TERI’s latest policy brief outlines a roadmap to modernize urban transport, cut emissions, save billions in fuel costs, and create over 3.7 lakh green jobs by 2035.
In a major push towards cleaner urban air and sustainable transport, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has released a new policy brief titled “Shifting Gears Towards Cleaner Air: Modernizing Urban Fleets for a Greener Future in India’s Million-Plus Cities.” The report dives deep into the environmental and economic benefits of transitioning to electric and CNG-powered vehicles across 44 of India’s largest cities.
Highlighting the transport sector as a major contributor to poor air quality in urban India, the study offers policymakers concrete, data-driven strategies to overhaul outdated vehicle fleets. Two future-focused pathways are at the center of this roadmap: a complete shift to electric vehicles (EVs) and a hybrid model combining EVs with compressed natural gas (CNG) alternatives.
Electric Mobility: A Game-Changer for India
Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI, emphasized that this shift isn’t just about adopting new technology—it’s about shaping the future of jobs, infrastructure, and energy use. “We’re looking at the creation of over 3.7 lakh new jobs in areas such as electric mobility, solar charging infrastructure, and vehicle recycling,” she said.
The report suggests that a full EV transition could significantly reduce PM2.5 emissions by 11.5 tonnes per day and generate oil savings worth Rs 9.17 lakh crore (approx. USD 106.6 billion) by 2035. On the other hand, a 50:50 EV-CNG blend could still cut PM2.5 emissions by 11 tonnes daily but with relatively lower economic impact.
Infrastructure: The Cornerstone of Clean Mobility
To meet these ambitious goals, the report calls for substantial infrastructure development—including over 45,000 EV charging stations and 130 vehicle scrappage facilities by 2035. The study also stresses the importance of phasing out old, high-emission buses as a key step toward improving city-level air quality and public health.
Dr. Anju Goel, Associate Director of TERI’s Air Quality Research, underscored the need for a holistic and integrated policy approach. “Transport emissions remain one of the most stubborn sources of pollution. Our findings highlight the importance of cleaner fleets and robust infrastructure in delivering long-term air quality improvements.”
Aligning with National Clean Air Goals
This policy brief supports the broader goals of India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which is currently driving Clean Air Action Plans in 130 cities, including all Million-Plus Cities. The recommendations from TERI align with NCAP’s focus on curbing transport-related pollution through targeted, scalable interventions.
Policy Action
Ultimately, TERI’s study makes a strong case for coordinated investment, policy backing, and integrated planning to ensure that India’s mobility transition not only addresses climate and health concerns but also contributes to economic growth and employment. The road to cleaner air, the brief suggests, begins with modernizing how India moves.