India’s logistics sector, which produces a lot of carbon pollution, needs to change and become more eco-friendly.

Logistics Sector in India

• Inclusive Development: Viksit Bharat 2047 is not merely a vision but a commitment to a stronger, self-reliant India. At its core lies the goal of inclusive development  ensuring that growth is equitable, reaching every citizen, business, and region.
• Role of the Logistics Sector: A large, efficient, and future-ready logistics network is critical to achieving this vision. From seamless supply chains to last-mile connectivity, logistics is the backbone of sustained and inclusive growth.
• Prioritising Green Growth: While infrastructure, efficiency, and accessibility are vital, the environment must also be prioritised. The logistics sector is currently one of the most carbon-intensive in the world. 
  • As India targets net zero carbon emissions by 2070, a green transformation of the sector is essential.

Need of Decarbonisation in Road Freight and Warehousing

• Road Freight: Logistics contributes about 13.5% of India’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Road transport alone accounts for over 88% of logistics emissions. 
  • Trucks contribute to 38% of CO₂ emissions (IEA, 2023). Passenger travel (90%) and freight movement (70%) are predominantly road-based.
• Other Modes of Emissions: Domestic aviation accounts for around 4% of emissions.
  Coastal and inland shipping, though contributing less to emissions, still adds to the overall carbon footprint.
• Warehousing: The warehousing sector is a major emitter that supports the freight system. Combined with transport emissions, this creates a comprehensive challenge for sustainability.

Way Forward

• Expanding Green Transport: By 2030, the government aims to triple cargo and passenger movement on inland waterways and increase coastal shipping cargo by 1.2 times, with the goal of boosting economic growth while staying aligned with sustainability objectives.
• International Experience: Global examples offer strong guidance for India’s logistics transformation. China has shifted a significant share of its freight to railways, now accounting for almost 50% of total freight. 
  • The United States has also prioritised rail as one of the early decarbonised freight options.
• Shift to rail: Rail freight emits significantly less CO₂ than road transport, and with India’s early adoption of electrification, railways have become an almost zero-emission mode.
  • Increasing the share of railways in freight transport will help reduce emissions, improve transport efficiency, and support energy security.
• Electrification of Highways: While road freight remains vital for last-mile connectivity, a pioneering initiative by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways has introduced overhead electric wires along highways to power electric trucks, with a pilot project launched on the Delhi-Jaipur corridor. 
  • This innovation could significantly lower freight emissions, ensure economic viability, and maintain transport efficiency.
• Coastal shipping: Green shipping holds tremendous potential for decarbonisation. As per the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the target is to cut global shipping emissions by 50% by 2050 (compared to 2008 levels). 
  • India can fast-track green shipping through the use of LNG-powered vessels, solar-assisted electric boats, and electric/biofuel-run barges, ensuring sustainable yet efficient freight movement.
• Adopting Renewable Energy: Warehousing, often overlooked, contributes significantly to logistics emissions due to high energy consumption and inefficient infrastructure.
  • Solutions such as switching to solar power, wind energy, and geothermal systems can drastically reduce the carbon footprint in the warehousing sector by promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources.
• Sustainable Fuel: Air transport is among the hardest sectors to decarbonise due to its heavy reliance on refined fossil fuels and high operational costs for switching to greener alternatives. However, the use of sustainable aviation fuels and efficiency gains in other sectors could help offset emissions in aviation.
• Decarbonisation: Decarbonising India’s logistics sector is not just an environmental concern, but a strategic necessity for enhancing competitiveness, strengthening resilience, and ensuring a future-ready infrastructure.
• Increasing Rail Freight: Boosting the modal share of railways reduces carbon emissions, congestion on highways, and logistics costs.
• Electrification of Road Transport: Introduction of electric trucks and overhead wire systems is a game-changer. mEnsures cleaner freight movement and economic viability.
• Greener Maritime Solutions: LNG, methanol, biofuels, and electric vessels offer low-emission alternatives and ensure compliance with IMO emission targets.
• Energy-Efficient Warehousing: The transition to solar, wind, and geothermal energy can significantly cut emissions and improve the sustainability of supply chains.

Conclusion

With the right policies, visionary leadership, and targeted investments, India can lead the global green logistics movement, build a high-performing logistics ecosystem, and fulfil the vision of a cleaner, greener, and more efficient India.

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