India’s Environment Ministry Signals Transition to Green Transport in Fleet Tender

Introduction

In response to recent scrutiny over its vehicle procurement practices, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has issued a detailed clarification, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable transport. The Ministry stated that the majority of its fleet comprises electric, CNG, or hybrid vehicles, and that its latest bid document, issued via the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), includes provisions allowing flexibility in the hiring of electric vehicles.

This clarification follows reports from May 2025 that the Ministry had floated a tender for 60 vehicles in Delhi, of which 57 were petrol-powered. Only three vehicles, two Toyota Hycross hybrids and one Tata Nexon EV, were listed as cleaner-fuel options. The estimated value of the tender was approximately ₹8.4 crore, prompting criticism from environmental stakeholders, particularly as the tender was issued just days after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) had advised all government bodies to procure only electric, hybrid, or CNG-powered vehicles.

Policy and Regulatory Context

The CAQM advisory, issued on 2 May 2025, forms a critical backdrop to this procurement decision. It urged government departments to lead by example in transitioning to clean mobility, aligning with India’s broader environmental goals under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan and the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme. The Ministry’s clarification suggests an effort to reconcile operational requirements with these national directives.

Who Can Apply?

• The tender is open to vendors who are officially registered on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform.
• Applicants must be legally recognised entities in India and possess valid PAN and GST credentials.
• Vendors are required to demonstrate prior experience in vehicle leasing or fleet management.
• All vehicles offered must comply with Bharat Stage VI emission norms, as outlined in the bid specifications.
• Vendors must be capable of supplying electric, hybrid, or CNG-powered vehicles in accordance with the Ministry’s requirements.
• Timely delivery and ongoing maintenance support within the Delhi NCR region is a mandatory condition of eligibility.

How to Apply?

• Interested vendors should begin by ensuring they have an active registration and a fully completed profile on the GeM portal.
• Once registered, they must locate the relevant tender under the procurement listings of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
• Vendors are advised to carefully review the bid document, paying close attention to the technical specifications, fleet composition, and service terms.
• Proposals must be submitted online, including all required documentation, financial quotations, and compliance declarations, before the stated deadline.
• Applicants should regularly monitor the bid status and respond promptly to any clarifications or amendments issued by the Ministry.

Minister of State for Environment, Kirti Vardhan Singh, informed the Rajya Sabha that only four vehicles had been procured recently, all of which were hybrids, through GeM in accordance with guidelines from the Department of Expenditure. He also noted that the Ministry has hired electric vehicles through Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture under the Power Ministry. This reflects a broader institutional effort to support public sector electrification and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

While the tender’s petrol-heavy composition drew criticism, the Ministry’s clarification indicates a transitional approach. A comparative analysis with other ministries or state governments could offer further insight into whether MoEF&CC is setting a benchmark or lagging in clean fleet adoption.

The shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles is expected to yield significant environmental benefits, including reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality in urban centres. From an economic perspective, while upfront costs for cleaner vehicles may be higher, long-term savings in fuel and maintenance make a compelling case for their adoption. Moreover, the integration of clean vehicles into government fleets supports India’s net-zero ambitions and enhances public confidence in sustainable governance.

The Ministry’s engagement with EESL and its inclusion of flexible hiring provisions in the bid document demonstrate a collaborative approach to procurement. By involving public sector undertakings and leveraging existing infrastructure, the Ministry aims to streamline the transition to cleaner mobility.

The Environment Ministry’s revised procurement strategy signals a cautious but deliberate shift towards cleaner mobility. By embedding flexibility for electric vehicle hiring and engaging with key stakeholders, the Ministry is working to balance operational needs with environmental responsibility. Eligible vendors are encouraged to participate actively, contributing to the government’s broader sustainability agenda and helping shape the future of public sector transport.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Environment Ministry’s vehicle procurement tender about? 

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has issued a tender to procure vehicles for official use, with a focus on electric, hybrid, and CNG-powered models. The initiative aligns with India’s clean mobility goals and includes provisions for flexible hiring of electric vehicles.

2. How many vehicles are being procured under this tender? 

According to reports from May 2025, the Ministry floated a tender for 60 vehicles in Delhi. Of these, 57 were petrol-powered and only three were cleaner-fuel options,two Toyota Hycross hybrids and one Tata Nexon EV.

3. Who is eligible to apply for the MoEF&CC vehicle tender? 

Vendors must be registered on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform. They should be legally recognised entities in India with valid PAN and GST credentials, prior experience in vehicle leasing or fleet management, and the ability to supply Bharat Stage VI-compliant electric, hybrid, or CNG vehicles.

4. How can vendors apply for the Environment Ministry’s vehicle tender? Interested vendors must register on the GeM portal, locate the relevant tender under MoEF&CC’s listings, and submit their proposals online. The application must include all required documents, financial quotes, and compliance declarations before the deadline.

5. What emission standards must vehicles meet under this tender? 

All vehicles offered must comply with Bharat Stage VI emission norms, which are the latest regulatory standards for vehicle emissions in India.

6. Is there flexibility in hiring electric vehicles under this tender? 

Yes, the Ministry has clarified that the bid document includes provisions allowing flexibility in the hiring of electric vehicles, supporting the transition to cleaner mobility.

7. What is the role of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) in this procurement? 

The Ministry has previously hired electric vehicles through EESL, a joint venture under the Power Ministry. This reflects a broader institutional effort to support public sector electrification.

8. Why did the tender face criticism from environmental stakeholders? 

The tender drew criticism because it was issued shortly after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) advised all government bodies to procure only electric, hybrid, or CNG vehicles. The predominance of petrol-powered cars in the tender was seen as inconsistent with this advisory.

9. What are the environmental benefits of procuring electric and hybrid vehicles? Electric and hybrid vehicles help reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality, particularly in urban areas. They also support India’s net-zero targets and promote sustainable governance.10. What is the estimated value of the Environment Ministry’s vehicle tender? The estimated value of the tender is approximately ₹8.4 crore, covering the procurement of 60 vehicles for use in Delhi.