Niti Aayog Proposes Comprehensive Net Zero Pathway for India's Transport Sector
In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, Niti Aayog has unveiled a detailed roadmap aimed at achieving a net zero pathway for India's transport sector. The proposal includes a strategic plan to phase out diesel vehicles while emphasizing the adoption of cleaner technologies and stricter Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms.
Phased Elimination of Polluting Vehicles
The transition strategy, as outlined in a report released on Tuesday, will commence with the gradual removal of diesel vehicles from the roads. This initial phase focuses on shifting towards lower-emission alternatives such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), hybrid vehicles, and electric vehicles (EVs). The report underscores that this step is crucial for laying the foundation to achieve net zero transport emissions by the target year of 2070.
Multi-Phase Approach to Cleaner Technologies
The roadmap delineates a multi-phase approach to transform the transport sector:
- Phase 1: Immediate focus on phasing out diesel vehicles and promoting CNG, hybrids, and electric vehicles to reduce emissions.
- Phase 2: Increased utilization of biofuels through flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs), higher Bio-CNG blending, and hybrid FFV models, alongside continued growth in electric vehicle adoption.
- Phase 3: A complete transition to zero-emission vehicles, ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly transport ecosystem.
Niti Aayog highlighted that road transport in India is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with petrol and diesel constituting over 80% of the sector's energy consumption. This dependency poses a significant challenge to emission reduction goals.
Enforcement of CAFE Norms Critical
The think tank issued a warning that India's success in cutting emissions will largely hinge on the effective enforcement of CAFE norms. Tightening these standards is essential to improve fuel efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of vehicles, complementing the shift towards cleaner technologies.
By integrating phased vehicle elimination, technological advancements, and regulatory measures, Niti Aayog's roadmap aims to steer India's transport sector towards a greener and more sustainable future, aligning with global climate objectives.
