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Driving India's Energy Transition: Is the Transport Sector Ready?

India's transport sector, the fastest-growing in energy consumption, is central to achieving the country’s clean energy and climate goals. The Energy Transition Preparedness Initiative (ETPI) provides a state-level assessment of energy transition progress in transport, buildings, and electricity, focusing on ten states responsible for over 50% of India’s transport emissions.

Key Findings from the ETPI Transport Report

• Non-Motorized Transport (NMT): Cities in Karnataka, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh have developed dedicated infrastructure and public bicycle-sharing services to promote NMT.
• Public Transport Efficiency: Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu lead in bus network efficiency and ridership, showcasing strong public transport adoption.
• EV Policy Implementation: By FY 2021, seven of ten states had notified EV policies, with Delhi leading adoption due to strong financial and non-financial incentives.
• Private Vehicle Growth: While vehicle registrations continue to rise, states lack strong policies to curb private vehicle ownership, aside from minor fee hikes.
• Need for Governance & Funding: The report stresses the importance of structured governance, dedicated funding, and data-driven decision-making for better policy execution.

Challenges & Road Ahead

While states are progressing at different speeds, many lack structured implementation frameworks to drive the transition effectively. The report emphasizes the need for:

• Clear EV adoption targets and consistent policy execution.
• Integrated transport planning with robust road safety and electrification initiatives.
• Reliable financial and regulatory mechanisms to sustain long-term transport decarbonization efforts.

By addressing these gaps, India can accelerate the shift towards sustainable transport, enhancing energy efficiency, urban mobility, and emissions reduction.