Improving and Decarbonising Public Urban Transport Systems

Highlights

With rapid urbanisation and rising incomes, Indian cities are facing increased private vehicle ownership, congestion, air pollution, and transport related GHG emissions. Without interventions, the sector’s current 10%-12% share in the national GHG emission will grow rapidly. Strengthening clean and efficient public transport through bus route rationalisation, fleet electrification, modernised metro and suburban rail systems, and seamless integration of first-/last- mile modes (electric autos and shared mobility) can significantly reduce emissions improve air quality, and enhance energy efficiency, aligning directly with India’s NDCs, SDGs, and net-zero goals.

While, initiatives such as FAME II, PM e-Bus Sewa, PM E-DRIVE are accelerating bus fleet electrification, many cities lack reliable, frequent, and accessible public transit. Financially constrained STUs, poorly multimodal integration, weak first- and last-mile connectivity further push commuters toward personal vehicles. Electrifying bus and feeder fleets requires significant upfront investments, and coordination with power utilities.

Under this initiative, CSTEP aims develop evidence-based action plans for city transport authorities and associated local bodies to decarbonise the transport systems, using modelling tools, regulatory engagements, and strategic partnerships to advance clean, integrated and inclusive urban transport systems.

 

Events

Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on Electric School Buses: Kochi

Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on Electric School Buses: Thiruvananthapuram

Workshop to Examine Policy Landscape of App-Based Shared Mobility

App-based Shared Mobility: The Way Forward

Round Table on Feasibility of Electrification of Public Transportation

Blogs

Breathing in Bengaluru: Building a greener city with eMaaS

Breathing in Bengaluru: Pedalling Towards a Healthier, Happier City

Breathing in Bengaluru: Need for integrated planning

Breathing in Bengaluru: Silent Killer on Wheels

E-Move Series: A Planning Tool for E-Buses

Cab Aggregators’ Data: An Untapped Opportunity for Transportation Planning

Publications