India’s journey towards modern mobility took a significant turn in 2010 when electric rickshaws began appearing on Delhi’s roads. Fast forward to today, and electric vehicles (EVs) are making waves with their promise of a sustainable future. The mobility market in India is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements and innovative solutions. Looking ahead, India needs a mobility system that is environmentally friendly, integrated, automated, and personalized. Trends like EVs, shared mobility, and autonomous vehicles will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation in India.
Tackling Mobility Challenges
India’s heavy reliance on private vehicles powered by fossil fuels leads to major issues like traffic jams, pollution, and parking shortages. With the population growing and more people moving to cities, the existing transportation infrastructure is under immense pressure. To tackle these problems, India must invest heavily in modernizing its public transport systems. This includes expanding metro rail networks, introducing high-speed trains, and enhancing bus services to connect urban and rural areas seamlessly. The government should focus on creating smart, safe, and strategic transportation solutions supported by clean energy.
Embracing Green Mobility
We’re gradually shifting from traditional petrol and diesel vehicles to greener options like EVs and hybrids. This change is happening across all types of vehicles, from scooters and cars to buses and trucks. Since the transportation sector is responsible for over 6% of India’s greenhouse gas emissions, moving towards electric mobility is a crucial step to reduce our carbon footprint. The push for EV adoption is gaining momentum, supported by policies like FAME II, PLI schemes, and various state programs that encourage this shift towards sustainability.
Ambitious Goals and Government Support
India has set ambitious targets: 30% EV penetration by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Globally, about 50% of light-duty vehicle sales are expected to be zero-emission vehicles by 2035. The government is making significant efforts to drive the transition to green mobility through rapid EV adoption. Achieving these goals requires strong support from both central and state governments, infrastructure development, technological innovation, and increased consumer awareness.
The Future of Autonomous Vehicles
By 2035, we expect to see a significant rise in the use of autonomous vehicles (AVs) for public and private transport. These self-driving cars will enhance safety, reduce traffic jams, and make transportation more efficient. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and sensor technologies are driving the popularity of AVs. Additionally, electric autonomous vehicles (AV-Es) will combine the benefits of EVs and autonomous technology, providing a more efficient and sustainable transportation option. AV-Es will improve road safety and reduce traffic congestion by minimizing human error, which is the primary cause of most collisions, leading to faster and safer commutes.
Building a Robust Shared Mobility Infrastructure
To overcome current mobility challenges, India needs a strong shared mobility infrastructure. This will shift the focus from owning private vehicles to using shared ones. Expanding ride-sharing, carpooling, and bike-sharing services, supported by technology platforms, can offer convenient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly commuting options.
Leveraging Technological Advancements
The mobility industry will increasingly use big data, AI, and predictive analytics to optimize traffic flow, manage transportation networks efficiently, and personalize commuter experiences. Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is a relatively new concept in India but holds significant potential. With government support, MaaS can become a crucial part of the mobility industry. It allows consumers to organize trips flexibly and personally by integrating various transportation modes into a single service, facilitating seamless planning, booking, and payment of multimodal journeys.
The Road Ahead
The Indian mobility industry is on the brink of a significant transformation. In ten years, the mobility landscape will look vastly different, featuring a robust transportation system supported by clean energy infrastructure. The focus must be on reducing carbon footprints through green mobility initiatives, renewable energy-powered transport solutions, and stringent emission regulations. Promoting sustainable commuting programs such as public transportation, cycling, and walking, backed by subsidies and incentives, will be essential. Corporations and urban planners must develop infrastructure that supports efficient and eco-friendly mobility, including dedicated lanes for public transport and non-motorized vehicles. With these advancements, India is set to become a leader in sustainable and smart transportation on the global stage.