In Brazil and China, more than 50% of urban residents have convenient access to mass transit. However, in India, only 37% of urban residents have easy access to public transportation, according to the Economic Survey released on the eve of the Budget on January 31.
“Expanding the public transportation network is another avenue to reduce dependence on overseas supply chains, a challenge that e-mobility will continue to face for some time. Indian cities are making heavy investments – and rightly so – in metro rail networks and expanding their coverage,” the report said.
To replicate the success of other nations, India must focus on developing integrated transport systems that efficiently connect buses, metro rails, and other modes of transit.
“Investing in making public transportation more efficient, reliable, comfortable, accessible, and safe will be a significant step toward achieving Net Zero goals while reducing our dependence on imports. Moreover, a robust public transportation system will also help reduce traffic congestion, promote energy efficiency, and ensure that the benefits of clean mobility are accessible to all socioeconomic groups, unlike private e-mobility solutions, fostering a more resilient and equitable energy transition,” the report said.
India needs a continued increase in infrastructure investment over the next two decades to sustain a high rate of growth. Requirements are vast. Accelerating efforts to build integrated multi-modal transport, coupled with the modernisation of existing physical assets, will improve efficiency and last-mile connectivity. “Disaster-resilient urbanisation, public transport, preservation and upkeep of heritage sites, monuments, and tourist destinations, as well as rural public infrastructure, including connectivity, call for greater attention. Our Net Zero commitments also entail added pressure on creating renewable energy capacities,” it said.
Expanding city metro networks also promotes a shift from private to public transport, making for a more sustainable transportation option.
“Another priority related to the above, that calls for a calibrated and careful approach, is climate change and energy transition. Public policy will have to recognise the role of energy security and energy affordability in enhancing and maintaining competitiveness. It means forging India’s own path to energy transition and diversification away from fossil fuels. In this regard, electric mobility makes economic sense for a country that imports most of its oil and has abundant renewable energy and coal. However, it raises important challenges that need addressing”, it said.
The report said that import intensity of EV production – especially from countries with whom India has persistent and large trade deficits – is very high. “The extent to which electric mobility is incentivised in the short run needs to account for this. Indigenising the technology and raw materials for electric mobility is an urgent task. Finally, given India’s vast size and limited land availability, public transportation is a more efficient alternative for a viable energy transition.”
“Therefore, national-level policies and local incentives must promote and facilitate its use, going beyond the focus on tailpipe emissions from private transportation choices,” the survey adds.
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