Achieving Sustainability through Technology with Special Reference to Sustainable Transport in India

Sustainability has become one of the most pressing challenges of our time, particularly for fast-growing countries like India. With its expanding population and rapid urbanization, India faces increasing pressure on its infrastructure, especially in the transportation sector. Transport plays a vital role in everyday life—connecting people, goods, and services—but it is also one of the largest contributors to air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and fossil fuel consumption. In this context, technology offers an opportunity to rethink how we move and to make that movement more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive. This paper focuses on how India is using technology to achieve sustainability, with a special focus on the transport sector. The journey toward sustainable transport in India has already begun, with cities adopting electric vehicles (EVs), metro systems, Bus Rapid Transit Systems (BRTS), and app-based ride services. These are not just technological upgrades but steps toward a cleaner and more accessible future. For example, cities like Ahmedabad and Pune have introduced smart buses with real-time tracking, while Delhi and Bengaluru are expanding their metro networks to reduce the number of cars on the road. These initiatives help lower emissions and ease congestion, improving the quality of life for millions of commuters. This research explores both the progress and the challenges in adopting such technologies. Using a mixed-methods approach, it draws from policy reports, academic studies, and real-world case examples, along with surveys and interviews from key stakeholders—commuters, transport officials, urban planners, and technology providers. The study examines national policies such as the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme, the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP), and the Smart Cities Mission, assessing how well these initiatives are supporting the transition to cleaner transport options. Beyond vehicles and infrastructure, the paper also looks at how digital tools—like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and the Internet of Things (IoT)—are being used to make transport systems smarter. These technologies help with tasks like traffic management, route optimization, and safety monitoring, creating more responsive and user-friendly public transport systems. However, the path is not without obstacles. Issues such as high upfront costs of technology, lack of adequate infrastructure, limited awareness among users, and unequal access across urban and rural areas continue to slow progress. The study emphasizes the importance of inclusive planning, where the benefits of sustainable transport reach all sections of society, not just those in major cities or higher income brackets. In conclusion, the paper argues that while technology alone cannot solve all the issues in the transport sector, it can serve as a powerful enabler when combined with effective policies, public participation, and strong governance. Sustainable transport is not just about adopting new technologies—it’s about creating a system that works for people, the environment, and the economy. This research offers insights and recommendations for building that system in the Indian context, aiming to contribute meaningfully to the broader goal of sustainable development.