The Journey Towards Sustainable Road Transportation in India
- info Sathyasaitourists
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
A Historical Perspective: How India’s Roads Have Evolved
India’s transportation history dates back to ancient times when trade routes like the Grand Trunk Road (GT Road), one of the world's oldest roads, connected the subcontinent to Central Asia. During the Mauryan Empire (322–185 BCE), an extensive road network was built, including milestone markers and rest stations, laying the foundation for organized road transport.
Fast forward to the British era, India’s roads expanded significantly to support administrative control and trade. In 1839, the British built the first metaled road between Calcutta and Delhi, improving connectivity. However, roads remained poorly maintained and limited, with railways taking precedence.
Post-independence, India embarked on massive infrastructure projects to boost its road network:
1956: The launch of the National Highways Development Project (NHDP) to connect major cities.
1988: The formation of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to standardize road construction.
2001: The introduction of the Golden Quadrilateral (5,846 km), linking Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
India's road transport network is the backbone of its economy, carrying 65% of freight and 85% of passenger traffic. Over the decades, this network has undergone a remarkable transformation. From 3.99 lakh kilometers in 1947, it has expanded to over 63.45 lakh kilometers today, making it the second-largest road network in the world (Ministry of Road Transport & Highways). However, this rapid growth, driven by industrialization and urbanization, has also led to significant challenges—rising vehicular emissions, increasing congestion, and growing fuel dependency. These concerns highlight the urgent need for sustainable transportation solutions to ensure a greener and more efficient future.
The Environmental Impact of Road Transport in India
India’s transport sector accounts for 14% of the country’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with road transport contributing nearly 88% (IEA). The rapid surge in vehicles—from 5.4 million in 1981 to over 326 million today—has intensified environmental concerns.
Mahatma Gandhi’s words resonate with today’s sustainability challenges:“The earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs, but not every man's greed.”This highlights the urgent need for responsible transportation and mindful mobility solutions.
The Push for Sustainability in Transportation
India has been actively promoting sustainable road transport through various policies and initiatives:
National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) – Aims to have 30% electric vehicle adoption by 2030.
Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme – Government subsidies to promote EVs and hybrid vehicles.
Biofuels & CNG Expansion – Focus on ethanol-blended petrol, biodiesel, and CNG buses for public transport.
Green Highways Policy – Targets tree plantations along 100,000 km of highways to reduce vehicular emissions.
Sri Sathya Sai Tourists (SST) and Its Commitment to Sustainability
For over 55 years, Sri Sathya Sai Tourists (SST) has been at the forefront of corporate and school transportation, ensuring safe, efficient, and eco-friendly travel. With a fleet of over 2,000 vehicles, SST serves 40+ corporate clients, and its commitment to sustainability includes:
Adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) for corporate fleets to cut down emissions.
Use of CNG buses for school transport, promoting cleaner air for students.
Implementation of fuel-efficient driving practices to reduce carbon footprints.
The Road Ahead
India’s transition to sustainable transportation is no longer optional—it is a necessity. While government policies set the foundation, private players like SST drive real-world impact by implementing greener transport solutions.
As we move forward, collaboration between the government, businesses, and citizens will determine the success of India’s green mobility revolution. The road to sustainability is long, but the journey has begun—are we ready to drive the change?
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