E-FAST INDIA INITIATIVE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: NITI Aayog has announced the launch of the ‘NITI GearShift Challenge’ as part of the e-FAST India initiative.

e-FAST India Initiative

• Origin: e-FAST emerged from the need to decarbonize India's road-based freight transport, aligning with the country's 2070 net zero goals.
• Launched: September 2022 to catalyze the shift towards cleaner freight transportation solutions.
• Goals: Aims to promote and accelerate the adoption of cleaner and greener technologies in the freight sector.
• Collaborative Platform: Facilitates national and international collaborations, supports pilot programs, and integrates technology for scalable solutions.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Encourages deliberation and collaboration among stakeholders such as government bodies, OEMs, logistics providers, shippers, and industry experts.
• Support Network: Backed by 12 knowledge partners, enhancing its expertise and outreach capabilities.

NITI GearShift Challenge

• Launched by: NITI Aayog in partnership with IIM Bangalore, Smart Freight Centre India, CALSTART/Drive to Zero, and WRI India.
• Objective: A hackathon aimed at fostering innovative business models for the adoption of zero-emission trucks in India.
• Target Audience: Invites students, transport practitioners, academics, and researchers to address financial, technical, and operational challenges in adopting electric trucks.
• Significance: 

o It marks a pivotal move towards sustainable freight transportation in India. 

o By tapping into the creativity and expertise of participants, the hackathon aims to generate practical solutions that will accelerate the adoption of zero-emission trucks, thereby benefiting both the economy and the environment.