Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India released a report on India’s Priority Corridors for Zero-Emission Trucking on 9^th May 2025. This report by the Office of the PSA outlines ten critical highway segments across the country that offer the highest potential for the adoption of zero-emission trucks (ZETs), aiming to catalyse a national transition towards cleaner, more sustainable freight movement.

Developed with the support of Centre of Excellence for Zero Emission Trucking (CoEZET) - IIT Madras, Rocky Mountain Institute, and pManifold as knowledge partners, these insights are expected to guide future investments in charging infrastructure, public-private partnerships, and regulatory support mechanisms. By strategically targeting these corridors, India can accelerate its transition to a zero-emission freight sector while boosting competitiveness and resilience.

Akshima Ghate, M.D, Rocky Mountain Institute presented the report  and the launch was attended by Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary; Dr. Karthick Athmanathan, PSA Fellow; Dr. Preeti Banzal and Dr. Rakesh Kaur, Advisers, Office of PSA and Prof. Shankar Ram from the CoEZET, IIT Madras; and other senior officials from the Office of PSA.

The top 10 corridors for Zero-Emission Trucking (ZET) in India were identified through a three-phase process: quantitative and qualitative assessment of an initial list of 230 corridors using parameters such as toll traffic data and mapping of supply/demand centres, stakeholder consultations and detailed field research to shortlist the top 10 corridors. In addition, factors such as high freight traffic, industrial activity, availability of ancillary services, grid infrastructure readiness, corridor length relative to battery range, and strategic stakeholder inputs for commercial and business viability were also taken into account while finalising the corridors.

The report highlights that nearly 40% of fuel consumption and transport emissions in India originate from long-distance trucks. As a result, the adoption of Zero-Emission Trucks (ZETs) is crucial for decarbonising the logistics sector, reducing air pollution, and strengthening India’s energy security.

The report on India’s Priority Corridors for Zero-Emission Trucking identifies the top ten high-impact corridors most suited for early ZET deployment, laying the groundwork for a dedicated national ZET infrastructure network. The Report is the result of a rigorous, data-driven assessment designed to support India's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and economic goals.

Pivotal analysis under the report will not only further boost this shift but will also serve as a strategic guide for policymakers and industry actors with comprehensive insight into the three-part corridor identification process.

This report can also serve as a reference for the PM E-DRIVE scheme, launched in 2024 at a total cost of ₹500 crores by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Governmnet of India to promote the adoption of zero-emission transport (ZET) solutions.

The complete report can be accessed on the Office of PSA website, at: https://psa.gov.in/CMS/web/sites/default/files/publication/India%27s%20Priority%20Corridors%20for%20Zero%20Emission%20Trucking_1.pdf

 

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MJPS/ST

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