WHY IN NEWS:
India’s logistics sector, which is one of the most carbon-intensive in the world, needs to undergo a green transformation
Viksit Bharat 2047:
Vision for a self-reliant and inclusive India by 2047.
- Carbon Intensity of Logistics: India’s logistics sector is one of the most carbon-intensive globally, contributing 13.5% of national GHG emissions.
- Road Transport Dominance: Accounts for 88% of freight emissions, with trucks responsible for 38% of CO₂ emissions.
- Rail Freight Advantage: China and the U.S. have successfully shifted freight from road to rail; India should increase rail transport share for sustainability.
Government Initiatives
- Electrification of Freight Transport: Pilot project for overhead electric wires along highways (Delhi-Jaipur corridor).
- Expansion of Inland Waterways & Coastal Shipping: Cargo movement expected to triple by 2030, with shipping industry transitioning to clean fuels (LNG, hydrogen, biofuels).
- IMO Goals for Maritime Decarbonization: Global aim to reduce shipping emissions by 50% by 2050.
- Renewable Energy in Warehousing: Transition to solar, wind, and geothermal for sustainable logistics hubs.
- Multimodal Transport Approach: Scaling up rail freight, electrifying road transport, and enhancing coastal/inland shipping.
- Cleaner Maritime Fuels: Adoption of LNG-powered vessels and solar-assisted electric boats.
- Sustainable Aviation Challenges: Heavy reliance on refined fuels; sustainable aviation fuels as potential offset.
- Policy Cohesion: Regulatory synchronization, tax incentives, carbon reporting mandates.