NITI Aayog's GearShift Hackathon To Focus Greening India's Freight Sector

New Delhi, Jul 15 (KNN) In a move to address India's pressing economic and environmental challenges, NITI Aayog has announced the launch of the NITI GearShift Challenge.

This pioneering hackathon, part of the e-FAST India initiative, aims to foster innovative business models for the adoption of zero-emission trucks (ZETs) across the nation.

The challenge, developed in collaboration with IIM Bangalore, Smart Freight Centre India, CALSTART/Drive to Zero, and WRI India, invites a diverse range of participants including students, transport service practitioners, academics, and researchers.

Their task: to develop cutting-edge business models that tackle the financial, technical, and operational hurdles impeding the widespread adoption of electric trucks.

The hackathon's structure reflects its ambitious goals. In the initial round, teams will submit preliminary business models focusing on specific barriers, supported by high-level strategies and research.

The second round will see shortlisted teams presenting detailed business models complete with implementation roadmaps, bolstered by both primary and secondary research. To ensure practical and impactful outcomes, these proposals will be mentored by industry leaders.

The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated. India's freight sector, crucial to the economy, is responsible for delivering goods to over 1.4 billion people. However, it comes at a significant environmental cost.

Road freight alone accounts for a staggering 55 percent of India's annual diesel consumption and nearly 40 percent of CO2 emissions from road transport.

The electrification of freight transportation presents a transformative opportunity to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and enhance energy security.

By tapping into the creativity and expertise of participants, the GearShift Challenge aims to generate practical solutions that will accelerate the adoption of zero-emission trucks.

This initiative marks a pivotal moment in India's journey towards sustainable freight transportation. The involvement of e-FAST India knowledge partners, financial institutions, and industry forums underscores the collective commitment to this cause.

(KNN Bureau)