Time to Go On a Road Trip

Context: By transforming its transport sector, India can reduce air pollution and fossil fuel import dependency.

Issues with the Transport Sector

• High emissions: Indian transport sector is its fastest-growing source of carbon emissions, responsible for 13.5% of energy-related carbon emissions.
  • India, one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases; In the recent Climate Transparency Report 2020, it ranked second in the G20 for climate-related financial losses.
• Rapidly growing small vehicle fleet – increases air pollution and resulting in mortality, placing a burden on the healthcare system and traffic congestion.
• Skewed development: Road transport is predominant - Road transport accounts for 90% of energy consumption.

Ways to decarbonise the transport sector:

• Assistance from Developed countries as per Paris agreement: To help India to increase their overall mitigation action and reduce emissions.
• ‘Rail-focused’ transportation system: shifting freight transport toward the rail, and building on the already significant role public transport plays today.
• ‘Road-focused’ transportation system: driven by growth in personal vehicles and trucks, building on the ongoing trend towards personal transport modes and road freight routes.
  • Maximise the electrification: by ensuring adequate investment in electrifying the remaining rail infrastructures and more focus on electrifying India’s road transports.
    • Electrified railway network extensions: such as Golden Quadrilateral, could be prioritised with high-speed lines.
    • A policy mix of financial, behavioural and charging infrastructure incentives to growth in the electric vehicle segment.
• Learning from others: like policies of China and the USA.
  • A shift toward public transport and rail: would relieve pressure on the use of private passenger vehicles, reduce congestion and reduce exposure to air pollution.
  • Ensure equitable transport system: By promoting safe and user-friendly walking and cycling infrastructure.

Conclusion: India should show leadership in transforming its transport sector, resulting in the achievement of sustainable development benefits such as reducing air pollution, climate change impacts and fossil fuel import dependency.