Urban mobility in India’s tier-2 cities, with populations between 50,000 to 99,999, is rapidly evolving. As these cities expand, the need for efficient and sustainable transportation grows. Mahindra Auto is at the forefront of this transformation, offering innovative solutions to enhance connectivity and infrastructure.
By focusing on electric and hybrid technologies, improving accessibility, and supporting local communities, Mahindra is reshaping urban mobility.
This blog explains how Mahindra’s initiatives drive progress in tier-2 cities, making transportation more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Mahindra’s Role in Urban Mobility in Tier-2 Cities
Since the early 2000s, Mahindra has been a pioneer in providing sustainable mobility solutions to India’s tier-2 cities. Its SUVs and vehicles have become ubiquitous as urban public transportation and for passenger and cargo movement.
Specifically, Mahindra has played a vital role in:
Public Transportation: Customized vehicles like the Furio, Tourister and Atom buses provide efficient mass transit systems. Electric variants are also gaining popularity.
Shared Mobility: A range of affordable commercial vehicles, such as Jeeto, Supro, Treo Zor, etc., enable productive shared mobility.
Micro Mobility: Electric 3-wheelers have transformed hyperlocal last-mile connectivity.
Furthermore, Mahindra has set up dedicated outreach initiatives and support infrastructure to promote EV adoption in tier-2 regions.
1. Innovations in Mobility
Mahindra Auto has driven revolutionary innovations that have shaped next-generation mobility in India’s high-growth Tier-2 cities:
Electric Vehicles: The company’s Treo and e-Alfa range of electric 3-wheelers have become the gold standard for sustainable last-mile connectivity. These EVs have found enormous adoption in both people and cargo movement by offering higher efficiency, lower operating costs, and zero emissions. The e-Verito sedan provides clean, green mobility for taxi and fleet operators.
Connected Vehicles: Products like Mahindra’s integrated Digisense platform leverage cutting-edge IoT and telematics technology to maximize fleet productivity, utilization, and uptime. Advanced features like GPS tracking, driving pattern analysis, and vehicle health monitoring enable data-driven mobility.
Alternate Fuels: Various LCVs and buses from Mahindra powered by CNG instead of diesel have substantially reduced emissions. Particularly suited for mass public transportation, these vehicles will be crucial for tier-2 cities to reduce pollution.
Accessibility: Mahindra has introduced a range of customized vehicles to meet the mobility needs of differently abled users and passengers with reduced mobility. Wheelchair accessibility, dedicated entry ramps, and restraint systems make transportation inclusive.
Shared Mobility: Highly affordable commercial offerings like the Jeeto have unlocked the potential for productive, low-cost shared mobility. Thousands now access the freedom of mobility services to improve livelihoods as micro-entrepreneurs and last-mile delivery partners.
2. Enhancing Accessibility
Mahindra Auto has proactively undertaken concerted efforts to enhance mobility and transportation access for all sections of society:
Specialized Vehicles: Mahindra has developed customized vehicles for differently abled and wheelchair users that provide safe, dignified transit. Features like wheelchair ramps, restraint systems, and dedicated entryways are specially designed for their needs.
Rural Connectivity: Products like the Jeeto mini truck and electric 3-wheelers are optimized for rural areas adjoining Tier-2 cities to promote connectivity to more advanced urban clusters. Outreach initiatives further spread awareness.
Inclusive Workforce: Mahindra’s manufacturing facilities and office workforce boast high
diversity across locales, with a particular hiring focus on gender inclusion and empowerment. Its leadership team has also committed to enhancing gender diversity and increasing the number of women in leadership roles in the future.
3. Infrastructure Support and Development
Mahindra Auto has played a leading role in developing electric vehicle infrastructure and modern transportation systems in India’s fast-growing Tier-2 cities:
Extensive Charging Network: Under the Mahindra Electric Mobility vertical, the company has been instrumental in setting up one of India’s largest and most accessible electric vehicle charging station networks.
Over 200+ stations have already been installed across key Tier-2 commercial hubs to address range anxiety. With plans to establish 500+ more charging points in the next five years, Mahindra is rapidly working to provide the supporting infrastructure vital for large-scale EV adoption.
Service Ecosystem Enablement: Mahindra has also enabled an extensive pan-India ecosystem of authorized service networks and workshops to support EV owners and drivers.
Given that smaller towns often lack specialized resources, this vast support system ensures that Mahindra EV customers can access assistance should they face any issues. Toll-free helpdesks also provide 24/7 on-road support.
Public Outreach Programmes: Mahindra aggressively conducts EV awareness drives, campaign camps, and public education programs to promote sustainable mobility. Its executives directly engage with citizens to communicate the benefits of electric vehicles, especially in Tier-2 regions where skepticism may be high.
The company also collects inputs and provides policy recommendations to urban planning agencies on boosting regional EV infrastructure.
Training Drivers: Mahindra Auto also frequently organizes hands-on training, upskilling, and skill development programs for owners, operators, and shared mobility entrepreneurs focused on EV safety, efficiency, customer service, and business management.
Building their capability and expertise is crucial, given that EVs represent a newer mobility concept in India’s smaller cities.
4. Collaborations and Partnerships
Mahindra collaborates with other stakeholders to enhance its impact:
Academia: Research partnerships with IITs and other institutes to accelerate innovation.
Private Sector: Tie-ups with logistics companies & fleet operators to drive the adoption of EVs and clean vehicles.
Government: It closely works with Smart City agencies and urban development authorities to improve mobility infrastructure and provides policy recommendations.
5. Impact on Local Communities
Mahindra’s mobility solutions have improved socio-economic development in tier-2 cities:
Access to Opportunities: Enhanced mobility provides greater access to education and job opportunities – especially for women.
Employment: Mahindra’s products have created entrepreneurial opportunities for many as taxi drivers, delivery partners, etc., thus providing sustainable livelihoods.
Environment: EVs have reduced air and noise pollution – making public spaces more liveable.
Road Safety: Training programmes have helped make roads safer by promoting good driving behavior.
Future Outlook
Mahindra Auto plans to further impact tier-2 cities by expanding its range of electric SUVs and vehicles, increasing charging and battery-swapping stations, and advancing public outreach programmes. The company will set up additional charging and battery-swapping stations to boost EV adoption and expand its public outreach programs to more regions.
Furthermore, Mahindra intends to invest in emerging connected and autonomous vehicle technologies to shape the future of mobility. It also aims to develop specialized mobility solutions for seniors and differently-abled users who require additional accessibility assistance. By continuing to focus its innovation and next-generation mobility solutions on the needs of diverse Indian communities, Mahindra hopes to further transform lives across the country’s rapidly growing tier-2 cities.
Conclusion
Mahindra Auto is playing a crucial role in transforming next-generation mobility for millions in India’s tier-2 cities. Mahindra has enhanced productivity, employment, socio-economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability across India’s urban centers by boosting mass transit, micro-mobility, and EV adoption and upgrading supportive infrastructure.
Furthermore, strategic partnerships and community-centric initiatives have multiplied this positive impact. In the future, Mahindra will continue to leverage innovation and advanced technology to enhance the quality of life of its customers while driving positive change.