India committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 at COP26 in Glasgow. Decarbonising the transport sector is crucial in accomplishing this target. Road transport accounted for 12% of India’s energy-related emissions in 2022. These emissions are projected to increase in the future because of a rise in population and urbanisation. Transport sector decarbonisation policies in India revolve around two key interventions: ethanol blending with petrol and electrification of vehicles.

It is well established that to achieve net-zero emissions, decarbonising the transport sector is crucial. In 2022, road transport contributed to around 12% of India’s energy-related CO2 emissions. The contribution is expected to double by 2050.

Decarbonising the transport sector is essential not only to achieve the net-zero target but also to improve quality of life through benefits such as better air, reduced traffic-related woes, and urban heat management. Studies have modelled low-carbon strategies for the transport sector in India, with a focus on energy demand and emissions, but the cross-sectoral trade-offs of the strategies, such as their impact on land, water, and material use, are often missed.