Barriers and drivers for sustainable public transportation in Indian context

In a landmark initiative aimed at combating environmental pollution and enhancing urban air quality, India is making significant strides in integrating electric buses into its public transportation networks. This initiative, spearheaded by research conducted at the Indian Institute of Technology in Varanasi, addresses the vital need for sustainable transit solutions in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

The study, recently published in the Green Energy and Intelligent Transportation journal, highlights the various challenges and opportunities surrounding the adoption of electric buses in Indian cities. With the increasing concerns over greenhouse gas emissions and the pressing need for sustainable development, the transition to electric buses presents a viable solution to India’s burgeoning urban centers.

Researchers, including Gopi R and Dev Vrat Pathak, have used advanced Structural Equation Modeling to dissect the multifaceted barriers to widespread electric bus implementation. Their findings indicate that infrastructural and financial challenges are the most formidable obstacles. A significant lack of charging stations coupled with high initial investment costs are hindering faster adoption rates.

However, the research also points out the long-term economic and environmental benefits of electric buses, such as lower operational and maintenance costs compared to traditional diesel buses and zero emissions. Such advantages are prompting several Indian cities to reconsider their public transport strategies to include more environmentally friendly options.

The Indian government has already launched several incentives, including subsidies under the FAME II scheme, aimed at boosting the use of electric buses across the nation. These measures are part of a broader effort to promote eco-friendly transport solutions that can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of India’s massive public transport sector.

“This study not only identifies the barriers but also offers insights into overcoming these challenges through strategic planning and supportive government policies,” said Saurabh Pratap, one of the researchers involved in the study. “By enhancing infrastructure, such as building more charging stations and offering financial incentives to bus operators, we can accelerate the adoption of electric buses,” he added.

The adoption of electric buses in India is expected to not only improve air quality but also enhance the overall quality of urban life by reducing noise pollution and conserving energy. As cities around the world move towards more sustainable urban transport systems, India’s efforts in this area could serve as a model for developing countries facing similar challenges.

As the study concludes, the road to a greener future is paved with both challenges and opportunities. With continued research, supportive policies, and public-private partnerships, India is poised to lead the way in sustainable public transportation.

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Reference

Author: Gopi R, Dev Vrat Pathak, Saurabh Pratap, Lakshay

Affiliations:

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Varanasi, India

Title of original paper: Barriers and drivers for sustainable public transportation in Indian context

Article link:

Journal: Green Energy and Intelligent Transportation

DOI: 10.1016/j.geits.2023.100141