Decarbonising India’s Logistics: A Roadmap to Sustainability

Syllabus:

GS-2:

Government Policies & Interventions , Issues Relating to Development

GS-3:

Environmental , Pollution & Degradation , Industrial Policy , Industrial Growth , Infrastructure

Focus:

India’s logistics sector is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from road transport and warehousing. With the country’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, the need to decarbonise logistics has become critical. Government initiatives, innovative solutions, and a shift to greener modes of transport are essential for transforming India’s logistics ecosystem.

Decarbonising India’s Logistics: A Roadmap to Sustainability

Logistics as the Backbone of Viksit Bharat :

  • Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision:
    • India’s ambition to become a developed, self-reliant, and inclusive economy by 2047.
    • Inclusive development means ensuring growth touches every individual, business, and region.
  • Logistics Sector: The Growth Engine

    • An efficient logistics system is the foundation of sustained economic growth.
    • From supply chain efficiency to last-mile connectivity, logistics drives equitable progress.
    • To meet developmental goals, logistics must be large-scale, efficient, and environmentally sustainable.
  • Environmental Imperative:
    • Growth cannot be sustainable without factoring in ecological well-being.
    • India’s logistics system must evolve into a future-ready, green network.
    • Reducing transportation, warehousing, and supply chain emissions is critical to India’s net-zero target by 2070.

Current Scenario: The Carbon Cost of Indian Logistics

  • High Emission Contribution:
    • The logistics sector is one of India’s largest contributors to carbon emissions.
    • It accounts for 5% of India’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Road Transport: The Major Polluter:
    • Roads handle 90% of passenger traffic and 70% of freight.
    • Trucks alone contribute 38% of total CO2 emissions.
    • Overdependence on oil combustion makes road freight the largest carbon emitter.
  • Other Modes and Their Footprint:
    • Domestic aviation: ~4% of total emissions — hard to decarbonise.
    • Coastal shipping and inland waterways: Emit less than roads but are poised for growth.
    • Planned expansion by 2030:
      • Inland water cargo to triple.
      • Coastal cargo to grow by 2 times.
    • Warehousing Sector’s Hidden Impact:
      • Often overlooked, warehousing is a major energy consumer.
      • Emissions arise from electricity and fossil-fuel reliance for temperature control and lighting.
    • Challenge of Balancing Growth and Sustainability:
      • Economic expansion and environmental preservation must go hand-in-hand.
      • Without decarbonisation, growth will be environmentally unsustainable.

Global and Indian Approaches to Decarbonising Logistics:

A. Rail Freight: The Low-Carbon Champion

  • Global Success Stories:
    • China: Rail handles nearly 50% of freight — major emission savings.
    • United States: Strong rail freight reduces carbon footprint compared to roads.
  • Indian Potential:
    • Railways already a pioneer in electrification.
    • Scaling up rail’s share in freight transport will improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

B. Road Freight: Greener Pathways for Trucks

  • Structural Reforms Needed:
    • Current road freight heavily oil-dependent.
    • Introduction of electric trucks and green highways needed for decarbonisation.
  • Innovative Indian Pilot:
    • Delhi-Jaipur E-Highway Project:
      • Overhead electric wires for trucks.
      • First step towards creating electric highways for freight transport.
      • Promises higher efficiency and lower emissions.

C. Coastal Shipping and Inland Waterways

  • Emission Reduction Potential:
    • Lower emissions per tonne-km compared to road transport.
    • International Maritime Organization (IMO) targets 50% cut in shipping emissions by 2050.
  • Future Strategies for India:
    • LNG-powered vessels.
    • Solar-assisted electric boats.
    • Electric and biofuel-run barges for inland cargo.
    • Lower carbon footprint while maintaining efficiency.

D. Air Transport: Decarbonisation Challenges

  • Aviation’s Dependency on Refined Fuels:
    • Difficult to decarbonise due to technical limitations.
    • Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and technological upgrades offer long-term hope.

E. Warehousing: The Silent Carbon Contributor

  • Energy-Intensive Operations:
    • Lighting, cooling, and heating rely on non-renewable energy.
    • Solutions include:
      • Solar rooftop systems.
      • Wind and geothermal energy integration.
      • Smart energy management to reduce power wastage.

Why Decarbonisation is Essential for India’s Logistics Sector:

  • Beyond Emission Reduction:
    • Not just about cutting CO2; it’s about:
      • Competitiveness: Lower operational costs through energy efficiency.
      • Resilience: Reduced vulnerability to fuel price fluctuations.
      • Future-Readiness: Compliance with global environmental standards.
    • India’s Decarbonisation Roadmap:
      • Scale up rail freight to reduce road dependence.
      • Electrify highways and shift to electric trucking.
      • Promote green fuels and clean maritime solutions.
      • Invest in solar-powered and energy-efficient warehouses.
    • Policy and Investment Imperatives:
      • Support from both public and private sectors is needed.
      • Incentives for adopting clean technologies.
      • Strong regulatory framework for emission tracking.

Way Forward: Accelerating the Green Transformation

  • Building a Sustainable Ecosystem:
    • Decarbonisation is no longer a choice but a necessity.
    • A green logistics network ensures balanced development without environmental degradation.
  • Policy Push and Private Sector Role:
    • Need for:
      • Policy certainty.
      • Technology partnerships.
      • Green infrastructure investments.
    • Key Recommendations:
      • Diversify freight away from roads to rail and waterways.
      • Implement electrified truck corridors.
      • Promote clean fuels in the maritime sector.
      • Shift warehouses to renewable energy sources.
    • Conclusion:
      • The pathway for a greener logistics sector is clear.
      • What’s needed is decisive action, strong political will, and steady investment.
      • If India embraces this shift now, it can emerge as a global leader in sustainable logistics.

Conclusion:

India’s logistics sector is at a critical juncture. Decarbonising this sector will not only help meet the nation’s emission reduction targets but also create a more efficient, resilient, and future-ready economy. With bold initiatives like electrified highways, cleaner fuels, and a focus on renewable energy, India can lead the way in sustainable logistics. Swift and strategic action is needed to achieve a cleaner, greener logistics network.

Source: TH

Mains Practice Question:

“India’s logistics sector is among the most carbon-intensive in the world. Discuss the challenges and solutions to decarbonise the sector. How can the adoption of rail, electric trucks, and clean maritime fuel contribute to a sustainable future?” (150 words)