Co-benefits of low carbon passenger transport actions in Indian cities: Case study of Ahmedabad

A four-fold increase in energy demand from urban passenger transport is projected for Ahmedabad by 2035 under business-as-usual conditions. However, a low carbon scenario (LCS) demonstrates significant co-benefits, including a 74% reduction in NOx and an 83% decrease in PM2.5 emissions compared to the baseline. Key strategies for achieving these reductions include fuel switching—particularly to decarbonized electricity—modal shifts, and substitution of travel demand. The study employs quantitative modeling using the Extended Snapshot (ExSS) Model to assess these scenarios, highlighting how developing cities can leverage carbon finance to avoid infrastructure lock-in and foster sustainable mobility plans without adverse behavioral or environmental consequences.

Pathak, M., & Shukla, P. R. (2016). Co-benefits of low carbon passenger transport actions in Indian cities: Case study of Ahmedabad. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 44, 303–316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2015.07.013