Cargo Matters, a technology-led logistics and infrastructure company focused on sustainable transportation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to develop an integrated electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and charging hub aimed at accelerating the electrification of India’s freight transport sector.
The project represents an investment of ₹100 crore and is designed to advance the concept of “Green Freight” by supporting the transition of heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs) to electric mobility. The facility will combine EV infrastructure, vehicle electrification capabilities and research initiatives within a single integrated ecosystem.
As part of the development process, Cargo Matters has submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) seeking allocation of approximately 18 acres of industrial land. The proposed facility will include several specialized units, including a manufacturing block dedicated to EV charging equipment, a retrofitting centre designed to convert existing heavy vehicles into electric-powered systems, and a research and development facility that will focus on validation, certification and testing of electric mobility technologies.
The company expects the project to generate around 1,000 direct employment opportunities while creating an additional 3,000 indirect jobs across the logistics, manufacturing and service sectors in the region. A significant portion of the total investment will be directed toward charging infrastructure development. Approximately ₹50 crore has been allocated for establishing high-capacity charging systems that will support electric freight corridors and enable long-distance operations for electric heavy-duty trucks.
According to Cargo Matters, the integrated facility will help address several barriers that currently limit the adoption of electric heavy commercial vehicles in India, including the availability of charging infrastructure and the cost of transitioning existing diesel fleets to electric powertrains.
Umesh Padala, Founder and Chairman of Cargo Matters, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to advancing practical decarbonisation solutions for the logistics sector. While the passenger EV market in India has seen steady growth in recent years, he noted that electrifying the heavy freight segment remains one of the most critical challenges for achieving meaningful emission reductions in transportation.
Mr Padala explained that the proposed facility at Madanapalle will support fleet operators by offering cost-effective electrification solutions through vehicle retrofitting as well as access to dedicated heavy-duty charging infrastructure.
Aachri Tyagi, Director at Cargo Matters, said the project represents an important step toward building sustainable freight infrastructure in India. By bringing together EV manufacturing capabilities, retrofitting facilities and charging infrastructure within a single hub, the company aims to accelerate the adoption of electric heavy vehicles and contribute to cleaner logistics networks across the country.
Officials from the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation welcomed the investment, noting that the project aligns with the state’s broader vision of developing a green and future-ready logistics ecosystem. PN Mahesh, Director at APIIC, said the state government is pleased that Cargo Matters has selected Madanapalle as the location for its proposed facility. He noted that the initiative is aligned with the Andhra Pradesh Sustainable Electric Mobility Policy 4.0 (2024–2029), which aims to encourage investment in electric mobility manufacturing and infrastructure.
Mr Mahesh highlighted the strategic location of Madanapalle, which lies close to the borders of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The town is located roughly 100 kilometres from Bengaluru and about 250 kilometres from Chennai, providing strong connectivity for logistics and freight operations.
Once operational, the project is expected to strengthen regional supply chains while creating significant employment opportunities for local communities. Pilot operations for the facility are expected to begin within 12 to 18 months following approvals, while full commercial operations are projected to commence within two years.
Cargo Matters, formally known as Parmelee Cargo Matters Logistic Solutions Pvt Ltd, is headquartered in New Delhi and operates a technology-enabled logistics network across India. The company manages a fleet of more than 400 GPS-enabled trucks serving over 15,000 pincodes and works with major corporate clients including Tata Steel, DHL and Havells. Through the integration of logistics data with the National Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), the company provides full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services with a strong emphasis on transparency, efficiency and environmentally responsible freight solutions.
