In an exclusive interview at the Smart Mobility Conference 2023, Sudhendu Sinha, Adviser (Infrastructure Connectivity – Transport and Electric Mobility) at NITI Aayog, shed light on India’s ambitious plans to transform its transportation landscape and embrace electric mobility. The conference served as a catalyst for discussing key initiatives, challenges, and opportunities in the realm of smart and sustainable mobility.
Raising Awareness and Showcasing Innovation
Events like the Smart Mobility Expo play a pivotal role in advancing transportation and electric mobility in India, according to Sinha. He highlighted two significant contributions: raising awareness about these critical issues and providing a platform to showcase innovative technologies related to sustainable and resilient infrastructure materials. These technologies are designed to be both environmentally friendly and cost-effective, addressing India’s growing transportation needs.
NITI Ayog’s Long-Term Vision
Sinha elaborated on NITI Ayog’s strategic approach, emphasising a long-term vision that extends beyond immediate concerns. The organisation, known as the National Institution for Transforming India, aims to connect with global developments and customise policies to align with India’s unique requirements. These policies are then presented to various ministries for implementation. Among the initiatives in the pipeline are the Aspirational District and Block programmes, public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives, and projects focused on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the transport and infrastructure connectivity sectors.
Electric Mobility: Challenges and Opportunities
Addressing the transition to electric mobility, Sinha acknowledged the significance of the automobile sector in India. It not only provides employment opportunities but also makes substantial contributions to the country’s GDP. India’s vision goes beyond being a mere consumer of electric vehicles (EVs). The goal is to become a leading EV manufacturing hub. By 2030, the plan is to manufacture a staggering 10 million EVs annually, fostering economic growth and targeting a year-on-year growth rate of 49%.
Inclusive Approach Across Vehicle Segments
The ambitious 10 million vehicle target encompasses all vehicle segments, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, buses, and more. This comprehensive approach seeks to transform India into a powerhouse of EV manufacturing, ensuring that all segments contribute to the country’s growth.
Investment in Smart Mobility
Sinha underscored the need for substantial investment and advanced technology to drive the smart mobility revolution. While India has made strides in this direction, with many institutions offering courses and research on new mobility, there is room for growth. Vehicles today are digitally enabled, but the communication and interaction between vehicles require further development to realise the full potential of smart mobility.
Public-Private Collaboration: The Key to Success
Sinha emphasised that smart mobility goes beyond mere transportation; it encompasses various modes of movement, including walking, cycling, and more. To achieve India’s ambitious smart mobility goals, it is imperative to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors. This collaborative effort harnesses the expertise and resources of private investors, startups, and the corporate sector. Startups, characterised by their innovative drive and ambition, hold a pivotal role in advancing digital empowerment within the smart mobility landscape.