ART Housing Finance Partners With SignDesk For Housing Loan Kit Digitization”

* ART Housing Finance empowers underserved segments with eSign-backed housing loans 

ART Housing Finance Ltd (ART Housing Finance), a leading Housing Finance Company (HFC) providing long-term housing loans to middle and lower-income groups, has announced a strategic partnership with SignDesk, a global provider of document automation solutions. This collaboration aims to revolutionize housing finance for underserved segments by digitizing loan kits and simplifying the application process through integrated eSignatures and eStamping.

Bridging the credit gap in non-urban India

Credit penetration in non-urban areas remains a critical challenge in India, with informal credit dominating the lending landscape. This lack of formal credit access leaves rural and underserved communities vulnerable to economic cycles and exploitative lending practices. However, the surging demand for housing presents a golden opportunity to bridge this gap and empower these segments.

ART Housing Finance stands committed to providing flexible home loan solutions to middle and low-income groups in peri-urban and rural India. Leveraging digital innovation and a robust on-ground presence, the company builds sustainable credit pipelines, fostering affordable housing dreams.

Technology as the game-changer

Traditionally, lenders serving non-urban areas grapple with high operational costs and delays due to complex underwriting needs and challenges in establishing customer connections. Technology adoption is now emerging as a powerful equalizer, enabling housing finance companies to overcome these hurdles.

By partnering with SignDesk, ART Housing Finance has achieved complete loan kit digitization. Aadhaar-registered borrowers can now seamlessly eSign loan agreements online, with advanced encryption and traceability ensuring utmost security. Biometric signatures further streamline the process for non-Aadhaar users.

The company also utilizes eStamping to comply with state regulations, scale operations, and boost efficiency. This not only eliminates forgery risks and guarantees document authenticity but also facilitates remote workflows, a critical advantage in the post-pandemic era.

The combined impact of these digital solutions has been remarkable. ART Housing Finance has witnessed a 20% reduction in operating costs and a 1.5x improvement in loan disbursement efficiency. This translates to faster loan approvals and a more positive experience for borrowers.

Dominic Vijay Kumar, Senior VP & CTO, ART Housing Finance (India) Ltd:

“Integrating e-sign and e-stamp technology into our loan workflows has been transformative. We've empowered our customers with a convenient and speedy loan sanction process. They can now eSign documents and procure e-stamp papers digitally, anytime, anywhere. This customer-centric approach is at the heart of everything we do.”

Krupesh Bhat, Founder, SignDesk:

“Making housing finance accessible to vulnerable populations like rural residents is crucial for inclusive economic growth. Banks and NBFCs in these areas face unique challenges and need digitization to remain competitive and offer exceptional service. E-sign and e-stamp solutions directly address these concerns, mitigating structural risks and building trust. By digitizing loan kits, financial institutions can empower borrowers and foster a more robust financial ecosystem.”

The road ahead: Technology paves the way for financial inclusion

Housing finance plays a pivotal role in integrating traditionally underserved and unserved populations into the formal economy. De-risking rural credit, ensuring operational efficiency, and prioritizing data security remain key challenges. Technology will continue to be the driving force in overcoming these hurdles and paving the way for a more inclusive financial landscape.

As India's Fintech sector flourishes, banks and NBFCs must embrace document automation solutions like eSignatures, eStamping, and digital KYC verification. This will not only expedite loan processes and reduce costs for lenders but, more importantly, build trust and empower borrowers across the nation. Leveraging cutting-edge compliance technology is not just a trend but an imperative for driving India's formal economy forward.

