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Chandigarh's Car Crisis: Why Experts Warn of Emissions and Congestion Surge

Chandigarh faces growing emissions and congestion due to heavy reliance on private vehicles. Experts from CEEW are pushing for expanded public transport and electric vehicle adoption. The successful RAAHI project in Amritsar has already converted 1,200 diesel autos to electric with significant subsidies. This initiative also focuses on gender inclusion by providing special support for women drivers in the transport sector.

Key Points: Chandigarh Private Vehicle Dependence Spurs Clean Mobility Push

  • CEEW recommends expanding bus fleets and electrifying autorickshaws for sustainable mobility
  • Punjab's RAAHI project offers subsidies up to ₹1.5 lakh for diesel-to-electric auto conversion
  • Women drivers receive 90% subsidy to boost gender inclusion in transport sector
  • Electric three-wheeler segment shows fastest growth in India's EV transition
2 min read

High dependency on private vehicles in Chandigarh highlights need for clean mobility alternatives: Experts

Experts urge robust public transport and EV adoption in Chandigarh to combat rising emissions and congestion, highlighting Amritsar's successful e-auto project.

"This project has already transitioned 1,200 old diesel vehicles to new electric vehicles - CEEW Report"

Chandigarh, Nov 12

High dependency on private vehicles in Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, underscores the need for robust public transportation and clean mobility alternatives to prevent the escalation of emissions, congestion, and energy demand.

This fact came to light at the roundtable of the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) held on Wednesday here on 'How can Indian cities achieve sustainable and inclusive mobility through shared transport like buses and autos.' It was CEEW's workshop series ‘Future of Our Cities’.

CEEW researchers recommended the expansion of the bus fleet, the electrification of intermediate public transport (IPTs) -- autorickshaws and Vikrams -- and promoting gender inclusion to ensure sustainable mobility in cities.

India’s Electric Vehicle (EV) transition is gaining momentum with over 1 million EV units sold in 2024-25.

This growth has been driven by a combination of national policies like FAME I and II, state-level EV policies, and growing consumer confidence.

The electric three-wheeler (e3W) segment, in particular, has seen the fastest growth.

Punjab has a powerful local success story in Amritsar's 'Rejuvenation of Auto Rickshaws in Amritsar through Holistic Intervention' (RAAHI) project.

This initiative successfully tackled key barriers to EV adoption by offering a Rs 1.3-1.5 lakh upfront subsidy to switch from diesel to electric three-wheelers (e-autos), facilitated access to formal bank loans, moving drivers away from predatory informal lending, and conducted information campaigns and vehicle demonstrations to build driver confidence in e-auto performance and economic benefits.

This project has already transitioned 1,200 old diesel vehicles to new electric vehicles, resulting in improved driver livelihoods and significant annual reductions in emissions.

Recognising that women comprise less than 1 per cent of India's transport workforce, the project implemented targeted solutions, including a 90 per cent subsidy for women drivers, formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in collaboration with NULM, and support for obtaining driver's licences.

This effort has successfully brought 200 women into the e-auto ecosystem in Amritsar.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great to see women being included in the transport workforce! The 90% subsidy for women drivers is a game-changer. More cities should replicate this model. Chandigarh definitely needs to prioritize public transport over private vehicles.
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Aman W
While I appreciate the focus on EVs, I'm concerned about the infrastructure. Do we have enough charging stations in Chandigarh? The government needs to work on this simultaneously. Otherwise, these initiatives won't be successful.
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Sarah B
The traffic congestion in Chandigarh's sectors is unbearable during peak hours. Electric buses and better last-mile connectivity could really transform the city. Hope the authorities take this report seriously and implement changes soon.
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Vikram M
The subsidy model for transitioning from diesel to electric vehicles is brilliant! It addresses the cost barrier effectively. Chandigarh being a planned city has the perfect opportunity to lead in sustainable mobility. Let's hope they act on these recommendations.
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Nisha Z
I appreciate the focus on clean mobility, but I wish there was more emphasis on cycling infrastructure too. Chandigarh's wide roads are perfect for dedicated cycle tracks. A multi-modal approach would be most effective. 🚲

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