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India's Net-Zero Transport Goals Face 'Insurmountable' Obstacles

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 16:02 GMT by ThePrint
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New Delhi, February 11th, 2026 - India's lofty goals of achieving net-zero emissions in the transport sector are facing significant, and potentially insurmountable, obstacles. A new report released today by NITI Aayog, the government's premier policy think tank, points to a dangerous combination of overwhelming road dependence and a critically underdeveloped electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure as the primary roadblocks to a sustainable future for Indian mobility. The report, a culmination of months of research and analysis, paints a stark picture: without immediate and decisive action, India risks falling far short of its climate commitments.

The report reiterates that India's transport sector is a dominant contributor to the nation's greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for a substantial portion of the country's carbon footprint. Achieving net-zero requires a radical transformation, moving away from the current fossil fuel-dependent model towards cleaner, more sustainable alternatives. However, the report emphasizes that simply swapping internal combustion engine vehicles for EVs isn't enough. The existing infrastructure, and deeply ingrained societal habits, present major challenges.

"We've been warning for some time that a shift to EVs alone isn't a silver bullet," explained Dr. Anya Sharma, lead author of the NITI Aayog report. "Our deep-seated reliance on private road transport, and the sheer lack of accessible charging points, particularly outside of major metropolitan areas, is creating a bottleneck that threatens to derail our progress."

The current situation sees a significant disparity in charging infrastructure availability. While cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore are witnessing a gradual increase in public and private charging stations, vast swathes of rural India and Tier-2/3 cities remain largely unserved. This geographical imbalance creates a 'range anxiety' for potential EV buyers, discouraging adoption and limiting the impact of electric mobility. The report highlights that the current pace of deployment is nowhere near sufficient to meet projected EV demand, even under conservative growth scenarios.

Beyond sheer numbers, the report flags a critical issue: the lack of standardization in charging infrastructure. A fragmented landscape of varying charging standards - differing plug types, charging speeds, and payment methods - creates confusion and inconvenience for EV owners. This lack of interoperability not only hampers user experience but also complicates the rollout of a nationwide charging network. Efforts to establish a unified charging standard have been slow and hampered by competing interests within the industry.

"Imagine trying to use a different adapter at every gas station," Dr. Sharma elaborated. "That's the reality for many EV owners today. We need a universally accepted standard to ensure seamless charging across the country."

Furthermore, the NITI Aayog report isn't solely focused on EVs. It underscores the necessity of a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes and invests in public transport systems. Strengthening bus networks, expanding metro rail coverage, and promoting cycling and pedestrian infrastructure are crucial elements of a sustainable transport strategy. The report also advocates for the exploration and adoption of alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and biofuels, to further diversify the energy mix.

A significant concern raised in the report is the potential strain on the national power grid as EV adoption accelerates. The increased demand for electricity could overwhelm existing infrastructure, leading to localized blackouts and disruptions, particularly during peak hours. The report calls for significant investments in grid modernization and the integration of renewable energy sources to ensure a reliable and sustainable power supply for the growing EV fleet. Smart charging solutions, which optimize charging schedules to minimize grid impact, are also recommended.

The NITI Aayog proposes a comprehensive strategy involving a combination of government subsidies, incentivizing private sector investment in charging infrastructure, and launching large-scale public awareness campaigns to promote EV adoption and sustainable transport practices. The report will now be submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the Ministry of Power, and other relevant government agencies for consideration and implementation. The urgency of the situation, however, is palpable. The window of opportunity to achieve India's net-zero transport goals is rapidly closing, and decisive action is needed now to avoid a future choked by pollution and unsustainable mobility.