Ref Links - https://signdesk.com/case-studies/art-housing-finance

   -  https://signdesk.com/esign-workflow

Inauguration Of Research-Based Incubation Facility For Geographical Indications (GIs) At MAHE, Manipal -Udupi

Vision Karnataka Foundation (VKF) and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) inaugurated the commencement of a research-based incubation programme for Geographical Indications (GIs) tagged products on 27th December 2023 at Manipal. The incubation program is working on building, developing, and growing livelihood clusters around Udupi region with GI focussed communities belonging to the Udupi Mattu Gulla and Shankarpura (Udupi) Mallige clusters.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Kishor Jagirdar, President of Vision Karnataka Foundation (VKF) said that it is a proud moment for VKF to be associated with Department of Commerce, MAHE to launch this initiative of Research-based incubation facility. This is a first of its kind in the country that is focussing on incubation for GI tagged communities engaged in market linkage activities. The incubation facility is also supporting other activities like product design, branding, packing and packaging, legal aspects, standardization, leveraging value adds, exploring digital market place and other strategies etc. This effort is exclusively directed towards addressing the grassroot level community-based barriers of these GI clusters. Initially it will cover two GI based areas and then gradually reach out to 48 select GIs in Karnataka over next two years. Additionally, this partnership is working on identifying potential GI tagged opportunities at the local, regional and national level.

Under this incubation arrangement, VKF will be providing support for this initiative by handholding the GI farmers, Self Help Groups and other stakeholders for improving the product quality, enhancing the marketability, providing better market linkages for the GI tagged products. Keen on taking this initiative to next level, VKF is planning to set up Common Facility Centers (CFC) under the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Cluster Development Programme (CDP) scheme to provide much needed value addition to these GI tagged products. This unique initiative will bring in incremental income generation possibilities for growers along with developing entrepreneurs in the process.

The Sustainable Development Goals Coordination Centre (SDGCC) is also signatory to this with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Govt of Karnataka. VKF is the Technical Agency for Ministry of MSME, Government of India and also State Government. VKF is driving several livelihood clusters in India under ‘Scheme of Fund for the Regeneration of Traditional Industries’ (SFURTI) scheme.

Vivesvaraya Trade Promotion Centre (VTCP), the nodal agency for the promotion of international trade and Geographical Indications tagged products from the State of Karnataka was represented on this occasion by Smt. Prabhavathi Rao, Facilitator - Intellectual Property Initiatives, on behalf of Director (Exports) & Managing Director -Shri B.K Shivakumar. She informed that as the pioneer in the country in launching the first of its kind exclusive Geographical Indications Policy, VTPC under the aegis of the Department of Industries & Commerce, Govt of Karnataka, has been working to facilitate and promote artisans of traditional and legacy products that the state is famed for. Among various initiatives, she mentioned that with the registration of artisans/producers/farmers for the respective GI tagged products as Authorised Users, being provided thrust, in accordance with GI Act of 1999, VTPC would take steps to register the farmers of Udupi Mattu Gulla Brinjal and Udupi Jasmine as Authorised Users of the GI crops.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence (IOE), deemed to be University is proud to engage in this initiative as a ‘enabling agency’. In its pursuit of educating the public on vital topics of social interest, MAHE has raised the bar for social responsibility. To accomplish social development, MAHE is actively involved in putting up a number of partnership-focused strategies for the good of the society. Hence, working for the local farming community who grow unique GI tagged products is a matter of high priority for MAHE. The incubation facility that is envisaged through this partnership will initially target to promote the improvement of two clusters of Udupi Mattu Gulla Brinjal and Udupi Jasmine and will gradually cover the other GIs grown in Karnataka through the incubation program.

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, 'This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the journey of sustainable development and community empowerment. At MAHE, we are deeply committed to fostering innovation and education that benefits society at large. By supporting this incubation program for GI-tagged products like Udupi Mattu Gulla and Shankarpura Udupi Mallige, we are not just nurturing local talent and traditional practices but also contributing to the economic and social upliftment of the region. Our students and faculty are eager to engage in this unique learning experience, which aligns perfectly with our ethos of blending academic excellence with societal service’.

Dr. Giridhar Kini, Registrar, MAHE who was present during the function stated that MAHE gives high priority to projects which has the element of local development. Such initiatives provide field-based learning opportunities to the students and faculties of MAHE with an added incentive of social development.

Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Sandeep Shenoy, Head, Department of Commerce, MAHE said that this is a significant step in addressing the growth of GI livelihood clusters. Dr. Sandeep said that the Department will assist the GI clusters in the marketing of the products and help in setting market linkages and play an enablers role in improving the livelihood of these clusters.

Tanishq's Gold Exchange Program Set To Delight 1 Lakh Brides Across India

~ Tanishq's year-round exchange program has become a beacon of joy for brides over the years ~

In the journey of life, weddings stand as timeless chapters, weaving together love, commitment, and the promise of a beautiful journey ahead. Tanishq, India’s largest jewellery retail brand from the house of Tata known for its commitment to quality and unparalleled designs, has been an integral part of these cherished narratives. Presenting its revamped ‘Gold Exchange Policy’ catering to the upcoming wedding season, Tanishq reaffirms its commitment to trust, transparency, and unparalleled value for brides in today’s ever-evolving market.

Every passing hour, more than 100 individuals warmly embrace Tanishq's Exchange community. With over 35 lakh weddings scheduled in the forthcoming months, Tanishq’s ‘Gold Exchange Program’ promises customers the optimal value for their gold assets. This policy offers a gateway to transform old gold into exquisite new designs by Tanishq, perfect for adorning on one's significant day. Customers can avail 100%* value on old gold purchased from any jeweller in India of 22KT and above. Moreover, amidst prevailing gold rates, brides can effortlessly acquire stunning new designs by simply exchanging their old gold, requiring no additional payment. This seamless process not only offers exquisite new jewellery but also provides a savvy solution to navigate through the current market dynamics.

An offer that awaits you all-year-round, Tanishq’s Exchange Program, crafted with your concerns in mind, unfolding like a treasure trove of possibilities.

Tanishq's commitment extends beyond merely providing jewellery; it intertwines with each bride's unique journey. Rivaah by Tanishq; a wedding exclusive sub-brand caters to meticulously crafted collections, stands as the preferred choice for brides across India. The bridal trousseau range from Rivaah is skillfully crafted to be a reflection of the rich, timeless traditions that adorn the brides and make them feel cherished on their special day. To cater to the growing demand in the wedding segment, Tanishq caters to a wide range of signature designs across vibrant colour stones, dazzling gold, shining diamonds, exquisite polki, and precious kundan jewellery perfect for every wedding occasion from haldi, mehendi, sangeet, to the most precious Wedding day.

As a customer-centric endeavor, Rivaah by Tanishq also launched 'Real Brides' campaign in 2022. This initiative features real brides of India who chose Tanishq to be a part of their extraordinary day. Tailored to forge a deeper customer con nection, this bespoke initiative makes a chosen few customers from different walks of life as the face of Tanishq in various cities. The campaign shines a spotlight on Tanishq's thoughtfully curated designs for brides hailing from different regions across India, honoring them as the esteemed Rivaah Brides. Participants were given the opportunity to walk the ramp, reliving a cherished memory from their special day, this time as a Rivaah Bride.

Exchange of gold not only fosters national recycling over imports but also champions planet-friendly practices by advocating recycling over mining—a sustainable, environmentally conscious choice that echoes Tanishq's commitment to preserving our planet's resources.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Vasudeva Rao, Regional Business Manager, Tanishq, said, “We are optimistic about the upcoming wedding season this quarter and are expecting a thriving period with robust demand in the wedding jewellery segment. We understand that jewellery is a quintessential part of traditional weddings in India and we see great potential in this category. Rivaah by Tanishq through its extensive assortment of wedding jewellery, caters to brides from across India. We take pride in jewellery from Rivaah by Tanishq being the customer’s preferred choice on the most important day of her life. Customers can now get the best value on their old gold along with exquisite craftsmanship, and a transparent exchange process to gear up for the wedding season.”

