Syllabus :GS3/Economy/Environment
In News
- India’s logistics sector is one of the most carbon-heavy in the world and it needs to undergo a sustainable transformation.
India’s logistics sector
- It is crucial for the country’s economic growth, facilitating the efficient movement of goods and services across its vast territory.
- As India aims to achieve a GDP of US$ 5.5 trillion by 2027, transforming its logistics sector becomes essential.
- This sector supports industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and e-commerce but faces numerous challenges and offers significant opportunities.
Issue and Concerns
- India’s logistics sector is a major contributor to carbon emissions, accounting for 13.5% of the country’s total greenhouse gases, with road transport responsible for over 88% of these emissions.
- Trucks alone contribute 38% of CO₂ output. While aviation and shipping contribute less, their impact is still notable. The warehousing sector also adds significantly to emissions.
- As freight and passenger movement are set to grow, particularly through inland waterways and coastal shipping by 2030, the challenge lies in balancing this growth with environmental sustainability.
| Do you know ? – Global examples, like China and the United States, show the benefits of shifting freight from road to rail, which significantly reduces emissions. – Rail is a more sustainable, nearly zero-carbon option, and India should increase its use of rail for freight transport. |
Suggestions
- India should increase rail’s share in freight transport and electrify road freight, as seen in the Delhi-Jaipur corridor pilot project.
- Coastal shipping and inland waterways also offer significant decarbonisation potential by adopting cleaner fuels like LNG and biofuels.
- While air transport is harder to decarbonise, sustainable aviation fuels and efficiency improvements in other sectors can help offset emissions.
- The warehousing sector can reduce its carbon footprint by transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Conclusion and Way Forward
- As the country works towards its net zero target by 2070, a green transformation of logistics — including transportation, warehousing, and supply chains — is essential for building a resilient and sustainable future.
- By scaling rail freight, electrifying road transport, adopting cleaner maritime fuels, and improving warehouse energy efficiency, India can create a high-performing, green logistics network.
Source: TH
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