Strategic corridors identified to spearhead the transition to a cleaner, sustainable freight sector

Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, unveiled a comprehensive report outlining India’s priority corridors for Zero-Emission Trucking (ZET). The report identifies the ten most suitable highway segments for the early adoption of ZETs, marking a pivotal step towards reducing emissions in the freight sector and boosting the country’s sustainable transport infrastructure.

The report, developed in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Zero Emission Trucking (CoEZET) at IIT Madras, Rocky Mountain Institute, and pManifold, offers insights aimed at accelerating the development of charging infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and public-private partnerships. By focusing on these high-impact corridors, India is poised to transform its logistics sector, fostering economic resilience and a shift towards a cleaner freight future.

Through a rigorous, three-phase selection process, the report identifies the most promising corridors based on key factors such as freight traffic density, industrial activity, infrastructure readiness, and stakeholder consultations. The ten priority corridors will serve as early-stage pilots for ZET deployment, playing a crucial role in laying the groundwork for a nationwide ZET infrastructure network.

“These identified corridors not only have the potential to reduce emissions but also represent a significant opportunity for India to lead in zero-emission freight technology,” said Akshima Ghate, MD, Rocky Mountain Institute, during the report’s launch. The event, held at the Office of the PSA, was attended by key stakeholders including Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, and Karthick Athmanathan, PSA Fellow.

India’s logistics sector is a major contributor to fuel consumption and transport emissions, with long-distance trucks responsible for nearly 40 per cent of the country’s transport-related emissions. The adoption of ZETs on these identified corridors is therefore critical to decarbonising the sector and advancing India’s energy security goals.

As part of India’s broader sustainability efforts, the report’s findings align with the objectives of the PM E-DRIVE scheme, launched in 2024 with a ₹500 crore investment from the Ministry of Heavy Industries. This initiative aims to promote the widespread adoption of zero-emission vehicles across various segments, including freight transport.

The identification of these top ten corridors marks the beginning of a new chapter in India’s journey towards sustainable freight transport. With pilot projects now on the horizon, the focus will shift to collaboration between public and private stakeholders to deploy ZETs on these routes. Early-stage pilots will provide invaluable insights into the technology’s performance, infrastructure needs, and regulatory frameworks necessary for large-scale deployment.

By adopting these ZET solutions, India has the potential not only to meet its environmental targets but also to set a global example for sustainable transport in emerging economies.