*T&C Apply

Kotak Mahindra Bank To Appoint Mr. C S Rajan, As New Part-Time Chairman

Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (‘Kotak’ or ‘the Bank’) today announced that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of Mr. C S Rajan, Independent Director of the Bank, as the Part-time Chairman, for a period of two years, effective 1st January 2024.

Mr. Rajan’s appointment as the next Part-time Chairman of the Bank’s Board follows the retirement of the incumbent Part-time Chairman, Mr Prakash Apte, whose term expires on 31st December 2023.

Mr. C S Rajan is a successful leader with over 40 years of experience across significant government portfolios. He was appointed as an Independent Director on the Board of the Bank, with effect from 22nd October 2022. An IAS officer of 1978 batch, he retired as Chief Secretary of the Government of Rajasthan in the year 2016. He served in leadership roles for 12 years in key Infrastructure sectors such as Energy, Highways, Water Resources and Industry including SSI/MSME and worked for 14 years in Agriculture and Rural Development. During his 38 years of service in the IAS he has also acquired experience in the fields of Human Resources, Finance and General Administration. He has served on inter-disciplinary teams for review of World Bank projects in other States and also as a Consultant to the World Bank in a Study on ‘Farmer Participation in Agricultural Research and Extension System’. After his retirement from active service in July 2016, he served as Deputy Chairman in the Chief Ministers’ Advisory Council of Rajasthan for a period of two and half years. In October 2018, Mr. Rajan was appointed by the Government of India on the Board of Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Limited (“IL & FS”) initially as Director, thereafter as Managing Director for a period of three and half years, then as Chairman & Managing Director for a year and, since then, he has been serving as the Non-Executive Chairman of IL & FS.

Mr. Prakash Apte, Non-Executive Independent Part-Time Chairman, Kotak Mahindra Bank said, “We are pleased to announce that RBI has approved the appointment of Mr. C S Rajan as the next Chairman of Kotak Mahindra Bank. His expertise across sectors vital to India’s future, including infrastructure, roads, energy, agriculture & rural development, industry and commerce will bring a fresh perspective to the deliberations and contribute to the Bank’s growth.”

Mr. Dipak Gupta, Managing Director & CEO, Kotak Mahindra Bank said, “We thank Mr. Prakash Apte for his contribution to the Bank, first as an Independent Director and subsequently as the Chairman of the Bank’s Board. We would like to congratulate Mr. C S Rajan on his appointment as Chairman of the Bank’s Board. We are confident that the Bank will benefit immensely from Mr. Rajan’s guidance for its next phase of growth.”

Mr. C S Rajan, Independent Director and Non-Executive Independent Part-Time Chairman – Designate, Kotak Mahindra Bank said, “I am deeply humbled and honoured to accept the appointment as Chairman of the Bank and thank the Board for entrusting me with the responsibility to steer the Bank to new heights and increase stakeholder value. I look forward to working collaboratively with the Board and the entire Team.”

About Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited

Established in 1985, Kotak Mahindra Group is one of India's leading financial services conglomerates. In February 2003, Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd. (KMFL), the Group's flagship company, received banking licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), becoming the first non-banking finance company in India to convert into a bank - Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited

The Bank has four Strategic Business Units – Consumer Banking, Corporate Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury, which cater to retail and corporate customers across urban and rural India. The premise of Kotak Mahindra Group’s business model is concentrated India, diversified financial services. The bold vision that underscores the Group’s growth is an inclusive one, with a host of products and services designed to address the needs of the unbanked and insufficiently banked. As on 30 September 2023, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd has a national footprint of 1,850 branches and 3,170 ATMs, and branches in GIFT City and DIFC (Dubai).

