Imagine this: you're stuck in a never-ending traffic jam, the sun is blazing, and your car’s AC is working overtime. The air is thick with pollution, and your patience is running thin. Sound familiar? For many Indians, traffic woes are a daily reality. Research shows that many are even open to a congestion tax to ease the situation. What if we told you that sustainable travel choices could transform this frustrating experience into a smoother, better journey? Let’s explore how small changes in our travel habits can make a big difference.

Sustainable Travel: What’s the Big Deal?

Sustainable travel means making choices that benefit the environment, your wallet, and your well-being. It’s about reducing pollution, conserving energy, and making cities more liveable. With India’s bustling streets and growing population, embracing sustainable mobility can create a significant positive impact. Let’s dive into some practical ways to get started.

1.Try Public Transit Once a Month

Did you know that 18 cities in India now have metro systems, but none have yet achieved the 50% ridership that was expected? The key challenge is the lack of convenience due to limited integration with other transportation modes.

While improvements are underway and more routes are being constructed, using the metro at least once a month is easy. If you take the Delhi Metro (on non-airport routes), you’ll even see how much CO2 you’ve saved printed on your ticket. Metro travel generally saves over 100 grams of CO2 per kilometre compared to cars. This means that by travelling just once a month by train, metro, or bus, you could save around 20kg of CO2 annually, assuming a one-way distance of 15 kilometres.

 2. Walking: The Original Green Mode of Transport

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. Walking is not only great for your health but also the environment. Did you know that walking 20-30 minutes a day can reduce your risk of heart disease by 30% and keep you energized? Plus, you get to enjoy the fresh air and local sights. So, next time you need to cover less than a kilometre, choose to walk—especially during the cooler hours of the day.

3. Share the Ride, Share the Joy (Once a Month)

Carpooling isn’t just about saving money—it’s also about reducing road congestion and emissions, leading to time savings and cleaner air. If you're uncomfortable sharing rides with strangers, consider carpooling with colleagues or neighbours travelling in the same direction. Sharing rides twice a month can save 50kg of CO2 per year (equivalent to the carbon absorbed by two mature trees annually) if your one-way trip is 15 kilometres.

4. Electric Vehicles: For Your Next Purchase

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more affordable, thanks to government incentives and falling battery prices. Even if subsidies decrease, EVs are likely to cost the same as conventional vehicles soon. However, the true impact of EVs depends on whether the electricity used to charge them comes from renewable sources or fossil fuels. Do you know what powers your local charging stations?

5. Plan Your Trips

• Combine errands to avoid multiple trips.
• Use digital maps and apps to find the quickest routes and avoid traffic jams.
• Carry a reusable water bottle and bag when travelling—they often come in handy.

Conclusion

Sustainable mobility is more than just a buzzword; it’s a practical approach to making daily commutes less stressful. By using public transit once a month, walking short distances, and carpooling, we can all contribute to a greener, cleaner India.