Govt Targets 10 Corridors for Zero-Emission Freight Movement

In a significant step toward sustainable transportation, the Indian government has identified 10 high-impact highway segments for the exclusive use of zero-emission trucks (ZETs). This initiative aims to decarbonize the logistics sector, reduce air pollution, and enhance energy security, aligning with India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

These corridors will serve as pilot projects for deploying electric and hydrogen-based fuel technologies, laying the foundation for a national infrastructure network supporting ZETs. The government has allocated ₹500 crore under the PM E-DRIVE scheme to facilitate the adoption of ZETs, focusing on regions with high freight traffic and infrastructure readiness.

Despite comprising only 3% of all vehicles, trucks are responsible for over one-third of transport-related CO₂ emissions in India. With road transportation accounting for 71% of freight movement, the adoption of ZETs is crucial. The number of trucks is projected to increase from 4 million in 2022 to around 17 million by 2050, underscoring the urgency of transitioning to zero-emission freight solutions.

This move not only contributes to India’s climate goals but also positions the country as a leader in sustainable logistics.