For more information, please visit the company’s website at https://www.kotak.com/

ABB India Wins ‘Smart Factory Of The Year’ At The Frost & Sullivan’s India Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2023, Amongst Others

ABB India’s Smart Power Division bagged the ‘Smart Factory of the Year’ award demonstrating its digital readiness at the Frost & Sullivan’s 19th edition of the India Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2023. This award was based on multiple factors including, smart manufacturing & IIoT systems, AI & Machine learning, and digital modelling for process layout amongst others.

ABB India also won ‘Indian Manufacturer of the Year-1st Runner up’ award for excellence in manufacturing practices and ‘Consistency Aspirer Award’ for Diligence, Perseverance, Foresight and Dedication towards manufacturing excellence.

Additionally, Manufacturing Transformation Champion of the Year was awarded to Mr. Saju SR, Senior Vice President, ABB India Limited, Smart Power Division, for outstanding contributions and achievements in the Manufacturing domain.

The 19th edition of the Frost & Sullivan India Manufacturing Excellence Awards (IMEA) celebrated achievements in optimizing operational excellence and demonstrating future readiness. The evaluation criteria included the utilization of digital manufacturing tools, optimization of the supply chain, and effective enhancement of manufacturing capabilities.

ABB India’s Smart Power division factory in Bangalore showcased its Digital Readiness Framework involving its adoption of digital tools, its readiness and maturity to go along the digital transformation journey for its on-site assessment of maturity.

ABB India bags ‘Smart Factory of the Year’ at the Frost & Sullivan’s India Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2023, amongst others.

ABB India bags ‘Indian Manufacturer of the Year-1st Runner up’ at the Frost & Sullivan’s India Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2023

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on more than 130 years of excellence, ABB’s ~105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation. www.abb.com

ABB’s Electrification Business Area is a global leader in electrical products and solutions, operating in more than 100 countries, with over 200 manufacturing sites. Our 50,000+ employees are dedicated to transforming how people live, connect and work by delivering safe, smart and sustainable electrification solutions. We are shaping the future trends of electrification, differentiating through technological and digital innovation while delivering an outstanding experience through operational excellence for our customers across utilities, industry, buildings, infrastructure and mobility. go.abb/electrification.

Samsung Galaxy A25 5G, Galaxy A15 5G With Awesome Camera And New Editing Features Launched In India

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, announced the launch of Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A25 5G today. The 2024 Galaxy A series is aimed at offering the latest Galaxy innovations at an affordable price, making awesome technology accessible to everyone. Galaxy A15 5G is the successor of Galaxy A14 5G, India’s no.1 selling 5G smartphone, according to Counterpoint Research. Galaxy A25 5G stands out with Super AMOLED display with Vision Booster technology, 50MP triple camera setup that comes with a host of Awesome photo-editing features, massive 5000mAh battery and security tools like Knox Vault.

"Galaxy A series smartphones exemplify Samsung's prowess in delivering transformative innovations at an affordable price, making them the first choice of millions of consumers in India. We are thankful to our consumers for making Galaxy A14 5G the No.1 selling 5G smartphones in India this year. Galaxy A25 5G and Galaxy A15 5G take the stellar legacy of Galaxy A series forward with a superior camera and a host of awesome photo-editing features for users to capture and edit on-the-go and produce professional level creations,” said Aditya Babbar, Senior Director, Mobile Business, Samsung India.

Awesome Design and Display

Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A25 5G showcase Galaxy’s signature design philosophy for a premium feel. Galaxy A15 5G sports a glastic back panel with haze finish, while Galaxy A25 5G’s glossy prism pattern back panel looks stunning. The new key island design on the side panel and the flat linear camera housing creates a unique silhouette for enhanced grip.

Galaxy A15 5G will come in three refreshing colours – Blue Black, Blue and Light Blue, while Galaxy A25 5G will be available in Blue Black, Blue, and Yellow colours.  Galaxy A15 5G's 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, enhanced with Vision Booster, creates smooth, bright and vivid viewing experiences with 90Hz refresh rate and a low blue light display for eye comfort. The Galaxy A25 5G's 6.5-inch, Super AMOLED display expresses rich colours and details up to 1000 nits brightness while enhanced with Vision Booster for clear outdoor visibility. Galaxy A25 comes with Eye Comfort Shield to reduce harmful blue light.

