Abstract:

This report looked into the definition of urban freight and the types of vehicles that are deployed for the purpose. The urban freight sector is a major source of employment for vehicle owners, drivers, handlers, service segment, among others. It also contributes significantly to the city’s economic activity and gross domestic product. 

Through this study, TERI has sought to discuss the opportunity areas within the freight sector, which has a high potential of electric vehicle deployment resulting in significant benefits in terms of local air pollution. Despite significant economic benefits along with social and environmental costs associated with urban freight movement, it is neither researched extensively nor given adequate importance during the planning and city development processes. The study has sought to bridge the information gap, and to an extent data gap, with regard to urban freight movement in the Indian cities. Currently, there are limited data and satisfactory understanding of (a) urban freight (vehicle population, ODs, number of trips, trip lengths, load factor, fuel share, vehicle characteristics, etc.) and (b) rapidly increasing negative externalities.