Kolkata — The city police on Friday formally inducted 183 specially configured Ultraviolette X-47 electric motorcycles, branded the X-47 Skyforce, at a ceremony held at Lalbazar Police Headquarters, officials and the manufacturer said.
Fleet aimed at patrol, traffic and quick-response operations
Ultraviolette Automotive described the delivery as one of the largest deployments of electric motorcycles by an Indian police force. The company said the Skyforce is a patrol-focused variant of its X-47 electric crossover motorcycle and has been configured specifically to meet law-enforcement requirements, with functional changes and electrical architecture to support police accessories.
- Number of motorcycles delivered: 183
- Model: Ultraviolette X-47 Skyforce (police patrol variant)
- Manufacturer-stated motor output: 36 hp
- Claimed IDC range: 211 km
- Claimed top speed: 145 km/h
According to Ultraviolette and reporting by Autopunditz, the police version is fitted with operational equipment intended for day-to-day deployment rather than ceremonial use. The fitted kit includes a siren and hooter, public-address system, additional LED blinkers, microphone and walkie-talkie holders and side panniers to carry gear. Police decals have also been applied.
"The model has been configured for regular operational use rather than being deployed only for ceremonial or promotional duties," Autopunditz reported, citing Ultraviolette.
Operational context and limitations
City police sources and the manufacturer indicated the Skyforce units underwent testing before handover. Ultraviolette said the upgraded electronic architecture supports accessories such as public address and communication mounts, enabling use in traffic management, patrolling, escort duties and quick-response tasks in Kolkata's urban environment.
Ultraviolette has, however, not disclosed certain commercial and technical specifics of the police fleet. The company did not provide the battery capacity, charging-time figures or the procurement value for the 183 units to the public, Autopunditz noted. Real-world range on urban patrols will vary depending on traffic conditions, rider behaviour and ancillary loads such as sirens and communication equipment.
| Specification | Reported value |
|---|---|
| Motor output | 36 hp |
| Claimed IDC range | 211 km |
| Top speed | 145 km/h |
| Units delivered | 183 |
What this means for Kolkata
The induction of electric two-wheelers aligns with broader efforts by municipal and state authorities to reduce emissions and promote cleaner mobility. For Kolkata — a dense city with narrow lanes, heavy traffic corridors such as AJC Bose Road, Northern Avenue and the Maidan periphery — electric motorcycles can offer quieter and, in principle, lower-emission mobility for neighbourhood patrols and traffic duties.
Practical benefits will depend on how the police deploy the Skyforce fleet, the availability of charging infrastructure across police stations and depots, and maintenance arrangements. The absence of published battery and charging specifications means operational planners will need to develop charging schedules and range-management practices tailored to shift patterns and patrol circuits around the city.
City residents may soon notice more electric patrol bikes on roads around police zones, markets and civic nodes. The Kolkata Police have previously used a mix of two-wheel and four-wheel patrol assets; the addition of 183 purpose-built electric motorcycles represents a notable expansion of their two-wheeler capability.
Autopunditz reported the delivery and Ultraviolette provided the technical and equipment details. The police did not disclose the procurement cost or a deployment timetable for the new fleet when contacted through official channels.
As Lalbazar coordinates the operational roll-out, questions about charging infrastructure, lifecycle costs and comparative maintenance needs will shape how effectively the Skyforce bikes supplement Kolkata's existing policing resources.
