May 21, 2025 07:35 IST
First published on: May 21, 2025 at 07:35 IST
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Everybody has their favorite way of travelling. Usually, the choice of the mode of transport is driven by convenience, comfort, and cost. But things are changing around the world for a completely different reason. There is growing interest in what experts call a “modal shift” — moving people and goods from roads and flights to railways — that could have a big impact on the environment, traffic, and even the economy.
This matters because cars, buses, and trucks are significant sources of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHG) that cause global warming. In fact, transport causes nearly a quarter of the world’s energy-related carbon emissions. Road transport is the biggest culprit, whereas rains are much cleaner. For example, trains produce only about 19 grams of carbon dioxide for each passenger per kilometre — compared to 63 grams for buses, 123 grams for aeroplanes, and 148 grams for cars. Freight carried by train is also much more efficient.
Despite the environmental benefits, rail use is going down worldwide. Between 2007 and 2021, the share of freight moved by train fell from 51 per cent to 40 per cent globally. For passengers, the share dropped from 12 per cent to 8 per cent. This loss is mainly because road transport is growing fast, especially in countries like India and China. If this trend continues, emissions from the transport sector in lower-income countries could cause a 16 per cent rise in GHG emissions. But if more freight and passengers switch to rail, we could prevent up to 1.8 billion tons of carbon emissions by 2050. The European Union is setting an example with policies to move freight from roads to rail or ships. It aims to shift 30 per cent of road freight to rail or ship transport by 2030 and over 50 per cent by 2050. China is trying to shift freight transport to rail and has already seen less road traffic and a cleaner environment as a result.
India has one of the largest railway networks in the world, and many people and goods already travel by train. However, the shift toward road transport is also happening here because improvements in infrastructure have made it easier to travel by road. The Government of India is trying to turn this around. The National Rail Plan aims to boost the freight modal share of railways to 45 per cent by 2030 with significant investments in Dedicated Freight Corridors. A similar plan is needed to increase the passenger modal share of rail. It is worth noting that the Metro rail systems in cities like Delhi and Mumbai are driving a significant modal shift within their limited scope. The Delhi Metro alone is claimed to have removed over five lakh vehicles from the road daily in 2021, cutting CO2 emissions by at least 23.82 grams per km traveled. In Mumbai, the metro and monorail modal share is projected to rise from 2 per cent to 36 per cent, reducing motor vehicle use from 35 per cent to 24 per cent.
A modal shift from road to rail is crucial for India, which is one of the world’s largest GHG emitters, with 14 per cent coming from the transport sector alone. India plans to attain net zero status by 2070, which will require drastic cuts in GHG emissions from all sectors, including transport.
India can also earn carbon credits by proving that the modal shift is reducing emissions through more rail use. These credits can be sold internationally to help fund more green projects. But there are strict rules to follow — such as proving the emissions savings would not have occurred without extra investment and ensuring no one else is already counting those savings. Delhi Metro used this method in the past, but it meant India could not count those emission reductions toward its national climate goals. So, future projects must carefully balance local benefits with international opportunities. Also, because trains are increasingly electric, India must also clean up its electricity sources.
Running trains on coal-powered electricity does not help but using renewable energy like solar and wind does.
Shifting transportation from roads to rail is not just about trains but about building a cleaner, safer, and sustainable future. India has a huge opportunity to lead this change, reducing emissions while boosting its economy and improving daily life. With thoughtful planning and investment, this shift can help meet climate goals and serve as an example for the world.
Singhal is assistant professor, Electrical Engineering, Rathore is assistant professor, Atmospheric Sciences, Abhyankar is NTPC Chair Professor, Electrical Engineering and Baidya Roy is Rockefeller Foundation Chair Professor, Atmospheric Sciences, IIT Delhi. Views are personal