Decarbonizing India’s Transport Sector: A Policy Analysis of Fuel Efficiency and Emission Standards

Abstract

India’s transport sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, posing a critical challenge to the country’s sustainable development ambitions. In alignment with Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action), decarbonizing the transport sector has become a policy imperative. This paper critically analyzes India’s fuel efficiency and emission standards—specifically the Bharat Stage (BS) emission norms and the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) regulations—assessing their effectiveness in reducing vehicular emissions and promoting energy efficiency. It explores the evolution of these standards, implementation challenges, and their alignment with international best practices. By evaluating current outcomes and identifying gaps in enforcement and policy coherence, the study offers targeted recommendations to enhance regulatory frameworks and accelerate India’s transition toward a low-carbon transport future.