Awesome Camera and Editing

Galaxy A15 5G sports a 50MP triple camera setup with VDIS to reduce blur or distortion in videos from unsteady or shaky movements. Galaxy A25 5G features a 50MP (OIS) triple camera setup to shoot high-resolution and shake-free photos and videos, eliminating blurred images caused by hand tremors or accidental shakes. Galaxy A25 5G, has a 13MP front camera for crisp and clear selfies.  The Galaxy A25 5G comes with Awesome photo-editing features like  Single Take, Remaster and Object Eraser to reimagine your photographs with easy-to-use editing tools.

·        Single Take: Single Take feature generates up to 10 photos and 4 video clips in real time with one shot

·        Remaster: Remaster photos and GIFs is a native camera feature, using AI to enhance your images, without the need to download additional third-party applications

·     Object Eraser: Object eraser as a tool allows you to edit and remove an object or a person from your image cleanly without leaving any smudges or other blemishes. Object eraser feature is also capable of removing unnecessary shadows and reflections

·       Image clipper feature lets you easily extract a subject from an image and separate it from its background. Clipped images can not only be modified to create memes and stickers but also shared and saved in a different apps

Awesome Security & Privacy

Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A25 5G come with Knox Security platform, built at the chip level, ensuring users are in full control of their data with features like Auto Blocker, Privacy Dashboard, Samsung Passkey and others. Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A25 5G also feature Knox Vault chipset, designed to safeguard your sensitive data, such as PINs, passwords and patterns, in a separate tamper-resistant storage for protection against software and hardware threats.

Taking privacy to the next level, Knox offers Secure Folder, which is a safe space for storing your private photos, videos, documents, and more. Everything added to the Secure Folder is placed in a private, encrypted space that can only be accessed by you. Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A25 5G have been designed to stay future-ready with up to 4 generations of OS upgrades and up to 5 years of security updates.

Awesome Galaxy Experiences

Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A25 5G come with a host of exciting features that elevate the Galaxy Experience. The Quick Share feature enables you to instantly share files, photos and documents with other devices, including your laptop and tab. The highlight of Quick Share is the Private Share feature, which allows you to share personal and sensitive content securely, without concerns of invasion of privacy and loss of ownership. Your files are encrypted and you can set permission and expiration date for the data and grant read-only access.

Both Galaxy A15 5G and A25 5G get the all-new Samsung Wallet, which lets consumers enjoy a seamless experience to store IDs and redefine payments convenience .

Awesome Power and Battery

Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A25 5G come in 8GB memory and 128GB/256GB storage options.  Galaxy A15 5G is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor, while Galaxy A25 5G is powered  by Exynos 1280, which is built on the 5nm process and offers more power and speed for as seamless multitasking experience.           

Both Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A25 5G come with 5000mAh battery that lasts up to two days. Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A25 5G support 25W fast charging and are equipped with adaptive power-saving mode that automatically adapts to your usage to ensure optimal power savings. The sleeping app management feature puts apps to sleep and prevents them from running in the background so you can focus on the apps you use most often.

Tata Motors Electrifies Bengaluru’s Urban Commuting With 100 Starbus Electric Vehicles

* BMTC inducts Tata Motors’ state-of-the-art electric buses for comfortable, emission-free mass mobility

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has accelerated Bengaluru's electrified public transport with the delivery of technologically-advanced Starbus EVs to Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). This marks a significant milestone as part of a larger order as per the agreement between TML Smart City Mobility Solutions Ltd., a Tata Motors subsidiary, and BMTC, encompassing the commencement of supply, operation and maintenance of 921 state-of-the-art 12-metre low-floor electric buses, over a 12-year period. Tata Starbus EV, an indigenous innovation, joins BMTC's fleet, boasting superior design and best-in-class features for a sustainable and comfortable commuting experience. Aligned with the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, these zero-emission electric buses are developed on next-gen architecture, powered by advanced battery systems for safe, comfortable and convenient intra-city commute across the city of Bengaluru. 

