Transport Emissions – India Could Save Millions of Lives Through Cleaner Road Mobility
Transport Emissions – India could avoid an estimated 1.7 million premature deaths and nearly 97,200 cases of childhood asthma by 2050 if the country succeeds in eliminating emissions from the road transport sector, according to a recent study released by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT). The findings highlight the significant health gains that could come from a faster transition toward zero-emission vehicles across the country.
Road Transpo rt Remains a Major Public Health Challenge
The report states that vehicle emissions continue to be a serious contributor to poor air quality in India. At present, pollution generated by road transport is associated with around 90,000 premature deaths every year. In addition, an estimated 15,300 children develop asthma annually due to exposure to harmful pollutants released by vehicles. Researchers say these figures underline the urgent need for cleaner transportation systems in rapidly growing urban areas.
Delhi-NCR Faces a Disproportionate Burden
Among all regions in the country, Delhi and the National Capital Region experience the highest health impact from transport-related pollution. Although the NCR is home to only about five percent of India’s population, it accounts for nearly 23 percent of all road transport-linked childhood asthma cases nationwide. This imbalance reflects the intense concentration of vehicles and the resulting deterioration in air quality across the region.
India’s Global Position Highlights the Need for Action
According to the study, India ranked second in the world in 2024 for premature deaths linked to transport emissions, with only China recording a higher number. Researchers noted that this position could improve substantially if India accelerates the adoption of electric vehicles and achieves a fully zero-emission road transport system by 2045. Such a transition would not only reduce harmful emissions but also deliver long-term public health benefits.
Air Pollution Levels Remain Well Above Health Guidelines
The study points to particularly concerning pollution levels in Delhi. In 2024, the population-weighted exposure to PM2.5 particles generated by road transport reached 13 micrograms per cubic metre. This level is more than two-and-a-half times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended guideline for total PM2.5 exposure from all pollution sources combined. Long-term exposure to these fine particles has been associated with respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and other serious health conditions.
Regional Data Shows Significant Health Impact
The report estimates that the Delhi-NCR region recorded around 8,100 premature deaths linked to road transport pollution in 2024. This represents approximately nine percent of the national total despite the region’s relatively small share of the country’s population. During the same period, about 3,500 new cases of paediatric asthma were attributed to transport-related emissions, accounting for nearly 23 percent of India’s overall burden. Researchers believe these figures demonstrate how densely populated urban centres are more vulnerable to pollution generated by road traffic.
Study Emphasises Long-Term Health Benefits
The findings describe vehicular pollution as a persistent but preventable public health concern. Based on current estimates, transport-related emissions are linked to one premature death approximately every six minutes across India. The study also highlights the continuing impact on children, with thousands of new asthma cases reported each year due to polluted air. Overall, India accounts for around 13 percent of global premature deaths associated with transport pollution, underscoring the country’s importance in worldwide efforts to improve air quality.
Researchers conclude that expanding the use of zero-emission vehicles, strengthening clean transport policies, and accelerating the shift toward electric mobility could substantially reduce disease, improve air quality, and save millions of lives over the coming decades.