Written by -Mr. Amit Patjoshi, CEO, Palladium India
New Delhi: Have you ever thought about how much our daily commutes and travel impact the environment? We are constantly on the move but at what cost? According to a report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development, transport accounts for about 64% of global oil consumption, 27% of all energy use, and 23% of the world’s energy-related carbon dioxide emissions.
The emissions from transportation are projected to increase at a faster rate than those from any other sector, posing a significant challenge to efforts aimed at reducing emissions like the Paris Agreement and other global targets. CO2 emissions from transport could increase by 60% by 2050.
Emissions from transport are a significant problem. They account for a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions, making the sector one of the largest contributors to climate change.
This includes emissions from cars, trucks, airplanes, ships, and trains, all of which primarily rely on fossil fuels. The growth in global trade and the increasing number of vehicles on the road are driving these emissions even higher. Addressing transport emissions is crucial for meeting international climate goals and improving air quality worldwide.
Urbanization and the need for sustainable transport solutions:-
Urbanization is rapidly accelerating worldwide, with over 55% of the global population now living in urban areas, a figure projected to rise to 68% by 2050 according to the United Nations. This shift is driving an increasing need for efficient transport systems to support the growing urban populations.
In cities, the demand for public transportation, road infrastructure, and freight services is surging. For instance, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that urban transport accounts for 40% of global transport energy consumption.
As urban areas expand, the pressure on existing transport networks intensifies, necessitating substantial investments in sustainable and efficient transport solutions to manage congestion, reduce emissions, and support economic growth.
In this context, developing countries face a dual challenge in transportation: providing everyone with access to efficient, safe, and affordable mobility, while also minimizing their climate footprint.
Sustainable transport rubs shoulders with various sectors:-
The UN (United Nations) Advisory Group on Sustainable Transport defines sustainable transport as “the provision of services and infrastructure for the mobility of people and goods—advancing economic and social development to benefit todays and future generations—in a manner that is safe, affordable, accessible, efficient, and resilient, while minimizing carbon and other emissions and environmental impacts.”
While the transport sector is at the center of many environmental challenges, the good news is that cities and countries around the world are waking up to the importance of sustainable transportation.
Transport is crucial for modern society as it facilitates the movement of people and goods, which is essential for economic growth, social connectivity, and access to services. Sustainable transportation networks enable trade, support businesses, and create jobs, while also connecting communities and fostering cultural exchange. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in India estimates that the electric vehicle (EV) industry alone could create over 10 million jobs by 2030.
Additionally, the expansion of metro rail projects in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru has generated thousands of direct and indirect jobs, including roles in construction, operations, maintenance, and administration.
Moreover, reliable transport systems are vital for accessing healthcare, education, and other essential services, particularly in remote areas. According to a report by the Indian Institute of Human Settlements (IIHS), students using efficient public transport systems have a higher school attendance rate.
The implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has improved road connectivity in rural areas, which, according to the Indian Ministry of Rural Development, has increased the school enrollment rates by 10% and attendance rates by 15% in the connected regions.
Sustainable transport reduces air pollution and promotes physical activity, both of which have substantial health benefits. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that air pollution is a major health risk in India, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The introduction of CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) buses in Delhi has led to a significant reduction in particulate matter (PM) emissions, decreasing the incidence of respiratory diseases.
Additionally, the promotion of cycling and walking infrastructure in cities like Pune and Bengaluru has encouraged physical activity, leading to healthier lifestyles and reduced obesity rates. A study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) found that shifting to cleaner transport options could reduce the number of premature deaths caused by air pollution in India by 8%. As urbanization and global trade continue to expand, the importance of sustainable and efficient transport solutions becomes even more critical for supporting a prosperous and interconnected world.
How India is Embracing Sustainable Transport: Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) LAccMI Case Study
India’s push towards sustainable transport involves a multifaceted approach addressing the need forlow-carbon mobility solutions, public transportation improvements, and a significant transition towards electric vehicles (EVs). The Union Budget 2023-2024 emphasizes “green growth” with substantial investments in sustainable transport infrastructure.
One such initiative focused on sustainable transport practices is the Location Accessible Multi-modal Initiative (LAccMI), an initiative by Odisha State Road Transport Authority with Palladium as the Project Management Consultant. This initiative provides multimodal public transport connectivity to the remote areas of the state.
All LAccMI buses (1745 buses), are BS-6 Phase II compliant, strictly adhering to the highest emission standards along with the new edge technology OBD. By embracing these stringent norms and technology, these buses operate with minimal environmental impact, reducing harmful emissions by almost 76% in comparison to other lower emission norm vehicles.
LAccMI has implemented stringent guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the fitness of its vehicles and control pollution effectively. Every day, an average of 2.5 lakh people choose LAccMI buses as their preferred mode of transportation in Odisha.
This number reflects the widespread adoption and reliance on LAccMI’s sustainable transport solutions. With so many commuters opting for public transport, the overall carbon footprint is reduced by a substantial number.
The initiative also employs efficient route planning strategies to minimize travel distances and optimize fuel consumption, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. LAccMI utilizes smart technology solutions such as real-time monitoring systems and intelligent traffic management to optimize bus routes, reduce congestion, and minimize fuel consumption, resulting in lower environmental impact. This has led to a saving of around 219 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Awareness campaigns and educational programs on environmental sustainability, promoting eco- friendly behaviors among commuters and encouraging the adoption of sustainable transportation practices are also conducted. Based on these positive impacts, LAccMI further aims to integrate electric vehicles into its fleet, thereby substantially reducing air pollution and dependency on fossil fuels.
The key takeaway is this: we all have a role to play. Whether it is choosing to cycle to work, carpooling with friends, or simply opting for public transport, when possible, these small shifts can add up to a major impact. By supporting sustainable transport initiatives and making greener choices in our daily lives, we can pave the way for a cleaner, healthier planet for ourselves and future generations. It is time to ditch the fumes and embrace a future where our commutes do not cost the Earth.
