High Volume Transport

Vital transport research to ensure accessible, affordable and climate friendly transport for all.

Launch of planning framework for low emissions zones in Indian cities

A new framework has been launched to support the implementation of low emission zones (LEZs) in Indian cities. LEZs have been effective at improving air quality in many global cities by restricting vehicles in specific areas. However, their widespread adoption has not been observed in Asian cities. A new report published by HVT explores the development of a framework for the walled city of Ahmedabad, an initiative which could be taken up in other cities in India and beyond.

LEZs are gaining attention globally as an air quality improvement strategy involving a defined geographical area with regulations restricting access to vehicles with higher emissions. These vehicles are either prevented from entering the area or are required to pay higher charges for access. A well-planned LEZ has the potential to support the transition to low-emission vehicles and encourage people to use active and public modes of transport.

Rapid urbanisation and motorisation in India have caused road users to account for 90% of pollution in the transport sector. There are vehicle restrictions in historical or tourist areas such as the city of Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, and no motor vehicles are allowed to enter Matheran in Maharastra, an eco-sensitive zone famous for its breathtaking views. However, these fragmented local actions have a limited impact on tackling air issues. The policy think tank NITI Aayog, which provides support to the Indian government, and the International Council on Clean Transportation have been planning the future of LEZs in India, but, to date, there has been no formal declaration of LEZs.

This new research by CEPT Research and Development Foundation and CEPT University used the case study of the walled city of Ahmedabad, a bustling city with a high-density population where most trips take place within the city. Residents predominantly belong to the lowest income bracket. This economic status significantly impacts vehicle ownership, with 87% of households possessing two-wheelers due to their affordability.

Discussions with residents revealed that many face significant mobility challenges due to the high volume of traffic, the lack of parking and poor public transport connectivity. Narrow streets and a lack of pedestrian infrastructure exacerbate the problem, making walking unsafe, especially for children, women and older people. This forces many to rely on two-wheelers or shared autorickshaws. Heavy commercialisation over recent years has led to an increase in the volume of freight traffic throughout the day, adding to congestion and the obstruction of streets. Residents highlighted worsening air quality over the last four to five years and reported discomfort and health problems.

A comparison of the air pollution levels across the walled city revealed the need to manage traffic and curb air pollution. Given the economic importance of the walled city area, a LEZ strategy would ensure that there is minimum disruption to economic activities while addressing environmental concerns. The strategic plan developed by the team includes managing freight movement, mobility management, enhancement of public transport and vehicle technology intervention. To ensure smooth movement for both vehicles and pedestrians, it’s suggested that four-wheeler parking should be eliminated in certain areas, with defined designated zones and parking priced to discourage long-term use. Walkability in Ahmedabad is also severely compromised and measures focusing on pedestrian safety, space management and regulatory enforcement are essential.

The team explored approaches and scenarios to develop LEZ strategies for Ahmedabad city. A workshop was organised which brought together experts involved in the planning and implementation of LEZ in international and national cities to share their learnings. The subsequent strategies include measures such as parking management, improving accessibility for pedestrians and transit users and enhancing public transport. It also supports the adoption of electric vehicles, building green spaces and, most importantly, communicating the measures with relevant stakeholders for awareness creation, thereby securing their buy-in.

The LEZ framework for Ahmedabad addresses critical urban mobility and air quality challenges through a structured, data-driven approach. By combining emissions reduction, and sustainable transport promotion, the framework sets a roadmap for creating cleaner, more liveable cities.

The team highlights in the final report the scalability of the methodology to other Indian cities. It’s hoped that with institutional backing, robust stakeholder engagement and phased implementation, LEZs can become transformative tools in India’s transition toward sustainable urban development and low-carbon mobility.