Punjab floods: Meet ATOR N1200, Army’s life-saving amphibious beast | Watch Video
Punjab floods and ATOR N1200: The devastating floods in Punjab have brought life to a standstill across several districts, but amid the crisis, a new machine has emerged as a beacon of hope. The Indian Army has deployed its newly inducted ATOR N1200 amphibious vehicle to rescue stranded residents from submerged villages in Amritsar, Ajnala and other flood-hit regions. Designed for extreme terrains and deep-water conditions, this state-of-the-art vehicle is proving crucial in saving lives during one of the worst spells of monsoon rainfall in years.
ATOR N1200: The Vehicle That Can Go Anywhere
The floods have brought the spotlight on the ATOR N1200, an amphibious rescue vehicle designed to operate where conventional machines fail. Manufactured by JSW Defence, which acquired Gecko Motors last year, the vehicle is being produced in Chandigarh under a joint venture with Copato, with a long-term vision of turning India into a hub for specialist mobility solutions.
The Ministry of Defence has already placed an order for 96 ATOR N1200 vehicles at a cost of R 250 crore, underscoring its importance not just in disaster relief but also for military and border operations.
11 Key Features of the ATOR N1200
Made in India – Designed by JSW Gecko Motors, priced around Rs 2 crore.
All-terrain mobility – Effective in snow, forests, mountains, rivers, fog, and deserts.
Government order – 96 vehicles sanctioned by the Defence Ministry at Rs 250 crore.
Indigenous production – Manufactured in Chandigarh.
Special tyres – Function like tubes in floodwaters and like paddles for navigation.
Robust build – Constructed with a reinforced steel frame for durability.
Dimensions – 3.98m long, 2.57m wide, and 2.84m high.
Carrying capacity – Can carry 1,200 kg of load and up to nine persons, including the driver.
Speed – 40 km/h on land, 6 km/h in water.
Fuel efficiency – Equipped with a 232-litre tank, capable of running 61 hours continuously during large-scale operations.
Weather resilience – Operates in extreme temperatures from –40°C to 45°C.
A Lifeline in Flood-Hit Punjab
Videos from Amritsar show the ATOR N1200 maneuvering through deep floodwaters, ferrying stranded villagers to safety. Its ability to operate seamlessly on both land and water has made it an indispensable tool for the Army’s disaster relief teams.
Experts say that the ATOR N1200 represents the future of disaster management and defence mobility in India. With climate change intensifying rainfall patterns and floods becoming more frequent, the demand for such amphibious solutions is only set to grow.
- PTC NEWS
