Physical Address
23,24,25 & 26, 2nd Floor, Software Technology Park India, Opp: Garware Stadium,MIDC, Chikalthana, Aurangabad, Maharashtra – 431001 India
In a significant move towards sustainable transportation, the Indian government has earmarked ten major highway corridors for the deployment of zero-emission trucks (ZETs). This initiative marks a key step in India’s strategy to decarbonize its logistics sector and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
Strategic Corridor Selection
The selection of these corridors followed a detailed analysis led by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India. Authorities began with a list of 230 national highways and, based on a range of strategic criteria, narrowed it down to ten high-impact segments. Key considerations included freight traffic density, industrial activity along the route, the availability of supporting energy infrastructure, and the feasibility of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicle operations.
These corridors are expected to serve as pilot projects, creating the foundation for a broader zero-emission freight network across India. The initiative also supports the goals of the PM E-DRIVE scheme, launched in 2024, which allocated ₹500 crore to promote clean transport technologies, particularly in the freight sector.
Environmental and Economic Implications
Though trucks represent only about 3% of India’s total vehicle fleet, they are responsible for more than one-third of the country’s transport-related carbon dioxide emissions. With road transport accounting for nearly 71% of India’s overall freight movement, transitioning to zero-emission trucks is crucial to reducing the sector’s environmental impact.
Projections from NITI Aayog suggest that the number of trucks operating in India could rise from 4 million in 2022 to approximately 17 million by 2050. Such an increase, if left unchecked, would drastically elevate emissions levels and pose challenges for energy security and public health.
Adopting ZETs promises substantial benefits, not just environmentally, but also economically. These trucks, powered by electricity or green hydrogen, produce no tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gases. They also offer long-term cost advantages through lower fuel and maintenance expenses, especially as technology advances and economies of scale improve.
Challenges and Recommendations
However, the shift to zero-emission trucking is not without its challenges. One of the primary obstacles is the high initial cost. Currently, ZETs are estimated to cost 2.5 to 3.5 times more than traditional diesel-powered trucks. To mitigate this barrier, experts from the government’s policy advisory group have proposed introducing demand-side incentives, similar to those provided for electric two-wheelers and buses under schemes like FAME.
Another significant challenge lies in infrastructure readiness. For ZETs to operate efficiently, there must be adequate charging and hydrogen refueling stations along freight corridors. Developing this infrastructure will require strong public-private partnerships, with government agencies setting clear policies and offering incentives, while the private sector contributes investment and innovation.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Outlook
The identification of the ten highway corridors was a collaborative effort involving the Office of the PSA, the Centre of Excellence for Zero Emission Trucking at IIT Madras, the Rocky Mountain Institute, and consultancy pManifold. Their joint effort has laid out a clear roadmap for enabling large-scale deployment of zero-emission trucks in India.
These ten priority corridors are expected to serve as demonstration zones for the rest of the country. Their success could provide the necessary momentum to expand clean trucking practices across India’s vast highway network. Moreover, as battery technology and hydrogen fuel infrastructure improve, the costs and practicalities of ZET operations are expected to become increasingly favorable.
India’s transition to a cleaner freight future is not just a climate imperative—it is also an economic opportunity. By becoming a leader in green freight logistics, India could enhance energy security, improve public health, and position itself as a global model for sustainable development in the transport sector.
References:
https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2023-02/ZETReport09092022.pdf
Photo by Shantum Singh on Pexels
https://www.pexels.com/photo/colorful-indian-tata-truck-on-highway-29057947
