure Development (G-RIDE) to set up a similar project at its Manesar facility. • The achievement demonstrates Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and promoting eco-friendly transportation.