A Quarterly e-Newsletter from the Transport and Urban Governance Division, TERI April–June 2026
 
 
Contents
 
TUGD Strengthens Global Partnerships for Climate-Resilient Habitats at WUF13
 
Driving Industrial Decarbonisation: TUGD Showcases Sustainable Transport Solutions at Gujarat Sustainability Summit
 
Shaping Future Cities: TUGD Engages in NIUA's Golden Jubilee Conversations
 
Advancing Climate-Resilient Himalayan Cities: TUGD's Engagement at Trans-Himalayan Urban Climate Conclave
 
TUGD Participates in Smart Freight Week 2026, Amsterdam
 
TUGD Participates in IUT National Workshop on Advancing Environmentally Sustainable Urban Transport
 
Launch of UP-CAMP Initiative to Accelerate Clean Mobility Solutions in Uttar Pradesh
 
Advancing EV-Ready Workforce Development through Future-In-Charge Phase II Training Programme
 
Stakeholder Brainstorming Session on the National Active Mobility Framework for India
 
Field Assessments Across Karnataka to Explore EV Deployment Opportunities in India Post's Road Transport Network
 
Exploring E-Truck Deployment Opportunities at CONCOR Terminals through Field Assessment
 
Field Assessment for Enhancing Goa's E-Bus Network and Digital Ticketing System
 
Technical Visit for Strengthening EV Battery Identification and Lifecycle Management
 
Assessing E-Truck Deployment Opportunities at CONCOR Terminals in Bengaluru and Chennai
 
TUGD Participates in India EV Show 2026, Chennai
 
 
 
  Updates from the Transport and Urban Governance Circuit (News)
₹9,585 crore NCR scheme to scrap 2.07 lakh old trucks, buses; BS-VI, electric replacements only
The Tribune
 
Government clears ₹658 crore for road upgrade
The Hindustan Times
 
TaMo plans ₹40,000 crore investment to double PV volumes by FY31
The Economic Times
 
Cool roofs to green spaces: Gurgaon among 12 cities picked for heat-resilient urban project
The Times of India
 
Indian Railways approves rollout of first hydrogen-powered train
Business Standard
 
Haryana government proposes ₹100 crore Green Climate Fund
The Times of India
 
Delhi-Noida International Airport in just 21 minutes: New RRTS corridor plan moves ahead
The Financial Express
 
Karnataka moving towards climate action plan at gram panchayat level
The Hindu
 
Lithium imports rise tenfold in 8 years riding on EV boom
The Financial Express
 
PM to Dedicate Railway Infrastructure Projects Worth Around ₹1,535 crore in Telangana
Press Information Bureau
 
Cabinet approves Jaipur Metro Project Phase-2
Press Information Bureau
 
Indian Railways Approves ₹1,364.45 crore for Kavach Deployment and Signalling Modernization Across Multiple Zones
Press Information Bureau
 
TN climate action model hogs global limelight with Earthshot recognition
The New Indian Express (Online edition)
 
Transforming Climate Action through Digital Participation in Indian Cities
International Climate Initiative (IKI)
 
 
  Transport and Urban Development Knowledge Hub (Other Publications)
Decarbonizing Transport: Supply-Side Policies and Opportunities for Uttar Pradesh
Mr Piyush Saxena, Associate Fellow
 
Transition Roadmap for Sustainable and Efficient Transport for GIDC Naroda
Ms Viral Joshi, Associate Fellow
 
 
  Blogs and Opinion Pieces
Climate Inclusive Urban Mobility Planning
ITDP India
 
Beyond Targets: Rethinking Sectoral Pathways in India's Climate Strategy
The Diplomatist
 
From Traditional Planning to Participatory Governance: Building Urban Resilience From Ground Up
Enersider Media
 
How Risk Perceptions Influence Traffic Accidents on India's Roads
Outlook Business
 
Why India Needs a Clean Freight Program
Logistics Insider
 
Besides Energy Security, the Clean Transition in the Trucking Sector Would Also Ensure Clean Air
HT Auto
 
 
  Insights from EV Sector
EV share in total sales may hit 30% soon: BMW India CEO Hardeep Singh Brar
Business Standard
 
As Delhi EV Policy 2.0 nears, auto industry for phasing out older 2Ws
The Hindu Business Line
 
Government planning to table new EV policy in cabinet meeting next week
The Hindustan Times
 
Exponent Energy raises ₹200 crore to charge up EV expansion push
Mint
 
2,800 new Electric Buses to boost Delhi's public transport network under PM e-DRIVE
The Financial Express
 
Government to unveil ₹3,000 crore scheme to boost EV mineral processing, reduce imports
The Financial Express
 
EV penetration in India crosses 10% for first time, hits record 10.7% in May
The Financial Express
 
Centre approves ₹503 crore for 4,874 EV chargers across India
The Financial Express
 
Feedback on draft EV policy overwhelming, says Minister
The Hindu
 
India and EU Launched €15.2 million Joint Initiative to Strengthen EV Battery Recycling under TTC
Press Information Bureau
 
TUGD Strengthens Global Partnerships for Climate-Resilient Habitats at WUF13
 
The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF) was hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan, from May 17–22, 2026 under the theme 'Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities'. TERI hosted and participated in multiple events and discussions to put forth TERI's work under the umbrella theme as well as to discuss the insights from TERI's work.

TERI hosted two networking events – i) Transitioning to Resilient and Climate Friendly Deliveries for Resilient Habitats and ii) From Risk to Resilience: Placing Housing at the Forefront of Climate Sensitive Planning.

The first networking event was rooted in the work TERI is undertaking with the Department of Posts for the electrification of the end-mile postal deliveries. The session brought together experts from European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal; Energiva Ventures and TERI to discuss the role of city planning to enable EV-based mail and parcel delivery system to ensure environmental benefits and better quality of life for the citizens.

