In the textile hub of Surat, the streets are lined with showrooms, fabric wholesalers, dyeing and processing units, transport offices and warehouses. As these enterprises bustle with activity inside, on the outside, two-wheelers, autorickshaws and trucks compete for limited road space.

Surat produces nearly one-third of the world’s fabric and holds a 65% share in the country’s synthetic fibre segment. While Surat’s textile trade ecosystem is the backbone of its economy, it also contributes to air pollution. Small and light commercial freight vehicles travel nearly 9 lakh kilometres each day to move yarn, fabric and finished products across the city.

Why Electrification of Textile Freight Matters

Freight vehicles make up less than 3% of all vehicles but use over 28% of diesel and produce 53% of road transport particulate matter (PM) emissions. Over the past year, WRI India, in collaboration with Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), engaged various stakeholders in the Surat textile market to test the benefits of electrifying small commercial vehicles (SCVs) and light commercial vehicles (LCVs).

Our conversations with traders and vehicle operators revealed that a large share of freight vehicles serving the textile supply chain are older, end‑of‑life vehicles with low efficiency. Most operate under intense pressure and make frequent short trips. Since the drivers work on thin margins, they rarely carry out regular maintenance of their vehicles.

These conversations revealed how frequent the trips are, the size of consignments they move and the operating costs involved. Drivers and operators also shared concerns around electric vehicle performance, including load-carrying capacity, charging infrastructure and upfront costs.

Sensing the need for hands-on validation, WRI India ran a two-week electric freight trial, deploying e-freight vehicles on real cargo routes across Surat’s textile markets. The trial found that the electric vehicles were able to carry typical loads and complete their daily routes on a single overnight charge, with no top-up needed during the day.

How Surat Can Scale Textile Freight Electrification 

As per data from the Vahan Portal, electric vehicle (EV) penetration in Surat is currently around 2%. Surat’s Green Vehicle Policy 2025 has set a target of achieving 50% electric vehicle share by 2030. The policy’s support for expanding charging infrastructure and clean mobility in the city can be leveraged for freight electrification. 

While policy incentives are important, addressing practical barriers faced by ecosystem actors is the key to wider adoption. These actors include government bodies, financiers, traders, logistics operators, vehicle manufacturers and industry associations. The pilot showed that reducing transport emissions in Surat's textile freight sector demands a coordinated push across the five interconnected fronts discussed below.

Actions required from stakeholders

Prioritise Electrification of Freight Within the City

SCVs and LCVs that make short, frequent runs between markets, processing units and depots should be prioritised for electrification. These vehicles operate on predictable routes, making the transition more manageable and economically attractive. Traders, logistics operators and financiers can formally collaborate to electrify this segment.

Strengthen Charging Infrastructure and Upkeep in Textile Clusters

Charging infrastructure at strategic halt points, aligned with operational needs, could ease range anxiety concerns and improve confidence in EV freight operations. SMC and state agencies should support the development of charging facilities — particularly along corridors connecting textile clusters — prioritising freight hubs, markets and overnight parking spots in and around the city. 

Nearly 40-50% of charging points nationwide remain non-operational due to unreliable power supply, poor placement or inadequate upkeep. So, while increasing charging points is important, they must be located based on the needs of the freight and should be regularly maintained.

Tailor Financing for Small Operators

Small operators are often unable to afford high upfront costs and rely on informal loans or continue using older ICE vehicles. A dedicated finance programme, designed around their informal credit patterns, should make low-interest loans and leasing accessible through financial institutions. These products should be co-designed with local businesses to ensure competitive offers and better customer support.

Adapt Vehicles to Industry Needs

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and their after-sales support are not currently prepared for Surat's operational demands. Manufacturers should configure vehicles for the industry’s load-intensive, high-frequency conditions and expand their after-sales networks. Easy access to EV maintenance services across the textile belt and city centres can ensure that operators are not left stranded due to service gaps.

Aggregate Demand Through Trade Associations

Industry associations such as the Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association (FOSTTA) and the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) can help aggregate demand, raise awareness and support skilling of drivers, while encouraging peer learning to build trust and confidence in electric vehicles. On top of offering skilling programmes and recognising early adopters, SMC can also offer targeted incentives.

Together, these five levers form a mutually reinforcing roadmap for cleaner textile logistics in Surat. By demonstrating a scalable model for integrating electric freight in high-volume urban logistics, Surat can lead India’s trade hubs in improving their air quality and building cleaner freight systems.