Cargo Matters to Establish India’s First Green Freight Hub

The Government of Andhra Pradesh and Cargo Matters have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create India’s first integrated EV manufacturing and charging hub aimed at electrifying heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs). The initiative, designed to accelerate India’s transition to sustainable ‘Green Freight’, represents a Rs 100 crore investment and promises to establish a modern, multipurpose facility for heavy-duty electric mobility.

Integrated EV Hub to Support Heavy Commercial Vehicles

The hub, to be located in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh, will cover 18 acres of industrial land. Cargo Matters has submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) for land allocation. The facility will include a dedicated manufacturing block for chargers, a specialised retrofit centre to electrify HCVs, and a strong R&D unit for validation and certification.

This multipurpose ecosystem aims to provide fleet operators with a cost-effective pathway to electrification while creating an advanced infrastructure for sustainable heavy freight operations.

Alignment With Andhra Pradesh EV Policy 2024-2029

The project aligns with the Andhra Pradesh EV Policy 2024-2029, which focuses on establishing the state as a global centre for high-value electric vehicle production and environmentally friendly transport. The hub is a strategic step towards realizing the government’s vision for green freight corridors and a future-ready logistics ecosystem.

P.N. Mahesh, Director at APIIC, noted, “As part of our commitment to building a green and future-ready logistics ecosystem, we are pleased that Cargo Matters has chosen Madanapalle for its upcoming hub. The initiative strengthens our sustainable electric mobility objectives and provides strategic connectivity to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.”

Employment Generation and Strategic Infrastructure

The Madanapalle facility is expected to generate 1,000 direct jobs and 3,000 indirect employment opportunities, boosting economic activity in the region. Additionally, Rs 50 crore of the total investment has been earmarked specifically for developing charging infrastructure to support regional heavy-duty electric corridors.

With its strategic location approximately 100 km from Bengaluru and 250 km from Chennai, the hub ensures excellent connectivity for logistics operations and enhances the efficiency of freight movement across Southern India.

Rapid Timeline for Implementation

The project is set for swift execution, in line with Andhra Pradesh’s proactive industrial policy. Pilot operations are expected to commence within 12 to 18 months of approval, with full commercial commissioning planned within 24 months. The fast-track schedule ensures that the benefits of the hub, including electrified HCVs and associated green freight corridors, are realized quickly.

Cargo Matters’ Commitment to Decarbonisation

Umesh Padala, Founder and Chairman of Cargo Matters, highlighted the company’s objectives: “This MoU represents our commitment to practical decarbonisation. While the passenger EV market is maturing, the heavy freight sector remains the final frontier. Our Madanapalle facility will provide fleet owners with a cost-effective pathway to electrification through advanced retrofitting and dedicated heavy-duty charging networks.”

Cargo Matters’ expertise in logistics and sustainable infrastructure, combined with advanced retrofitting capabilities, is expected to make the hub a benchmark for heavy-duty EV adoption in India.

Conclusion

The Cargo Matters EV hub in Madanapalle marks a significant milestone in India’s green logistics journey. By combining manufacturing, retrofitting, and charging facilities, the initiative aims to electrify heavy commercial vehicles, create thousands of jobs, and strengthen regional freight corridors. With strong government backing and strategic planning, the hub is expected to become a model for sustainable logistics infrastructure across India.