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TOWARDS A GREENER TOMORROW

India’s quest for sustainable transport is not merely a shift from fossil fuels to renewables; it’s a journey marked by innovation, resilience, and a shared vision. This collective effort underscores the nation’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and fostering economic growth through forward-thinking transportation solutions.

India, with its vibrant culture and diverse landscapes, stands at a critical juncture where the need for environmental consciousness intertwines with the demands of rapid urbanisation. In essence, the central focus lies on the imperative to transform transportation toward a greener, more sustainable trajectory. This article delves into the significance of green transportation in India, the challenges it confronts, and the innovative solutions propelling the nation towards a cleaner tomorrow.

Significance of green transportation

Transportation is the lifeline of anycity, facilitating economic growth, social connectivity, and cultural exchange. However, conventional modes of transportation, predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, have cast a shadow on the environmental landscape, contributing significantly to air pollution, carbon emissions, and climate change. The 2021 WHO (World Health Organisation) report listed cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bangalore among those with the highest levels of PM2.5 pollutants, primarily emitted from vehicles.

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) estimates that the transportation sector contributes to approximately 40 per cent of the total particulate matter emissions in India. This includes emissions from both commercial and private vehicles. The International Energy Agency (IEA) states that the transportation sector is a major contributor to carbon emissions globally, with road transport accounting for the largest share. In India, according to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the transport sector accounted for around 23 per cent of the country’s total CO2 emissions in 2019. As per a recent report (ScienceDirect.com), “India is the world’s third-largest carbon dioxide (CO2) emitter, with the transportation sector accounting for most of this emission. From 2001 to 2020, CO2 emissions from the Indian transportation sector increased from 155.9 Mt to 368.2 Mt. Roadways produce 88 per cent of all CO2 emissions. The increasing demand for vehicles, reliance on conventional fuel, and increase in energy consumption indicate a positive correlation with the increase in the nation’s CO2 emissions, while the transition from coal to electric locomotives and the increased use of electric vehicles offset the increase in emissions. In short, the government should update strategic sustainable transport policy measures and emphasise renewable energy.”

Initiatives driving green transportation

Acknowledging the need of sustainable mobility, India has embarked on several pioneering initiatives:

Electrifying the future: The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme of the government of India, along with the domestic production of affordable EVs, aims to democratize access to eco-friendly transportation. The FAME India Scheme Phase-II is being implemented by the Ministry of Heavy Industries for a period of five years commencing on April 1, 2019, with a total budgetary support of `10,000 crore. This phase mainly focuses on supporting the electrification of public and shared transportation and aims to support, through demand incentives, 7090 eBuses, 5 lakh e-3 Wheelers, 55000 e-4 Wheeler passenger cars, and 10 lakh e-2 Wheelers. In addition, the creation of charging infrastructure is also supported under the scheme. According to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the sales of electric vehicles in India have experienced a remarkable surge. In FY 2020–21, the sector witnessed a staggering growth rate of over 140 per cent compared to the previous fiscal year, reflecting the effectiveness of the FAME scheme in promoting Electric Vehicles (EV) adoption.

Reinventing public transit: Cities across India are reimagining public transportation, investing in robust metro systems, and bolstering bus networks. According to a report published by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in 2021, a total of 2.63 billion people travelled annually, placing the country as one of the busiest urban rapid transit hubs in the world in terms of commuters. Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs at the 16th Urban Mobility India Conference and Exhibition held in Delhi in October 2023, announced that India’s metro systems, which carry one crore passengers daily and are operational across 895 km across 20 cities, are set to grow towards becoming the world’s second-largest metro network in the next few years.

Pedalling towards progress: In Pune, the implementation of the Pune Cycle Plan has been a significant step towards promoting cycling as a sustainable commuting option. The plan aims to create a network of 300 km of cycle tracks across the city by 2031, with 120 km already constructed. Additionally, the Pune Municipal Corporation has introduced initiatives such as the Public Bicycle Sharing System, which provides affordable and convenient access to bicycles for short trips within the city. Bengaluru, on the other hand, has been actively developing pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to enhance walkability and reduce dependency on motorised transport. One notable example is the TenderSURE (Specifications for Urban Road Execution) project, which focuses on redesigning roads to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists. By widening footpaths, installing dedicated cycling lanes, and incorporating green spaces, the project aims to create safer and more comfortable environments for non-motorised commuters. These efforts align with India’s broader goals of promoting sustainable urban mobility and reducing carbon emissions. By investing in infrastructure that supports walking, cycling, and public transportation, cities like Pune and Bengaluru are not only fostering healthier lifestyles but also mitigating the environmental impact of urbanisation.

Embracing alternative fuels: The promotion of compressed natural gas (CNG) and biogas for public transit and long-haul vehicles marks a pivotal shift towards cleaner energy sources, mitigating emissions and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. India has seen a significant rise in CNG stations, surpassing 6,200, as reported by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. This expansion aims to promote CNG as a cleaner fuel alternative, with plans for further growth in the future.

Sharing the ride: Ride-sharing platforms like Ola and Uber, alongside local carpooling initiatives, are reshaping urban mobility paradigms, curtailing vehicular proliferation, and easing traffic woes. Data from Uber India indicates that carpooling services have led to a reduction in the number of vehicles on the road, thereby decreasing traffic congestion and lowering carbon emissions.

Smart solutions for smarter cities: Indigenous start-ups are pioneering integrated mobility platforms, empowering commuters with real-time information on public transit, ride-sharing, and bike rentals, and fostering informed and sustainable travel choices. Start-ups such as Shuttl and Bounce have leveraged technology to optimise route planning, improve vehicle utilisation, and reduce emissions, thereby contributing to more efficient and sustainable transportation systems.

Challenges confronting EVS

Despite the burgeoning enthusiasm for green transportation, several challenges impede its widespread adoption in India. One of the foremost hurdles is the lack of adequate infrastructure, including charging stations for EVs, dedicated lanes for bicycles, and efficient public transit systems. Moreover, the high upfront cost of electric vehicles and the limited range of EVs pose significant barriers to their mainstream acceptance, particularly among the masses. According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), India faces a significant infrastructure gap, with the need for substantial investments in charging infrastructure and renewable energy generation to support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Furthermore, India’s transportation sector grapples with regulatory bottlenecks, policy inconsistencies, and bureaucratic hurdles that hinder the seamless integration of green transportation solutions. Additionally, behavioural factors, such as entrenched car-centric lifestyles and the allure of status symbols associated with conventional automobiles, present formidable challenges in promoting sustainable mobility choices.

Conclusion

India’s journey towards green transportation is both promising and challenging. While significant strides have been made through initiatives promoting electric vehicles, public transit enhancements, and alternative fuel adoption, formidable obstacles remain. Addressing infrastructure gaps, overcoming regulatory hurdles, and shifting societal attitudes towards sustainable mobility are imperative for realising a cleaner, greener transportation landscape. Collaborative efforts between government, industry, and civil society are essential to accelerating this transition, ensuring a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future for India’s transportation sector. Through persistent innovation and collective action, India can pave the way towards a brighter, more eco-friendly tomorrow.