GEARSHIFT
CHALLENGE-ECONOMY & SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Why in News?
NITI Aayog, in
collaboration with IIM Bangalore, Smart Freight Centre India, CALSTART/Drive to
Zero, and WRI India, launched the NITI GearShift Challenge.
- It's part of the e-FAST
India initiative aimed at promoting zero-emission trucks (ZETs) in India.
Objectives of the
Challenge
- The hackathon aims to
develop innovative business models for the adoption of electric trucks.
- Focuses on addressing
financial, technical, and operational challenges associated with ZET
adoption.
Participants
- Open to students, transport
service practitioners, academics, and researchers.
- Involves e-FAST India
partners, financial institutions, and industry forums.
Significance of
Transition to ZETs
- India's freight sector is
crucial for the economy, serving over 1.4 billion people.
- Road freight accounts for
55% of India’s diesel consumption and nearly 40% of CO2 emissions from road
transport.
- Transition to electric
trucks is vital to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and enhance
energy security.
Impact of the GearShift
Challenge
- Aims to accelerate the
adoption of ZETs in India's freight sector.
- Seeks practical solutions to
benefit both the economy and the environment.
e-FAST India (Electric Freight
Accelerator for Sustainable Transport – India) is the country's first platform
to facilitate collaboration between government stakeholders and private sector
partners.
The Logistics
Division under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has
unveiled its plan for Freight Smart Cities to improve the efficiency of
urban freight and create an opportunity for the reduction in logistics
costs.
Sources: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2033106