Green Logistics for Viksit Bharat 2047 and Net Zero 2070
Why in the news
An analysis argues that India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 ambition needs a future-ready logistics system, and that the sector must turn green to deliver inclusive, equitable and sustainable growth.
Key facts
| Issue | Figure |
|---|---|
| Logistics share of India’s GHG emissions | 13.5% |
| Road share of logistics emissions | over 88% |
| Trucks’ share of total CO2 output (IEA, 2023) | 38% |
| Passenger movement by road | over 90% |
| Freight movement by road | 70% |
- Warehousing and aviation add notably through energy and fuel use.
- Road dependence is carbon-heavy and inefficient for long hauls.
Green transition strategies
- Rail freight: China and the US moved much freight onto rail; rail is low-emission and electrified, so India should raise its rail share.
- Electric roads: the electric highway idea with overhead wires for trucks, such as the Delhi-Jaipur pilot, brings environmental and economic gains.
- Maritime: coastal and inland shipping are underused; shift to LNG vessels, biofuel or electric barges and solar boats, in line with the IMO goal of halving shipping emissions by 2050.
- Warehousing: use solar, wind and geothermal power.
- Aviation: hardest to decarbonise; rely on sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and cross-sector offsets.
Significance
- Decarbonising logistics builds a resilient, competitive, inclusive economy.
- Policy support, clean technology and infrastructure investment are the enablers.
Exam angle
- India’s net-zero target year: 2070; development goal year: 2047.
- Electric highway pilot: Delhi-Jaipur.
- Fuel term: SAF (sustainable aviation fuel).