Pathways for clean transportation in Punjab

Punjab has undertaken several initiatives to improve air quality. This study examines the transport sector as an opportunity for further PM₂.₅ reductions, analysing the state’s vehicle fleet and emissions by vehicle category, district, and Bharat Stage, with a particular focus on super-emitters (SEs) because of their significantly higher emission factors.

• Transport contributes substantially to PMâ‚‚.â‚… levels across Punjab, including districts without NCAP non-attainment cities.
• Two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers dominate the fleet numerically, but freight vehicles, particularly HCVs, contribute disproportionately to emissions.
• SEs make up a small share of the fleet but can contribute more than half of PMâ‚‚.â‚… emissions in many districts.
• Older vehicles, particularly 3Ws, HCVs, and LCVs, continue to operate on Punjab’s roads.
• 89% of surveyed vehicles were registered in Punjab, while 28% of HCVs were registered outside the state.
• Significant cross-district vehicle movement suggests that a city-specific approach may not adequately address transport emissions.
• PMâ‚‚.â‚… emissions could decline by 30%–66% between 2024 and 2035 with increasing uptake of cleaner BS-VI and electric vehicles. However, SEs are expected to remain a major source of emissions.

• No formal definition or policy framework for SEs.
• Limited mechanisms to control non-road diesel emissions from agricultural vehicles.
• Limited scrappage and retrofitting infrastructure.
• High upfront costs of EVs and alternative-fuel vehicles.
• Heavy dependence on road freight.
• Fragmented responsibilities across government departments and local bodies.

• Develop a state-level transport policy focused on high-emitting freight segments, SEs, and non-road diesel emissions.
• Institutionalise real-time emission monitoring and remote sensing for SEs.
• Promote modal shift to railways.
• Provide incentives for EV, CNG, and LNG adoption, particularly in freight and last-mile delivery.
• Establish low-emission zones and integrate enforcement with digital infrastructure.
• Expand scrappage and retrofitting infrastructure and mandate scrappage of persistent polluters.
• Facilitate public–private partnerships for alternative fuels.
• Strengthen coordination among transport, industry, and urban local bodies.

Punjab can reduce transport-related PMâ‚‚.â‚… through data-driven regulation, targeted action on super-emitters, fleet renewal, cleaner fuels, and a shift from road to rail freight. The high share of locally registered vehicles also provides an opportunity for state-level action.