Seauj Sajib Nath
&
Madhurjya Saikia
(madhurjyatu15@gmail.com)
Decarbonising the transport sector involves reducing or completely eliminating carbon dioxide (CO?) and other greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. As of 2024, the transport sector accounts for approximately 22–24% of India’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with road transport alone contributing to over 90% of these emissions. To meet its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, India must pursue both a mobility transition and an energy transition within the transport sector. This means moving away from fossil fuel-based systems and adopting cleaner, more sustainable alternatives for transportation.
The Paris Agreement seeks to limit global warming to well below 2°C, with efforts to cap it at 1.5°C. In line with global efforts such as COP26 and the 2021 Glasgow Declaration, which aims to accelerate the transition to 100% zero-emission cars and vans, India has committed to significant climate goals. Under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), India targets a 45% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP by 2030 compared to 2005 levels and aims to achieve economy-wide net-zero emissions by 2070. Transport-specific NDC targets include increasing the railway freight share from 36% to 45% and adhering to the COP26 Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) declaration for all new car and van sales to be zero-emission by 2040, including two- and three-wheelers. Given the rapid economic growth, urbanization, and rising motorisation, decarbonising transport is critical to meeting these targets. India has also set national EV goals, including a 30% share of electric vehicles in passenger light-duty vehicle (LDV) sales by 2030, supported by the installation of 2,877 charging points across 25 states and 1,576 points on 9 motorways and 16 highways. Key initiatives include the adoption of Bharat Stage VI emission standards, the Forum for Decarbonising Transport by NITI Aayog and WRI India, the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) India scheme under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan, and incentives under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to boost consumption. Electric vehicles (EVs) offer substantial environmental benefits by lowering emissions and supporting sustainable development. With zero tailpipe emissions, EVs help improve air quality and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the overall carbon footprint. Additionally, they are becoming integral to urban mobility solutions and are contributing to the electrification of freight and logistics, further advancing clean transportation systems.
Assam is rapidly rising as a front-runner in India’s electric mobility revolution, mirroring promise and growing aspirations. Given that its roads already have over 2 million cars, the state has acknowledged the urgent need to solve urban congestion and particularly the rapidly rising air pollution. As per the expert’s report, the PM 2.5 level in some areas of Guwahati is 20x higher than WHO’s safe limit, and vehicular emission is one of the prime reasons behind it. In 2021, the Assam government also introduced its Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, 2021, with a clear roadmap for long-term sustainable green mobility. The core aim of the policy was that by 2026, EVs will comprise 25% of all new vehicle registrations, and to achieve this, the government aims to deploy two lakh EVs—including 100,000 two-wheelers, 75,000 three-wheelers, and 25,000 four-wheelers—gradually over the next 5 years. The public transport system (PTS) is the soul of this scheme. The state aims to convert 100% of the public bus fleet and all government vehicles to EVs by 2030. In fact, the government on its end will only purchase EVs after 2025. Last year, Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) added an additional 100 electric buses to its fleet under the Pradhan Mantri E-bus Sewa Scheme (PM-e Bus). It shows the state’s commitment to green mobility. Adding to this EV push, the government further introduced the Assam Vehicle Scrappage Policy of 2022, which calls for the gradual removal of over-aged, hazardous, and polluting cars. There are over 10 lakh cars in Assam that are 15 years old or older and constitute a substantial source of vehicular emissions, leading to more air pollution. This policy also includes green tax penalties to deter the holding of heavily polluting vehicles. Owners willing to scrap their old vehicles will also receive tax waivers and registration fee exemptions when they replace them with EVs.
To accelerate the EV adoption, the Assam government offers direct purchase subsidies along with non-monetary benefits—up to Rs 20,000 for two-wheelers, Rs 50,000 for three-wheelers, and Rs 1.5 lakh for four-wheelers—along with full exemptions on registration fees, road tax, and parking charges for five years. Buyers will also enjoy a 50% toll tax rebate for 5 years. Additionally, to overcome infrastructure bottlenecks, Assam has invested heavily in charging infrastructure. The state is currently hosting the highest number of public EV charging stations in the Northeast—276 as of 2024—and a tariff rate as low as 7/kWh further adds to EV penetration. The state’s policy also encourages private participation in establishing charging points, even allowing petrol pumps and housing complexes to install them.
However, despite progressive policies, EV transition still remains low due to high buying and maintenance costs, limited awareness among the people, and a still-developing charging network concentrated mainly in major urban hubs of the state. Over 10 lakh ageing vehicles continue to pollute, as scrappage enforcement and public participation still remain major challenges. The lack of a sturdy local manufacturing and battery recycling ecosystem is another concern. To bridge these gaps is vital for the sustainability and longevity of Assam’s EV push. Because as a designated model EM (electric mobility) state, Assam’s progress is being closely watched, not just by neighbouring states, but also by central agencies exploring an innovative, inclusive green transport model. Thus, the Assam EV push is not only an opportunity to revolutionise its transport sector but also the livelihoods across the state.