NEW DELHI (India CSR): For Eicher Motors Limited (EML), the journey has always been about more than manufacturing motorcycles. It is about connecting landscapes, people, and possibilities. In its 125th year of legacy, the company marked FY 2024–25 not only with record commercial milestones but also with an ambitious expansion of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
At the heart of this commitment lies a belief that business growth must create shared value. In FY 2024–25, Eicher Motors Limited reported total CSR spending of Rs 50.25 crore, directed toward climate resilience in the Himalayas, sustainable tourism, rural education, healthcare access, and road safety awareness.
While over 10.02 lakh motorcycles rolled out during the year, the company’s “Social Mission” focused on ensuring that communities along those roads also thrive.
CSR Financial Overview: Detailed Spending for FY 2024–25
Under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, companies are required to spend 2% of their average net profits over the preceding three years on CSR initiatives.
For FY 2024–25:
- Standalone turnover: Rs 18,451.46 crore
- Net worth: Rs 18,499.84 crore
- Average net profit (3 years): Rs 3,328.50 crore
- CSR obligation (2%): Rs 66.68 crore
Out of this obligation, Eicher Motors Limited spent Rs 50.25 crore during the year.
Break-up of CSR Expenditure
The Rs 50.25 crore spent in FY 2024–25 was allocated as follows:
- CSR Projects (ongoing and new initiatives): Rs 46.43 crore
- Administrative overheads: Rs 3.09 crore
- Impact assessment expenditure: Rs 73 lakh
A balance of Rs 16.43 crore remained unspent at year-end and was transferred to a designated Unspent CSR Account, earmarked for ongoing long-term projects.
This reflects the company’s multi-year approach to development, especially in geographically complex regions such as the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR).
Himalayan Social Mission: Climate Resilience and Cultural Preservation
The centrepiece of Eicher Motors’ CSR strategy is its Social Mission in the Indian Himalayan Region. By 2030, the company aims to partner with 100 Himalayan communities to strengthen climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.
The Himalayan Hub, Himachal Pradesh
In FY 2024–25, the company operationalised its Himalayan Hub in Theog, Himachal Pradesh, serving as a base for:
- Fellowship programmes
- Community grants
- Responsible tourism research
- Environmental documentation
The Green Hub – Royal Enfield Fellowship engaged 24 young fellows from Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh to document conservation efforts and traditional knowledge systems.
UNESCO Cultural Heritage Partnership
In collaboration with UNESCO, Eicher Motors documented over 90 intangible cultural heritage practices across the Himalayas. These include traditional crafts, oral histories, and ecological practices that are vulnerable to climate and socio-economic changes.
Livelihood Initiatives: Green Pit Stops and Artisan Support
Green Pit Stops (GPS)
Eicher Motors introduced Green Pit Stops, community-owned sustainable infrastructure hubs located along popular riding routes.
- Camp Kharu, Ladakh served over 4,500 travellers in FY 2024–25.
- Generated more than Rs 9 lakh in revenue for local women’s Self-Help Groups.
Women were trained in:
- Hospitality
- Accounting
- Traditional crafts
A second Green Pit Stop is under construction in Babeli, Himachal Pradesh, using traditional earthquake-resistant “Dhajji-Diwari” architecture.
The Himalayan Knot Initiative
The Himalayan Knot programme strengthened textile value chains for wool and pashmina artisans in Ladakh and Kashmir.
- Generated cumulative sales of Rs 45 lakh for partner communities.
This initiative supports both cultural preservation and economic sustainability.
Road Safety: Helmets for India
Road safety remains a core social concern for a mobility-driven company.
Through its Helmets for India initiative:
- Conducted Helmet Art Roadshows in four cities
- Engaged over 250 participants
- Reached 550 road users through “Art of Safety” rides
- Engaged over 15,600 visitors at Ziro Festival installations
Additionally, Eicher Motors trained 92 community members in Basic Life Support (BLS) along high-risk Himalayan routes such as the Manali–Darcha corridor.
Education Initiatives: Shikshak Pahal and Beyond
Education continues to be a major pillar of Eicher Motors’ CSR efforts.
Shikshak Pahal – Rajasthan
In partnership with Bodh Shiksha Samiti:
- Supports 32 community schools in Alwar
- Reached 4,975 students
- Achieved 99.75% pass rate in Grade 8 board examinations
Tamil Nadu Education Outreach
In collaboration with Madhi Foundation:
- Strengthened foundational literacy and numeracy
- Impacted 18 lakh students across Tamil Nadu
Healthcare and Community Infrastructure
Eicher Motors continued its long-standing support for:
- Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, Delhi
- Renovation of an OPD block completed in December 2024
Near its manufacturing facilities in Tamil Nadu, EML improved:
- Sanitation infrastructure
- Drinking water access
Benefiting more than 2,000 families in surrounding communities.
Environmental Performance: Renewable Energy and Carbon Reduction
Eicher Motors integrates environmental sustainability with CSR and operational strategy.
In FY 2024–25:
- Achieved 84% renewable electricity mix
- Maintained seven consecutive years of water-positive operations
- Reduced carbon emission intensity by 51%
- Ensured 74% recycled aluminium usage
- Used 12% recycled steel
All manufacturing plants operate under a Zero Liquid Discharge model.
Social Reach and Beneficiary Impact
During FY 2024–25:
- Directly reached 1.5 lakh individuals
- 83% beneficiaries belonged to vulnerable or marginalised communities
- Indirectly impacted more than 37 lakh people
Corporate Governance and Shareholder Value
Despite significant CSR spending:
- Declared dividend of Rs 70 per share
- Maintained strong profitability and shareholder returns
This demonstrates Eicher Motors’ ability to balance financial performance with social commitment.
You Learn: Purpose in Motion
Eicher Motors Limited’s CSR spending of Rs 50.25 crore in FY 2024–25 reflects a company aligning its brand philosophy with community responsibility.
From climate resilience in the Himalayas to safety campaigns and rural education programmes, Eicher Motors is building more than motorcycles—it is building long-term social capital.
As it advances toward its 2030 sustainability goals, the company’s CSR framework stands as proof that purposeful mobility can drive meaningful change.
(India CSR)
