Travel Emissions Study

Comparing inter-city travel emissions in India

The Covid-19 pandemic has increased public awareness of the adverse consequences of environmental degradation and climate inaction in India. The clear blue skies and sharp drop in carbon dioxide emissions during the lockdown have provided a glimpse of an alternative development pathway for the country. One that we hope can be achieved without the social and economic costs associated with the lockdown.

While the Indian government is actively pursuing decarbonisation policies, particularly in the electricity sector, the role of individual action in curbing carbon emissions is often overlooked.

Rethinking Public Policy has undertaken a study which aims to provide insights that can help citizens make informed choices to reduce their individual carbon footprint.

In pursuit of this objective, we introduced a methodology that facilitates a comparison of CO2 emissions per passenger among trains, flights and cars on widely travelled domestic routes in India.

Similar studies have been undertaken internationally. However, their findings might not apply to India, given the Indian Railways' reliance on diesel and coal-powered electric engines and the large distances between Indian cities.

The recommendations provided in this report enable individuals to make behavioral changes that can lower their personal carbon footprint. The findings can also assist policymakers and businesses identify new opportunities for the decarbonisation of India's transport sector.