Time to Go On a Road Trip

The Economic Times     26th December 2020     Save    
QEP Pocket Notes

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.

QEP Pocket Notes