States must prioritize public transport electrification, says NITI Aayog chief

India's push toward sustainable transportation requires states to place public transport electrification at the centre of their planning priorities, according to Rajiv Gauba, Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, the government's principal policy think tank. The shift demands concerted efforts to move beyond individual vehicle electrification toward mass transit solutions that can drive meaningful environmental and economic benefits across regions.

Gauba emphasized that targeted electrification of buses, trains, and other public transport modes, coupled with reliable charging infrastructure networks, holds the key to accelerating the country's broader transition to electric mobility. Such an approach would address transportation challenges while simultaneously reducing emissions in urban and semi-urban areas where public transit plays a crucial role in daily commute patterns.

The focus on state-level implementation reflects recognition that regional governments must take ownership of electrification initiatives tailored to local conditions and requirements. Building adequate charging networks alongside fleet modernization will be essential to ensure the viability and widespread adoption of electric public transport systems across India's diverse geography and economic landscape.