India Mobility and Agriculture Weekly Update | 16–20 Feb 2026

The week of 16–20 February 2026 was marked by important developments across India’s commercial vehicle, electric mobility, agriculture, and government welfare sectors. From the PM e-Bus rollout and new electric bus certifications to tractor export initiatives and AI farming platforms, the period reflects strong momentum in infrastructure, technology adoption, and policy implementation. State budgets and welfare schemes further underscore a focus on inclusive growth and rural development.

Electric Mobility and Commercial Vehicle Highlights

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off 200 electric buses under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme, including 100 buses for Guwahati and 50 each for Bhavnagar and Nagpur. Built by JBM Auto, the 9-metre AC low-floor buses feature CCTV and automatic doors. The company’s fleet has covered 300 million km, supporting India’s net-zero emission target for 2070.

Key developments in electric mobility include:

• Pallavi Arora elevated to Associate Vice President – Marketing at Euler Motors, leading B2B and B2C strategies, digital campaigns, and brand growth initiatives.
• ZF India Pvt. Ltd. secured a multi-year contract to supply AxTrax 2 LF electric portal axles for 11m and 18m city buses, offering 260 kW and 360 kW variants for battery-electric, hydrogen, and trolley buses. Supplies begin in 2026 for India and exports.
• JSW Greentech received CMVR type approval for its 12M 51+D AC SDX electric bus, ready for urban and intercity operations with advanced drivetrain technology and safety compliance.
• Ashok Leyland signed an MoU with Rajasthan Gramin Bank for easy vehicle loans with flexible repayment options, targeting commercial vehicle buyers in Rajasthan.
• Ashok Leyland will expand its service network in Western India by adding 30 new touchpoints, reducing coverage gaps from 35 km to 25 km, strengthening after-sales support for LCV demand and infrastructure sectors.

Tractor and Agriculture Sector Updates

Tractor launches and leadership changes:

• New Holland 3032 TX Smart launched at Krishi Darshan Expo 2026 in Hisar. Features include a 37 HP engine, 33 HP PTO, India’s first 6-speed multi and reverse PTO, constant mesh gearbox, and top speed of 33 kmph.
• Mahindra Group appointed Harsh K. Rai as CEO of Farm Division and Gromax, focusing on farmer engagement, rural partnerships, and farm mechanisation.

Tractor exports and investments:

• Escorts Kubota reviewing US tractor exports after the India-US trade deal, considering 18% tariff vs Japan’s 15%.
• CNH India resumed full tractor exports to the US post trade deal, with 30% of exports going to the US. Plans ₹1,800 crore investment over three years, including ₹1,000 crore for a new tractor plant to boost production and global supply.

AI and digital farming initiatives:

• Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched Bharat-VISTAAR in Jaipur, an AI-based farming platform announced in the Union Budget FY27. The platform integrates:
  • Weather updates from India Meteorological Department
  • Mandi prices via AgMarkNet
  • Crop guidance linked to Agri Stack
  • Access to 10 central schemes
  • Voice-first access through helpline 155261

Welfare Schemes, State Budgets, and Crop Relief

• The 33rd installment of ₹1,500 under Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana was released on 14 February 2026, benefiting 1.25 crore women through DBT, with ₹1,865 crore transferred. Nearly 1 lakh women were removed due to ineligibility, mainly age limits.
• Madhya Pradesh Budget 2026–27 allocated ₹23,882 crore to continue ₹1,500 monthly support for Ladli Behna Yojana beneficiaries.
• Gujarat Budget 2026–27 announced a record ₹4.08 lakh crore outlay with a ₹25,587 crore surplus, prioritising 3.15 lakh new homes, irrigation, MSME support, renewable energy, tourism, Olympic-ready infrastructure, and women-focused welfare initiatives.
• Unseasonal rain, hailstorms, and strong winds damaged Rabi crops in Rajasthan, particularly harvested produce left to dry. Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, farmers must report losses within 72 hours. Agriculture authorities instructed immediate surveys and compensation processing within 24 hours, ensuring timely relief to farmers’ bank accounts.

This week highlights India’s integrated approach to electric mobility, sustainable agriculture, welfare schemes, and rural development. Strategic investments in clean transport, tractor exports, AI farming platforms, and state budgets demonstrate strong momentum toward technology adoption, operational efficiency, and inclusive growth.