Abstract:

TERI study suggests 1200 tonnes of carbon dioxide is emitted daily from total fleet of auto rickshaws in Bengaluru. A recent research paper released by TERI estimates and describes the status of tail pipe emissions in the form of carbon dioxide, particulate matter 10 (PM10) and nitrogen oxide emitted by two-stroke and four-stroke autos plying in Bengaluru. In Bengaluru, the total annual carbon emissions caused by the auto rickshaw sector is 0.44 million tonne. As per the paper, in a day approximately 1200 tonnes of carbon dioxide, 4 tonnes of NOx and 0.5 tonnes of PM10 are emitted from the total fleet of auto rickshaws plying in the city of Bengaluru. In this, two-stroke auto rickshaws contribute 282 tonne, 0.1 tonne and 0.3 tonne of carbon emission, NOx and PM10, respectively. With 60% fleet replacement with electric, the observed carbon emissions are 0.14 million tonne per year, NOx and PM10 are 563 and 20 tonne per year, respectively. The complete replacement with electric will lead to zero tail pipe emissions and save 0.74 million gram of LPG. With the current policy landscape, the Bengaluru transport department is promoting electric autos. The policy recommendations suggested by TERI are formulated in consultation with Transport Department and the auto drivers. The research paper recommends both direct and indirect benefits to the auto drivers in the form of direct incentives like subsidy, tax waiver, permit waiver and indirect benefits like dedicated free parking space and electric zones within the city.