Tata Motors’ smart electric bus was inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddaramaiah along with Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri DK Shivakumar, Shri Ramalingareddy, Hon’ble Minister for Transport & Mujarai, Govt of Karnataka & Chairman, BMTC, Shri Rizwan Arshad, Hon’ble MLA, Shivajinagar Assembly Constituency, Ms Kala Krishnswamy, IPS, Director (S&V), BMTC and Ms. G Sathyavathi, IAS, Managing Director, BMTC.

Commenting on the announcement, Ms. G Sathyavathi, IAS, Managing Director, BMTC, said "We are delighted to induct Tata Motors’ state-of-the-art buses after successful completion of prototype trials of Tata’s electric buses within the city. The remarkable performance of these electric buses align perfectly with BMTC’s commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and improving the quality of life for our citizens. These buses will not only contribute towards eco-friendly transportation, but will also offer noise-free and comfortable mass mobility in the city.”

Sharing his thoughts at the event, Mr. Asim Kumar Mukhopadhyay, CEO and MD, TML Smart City Mobility Solutions Limited, said “We are elated to witness our top-of-the-line Starbus EVs inducted in BMTC’s fleet. Our offering to the citizens of Bengaluru is testament to our commitment to cutting-edge, eco-friendly offerings. We are confident that our buses will further strengthen BMTC’s fleet and make public transportation safe, comfortable, tech driven and energy-efficient. These buses have been developed and manufactured at state-of-the-art facilities and have been rigorously tested and validated across varied conditions.”

Till date, Tata Motors has supplied over 1,500 electric buses across multiple cities in India, which have cumulatively clocked more than 10 crore kilometres, with an uptime of over 95%. The Tata Starbus EV, is a cutting-edge e-bus that sets new benchmarks for urban city commuting. With its full-electric drivetrain, this state-of-the-art vehicle optimises energy consumption, resulting in low energy usage and operational costs. It offers features like ease of boarding, comfortable seating and driver-friendly operations, while ensuring zero emissions. Equipped with electronic stability control, electronic brake distribution, air suspension, Intelligent Transport System, panic button among other advanced features, it prioritises comfort and safety to its commuters. This electric bus embodies the commitment to cleaner public transport and is an ideal choice for urban passenger transportation needs.

About Tata Motors

Part of the USD 128 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (BSE: 500570 and 570001; NSE: TATAMOTORS and TATAMTRDVR), a USD 42 billion organization, is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups,  trucks, and buses, offering an extensive range of integrated, smart, and e-mobility solutions. With ‘Connecting Aspirations’ at the core of its brand promise, Tata Motors is India’s market leader in commercial vehicles and ranks among the top three in the passenger vehicles market.

Tata Motors strives to bring new products that captivate the imagination of GenNext customers, fueled by state-of-the-art design and R&D centres located in India, the UK, the US, Italy, and South Korea. By focusing on engineering and tech- enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, the company’s innovation efforts are focused on developing pioneering technologies that are both sustainable and suited to the evolving market and customer aspirations. The company is pioneering India's Electric Vehicle (EV) transition and driving the shift towards sustainable mobility solutions by developing a tailored product strategy, leveraging the synergy between Group companies and playing an active role in liaising with the Government of India in developing the policy framework.

With operations in India, the UK, South Korea, Thailand, South Africa and Indonesia, Tata Motors markets its vehicles in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the SAARC countries. As of March 31, 2023, Tata Motors’ operations include 88 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, three joint ventures, and numerous equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, over which the company exercises significant influence.

Photo Caption: Tata Motors electrifies Bengaluru’s urban commuting with 100 Starbus EVs.