India needs cleaner logistics for future growth

Source: The post India needs cleaner logistics for future growth has been created, based on the article “Steering the decarbonisation of India’s logistics sector” published in “The Hindu” on 19th April 2025. India needs cleaner logistics for future growth. 

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Infrastructure

Context: India aims to become a developed nation by 2047 through inclusive growth. A critical component of this goal is building an efficient and future-ready logistics sector. However, the sector is highly carbon-intensive. Balancing growth with environmental responsibility is now urgent and essential.

For detailed information on Logistics Sector in India and National Logistics Policy read this article here

The Environmental Cost of Logistics

1. Heavy Emissions from Road Transport: Road transport dominates India’s logistics, causing high carbon emissions. It makes up 88% of logistics emissions and 13.5% of the country’s total greenhouse gases. Trucks alone contribute 38% of CO₂ emissions. Nearly 90% of passenger travel and 70% of freight movement happen via roads.
2. Other Transport Modes and Emissions: Domestic aviation contributes about 4% of emissions. Coastal and inland shipping have lower emissions but are expected to grow by 1.2 to 3 times by 2030. These modes offer more scalable and sustainable freight options if cleaner fuels are adopted.
3. Warehousing Adds to the Problem: Warehouses, essential to freight movement, also emit large amounts of carbon. Their high energy consumption contributes significantly to the overall logistics emissions.

Pathways to a Cleaner Logistics Sector

1. Shifting from Road to Rail: Countries like China and the U.S. have cut emissions by moving freight from road to rail. China’s rail share is almost 50%. India should follow this path. Rail transport in India is already electrified and emits near-zero carbon, making it a sustainable option.
2. Electrifying Road Freight: Road freight still plays a major role and needs structural changes. India has launched a pilot project using overhead electric wires on highways to power electric trucks. The Delhi-Jaipur corridor may become a model for clean and efficient freight movement.
3. Greener Shipping Options: The shipping sector is moving towards cleaner fuels like LNG, biofuels, ammonia, and electricity. India can lead this change with LNG-powered vessels, electric boats, and biofuel barges, helping cut emissions from coastal and inland waterways.
4. Tackling Aviation Emissions: Air transport is difficult to decarbonise due to its dependence on refined fuels. Progress in sustainable aviation fuels and improvements in other transport modes can help offset emissions.
5. Sustainable Warehousing Solutions: Warehouses should switch to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal. This can significantly lower their carbon output and support overall decarbonisation.

Conclusion

Decarbonising logistics is essential not just for the environment, but for creating a strong, resilient, and globally competitive sector. With smart policies, cleaner technologies, and focused investments, India can build a high-performing logistics network that powers sustainable development.

Question for practice:

Examine how India can reduce carbon emissions in its logistics sector while pursuing inclusive economic growth.