Abstract:

The transport trajectory in India has been marked by a higher dependence on road transport (around 71%) in recent years shifting away from the rail network, which, unfortunately, is the least energy-efficient and environment-friendly mode compared to others. The social cost, consequently, in terms of environmental degradation is much higher. Switching from a high carbon intensity mode to a lower one can have significant impacts on the overall emissions and energy consumption, given the transport infrastructure and network. Alternatively, other sustainable technologies and operational strategies are also available to reduce the associated emissions. Depending on the modal choice in addition to vehicle efficiency and technology, the transport sector provides an excellent opportunity to curtail the long-term impact of emissions with appropriate information and incentives. The Freight GHG Calculator quantifies and monetizes the environmental impact of freight transportation in India. The calculations are undertaken for the entirety of the transportation process where the emissions are quantified on a Well-to-Wheel (WTW) basis. The tool compares the emissions for freight transported by rail, road, inland waterways, and domestic air. It also considers the multi-modal transportation of goods.