Low Carbon Mobility Plans: A Case Study of Ludhiana, India

Abstract

Transportation is one of the driving forces of any economy. The reliance on petroleum as a fuel is a main source of concern. The major share of transport sector in petroleum has many consequences. India is the world's 4th largest emitter, responsible for ∼5% of the world's carbon emissions, the major contribution of this emission is from transport sector.In this study a low carbon mobility options for Ludhiana city as a case study is presented. In order to understand the impact of these options a stated preference survey is carried out. The shift to low carbon modes (bicycles, walk and public transport) is quantified. Shifts from petroleum driven vehicles to electric is also discussed. The projection to the future the per capita emissions of each of the scenarios: Scenario 1: Lanes for bus, bicycle and walk, Scenario 2: Scenario 1 plus improved buses, Scenario 3: Scenario 2 +policy against cars, Scenario 4: Electric vehicles (electric equivalents of two-wheelers and cars). It is found from the study that the emissions are least for scenario 3 (when there are parking policies imposed against cars in addition to improved transit policy and buses along with independent lanes for buses, and dedicated paths cycling and walking