The networking event on 'Climate Sensitive Planning', co-hosted with Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and GIZ India, focused on the role of participatory and climate-sensitive planning to strengthen housing resilience and support safer urban transitions. The multidisciplinary panel brought together experts from Government of Assam, Government of Serbia, COGTA South Africa, University of Stuttgart, GRIHA, GIZ, and TERI. The discussion was built on the Urban-Act initiatives and explored how housing, planning, governance, data, and community participation can collectively build climate-resilient cities.

In addition to the networking events, TUGD contributed to wider discussions at WUF13 through participation in various thematic sessions. TUGD also contributed to discussions in two additional sessions—one focusing on digital solutions for urban climate planning, organized by UNESCAP and the University of Stuttgart. The other session focused on climate equity and justice for informal settlements, organized by NIUA. These sessions highlighted TUGD's ongoing work under T-CAP, Urban Living Labs, and participatory climate action approaches, reinforcing the importance of inclusive, data-driven, and climate-sensitive approaches for building resilient urban futures. TUGD was represented at WUF13 by Mr Sanjay Seth, Mr Sharif Qamar, Ms Shabnam Bassi, Ms Shiren Pandita, Mr Faiz Jamal, and Ms Viral Joshi, who engaged with global stakeholders and contributed to dialogues on advancing sustainable and resilient urban development.


TUGD at the Thirteenth World Urban Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan
 
 
Driving Industrial Decarbonisation: TUGD Showcases Sustainable Transport Solutions at Gujarat Sustainability Summit
 
As part of GCCI Gujarat Sustainability Summit held in Ahmedabad, TUGD launched the report 'Transition Roadmap for Sustainable and Efficient Transport for GIDC Naroda' on May 16, 2026. The study assessed passenger and freight transport patterns, identified key challenges in mobility and logistics, and proposed a roadmap focusing on electric vehicle (EV) adoption, improved public transport, efficient traffic management, and collaborative implementation to enable a low-carbon industrial transport ecosystem.

TUGD also hosted a panel discussion on 'Decarbonising Supply Chains: Pathways to Efficient Industrial Logistics' with eminent panellists from Energiva Ventures, Switch Labs, JLL, MyByk, and IIM Ahmedabad to explore practical pathways for decarbonizing the freight and supply chains. Panellists highlighted the growing business case for electric mobility, sustainable warehousing, battery energy storage, and collaborative approaches to help industries, particularly MSMEs, improve logistical efficiency while reducing costs and emissions.


Photo – TUGD at Gujarat Sustainability Summit – Panel discussion and report launch

For more details regarding the GIDC Naroda Project, visit this link.
 
 
Shaping Future Cities: TUGD Engages in NIUA's Golden Jubilee Conversations
 
TUGD participated in the Golden Jubilee celebration of the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) on June 22, 2026. Mr Sanjay Seth, Senior Director, TERI and Mr Sharif Qamar, Associate Director, TERI, attended the event, which marked 50 years of NIUA's contributions to urban research, policy, and capacity building in India.

Mr Sanjay Seth addressed the session on 'Housing, Built Environment and New Construction Technologies to Promote Urban Resilience,' chaired by Mr Kuldip Narayan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Mr Seth's address underscored that as climate-induced events intensify, it is the marginalized and vulnerable who bear a disproportionate burden, making it imperative to prioritize affordable, low-cost passive design solutions for economically weaker communities.

Similarly, Mr Sharif Qamar participated in the thematic session on 'Urban Mobility Systems: Towards Resilient Connectivity' at the NIUA Golden Jubilee Celebrations, moderated by Shri Jaideep, OSD (UT), MoHUA, which explored integrated planning approaches for resilient and inclusive urban connectivity. Mr Qamar highlighted the dual benefits of electric mobility in improving air quality and reducing import dependence, noting that replacing a single diesel bus with an electric bus can reduce approximately 40 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.

The event brought together distinguished urban planners, policymakers and development sector professionals to reflect on past achievements and discuss future pathways for sustainable urban development in India.


Photo – TUGD at the NIUA Golden Jubilee Celebrations
 
 
Advancing Climate-Resilient Himalayan Cities: TUGD's Engagement at Trans-Himalayan Urban Climate Conclave
 
TUGD participated in the 'Trans-Himalayan Urban Climate Conclave: Advancing Climate-Resilient and Net-Zero Pathways for Himalayan Cities', held in Leh from April 9–12, 2026. The event was organized by the Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD), Government of Ladakh, in collaboration with the Municipal Committee, Leh (MCL) and the Ladakh Ecological Development Group (LEDeG).

Ms Anushree Harde, Associate Fellow, TERI, participated as a panellist in the session on 'Enabling Governance for Climate-Resilient Mountain Cities'. The discussion centred on policy integration, governance challenges, and the identification of key policy reforms and governance models in the context of mountain cities. The panel brought together experts from UNEP, WRI, ICLEI, and BORDA, enabling an insightful cross-institutional exchange on advancing climate-responsive governance for high-altitude urban settings.


Photo – TUGD at the Trans-Himalayan Urban Climate Conclave, Leh
 
 
TUGD Participates in Smart Freight Week 2026, Amsterdam
 
TUGD participated in Smart Freight Week 2026, the annual flagship event organized by the Smart Freight Centre (SFC), held from April 14–16, 2026 at De Kromhouthal, Amsterdam. The event brought together key stakeholders from across the global logistics ecosystem to share the best practices, align on emission reporting, and showcase decarbonization solutions. It also introduced various methodologies and frameworks for estimating emissions, along with tools that integrate AI-based approaches.

Mr Sharif Qamar, Associate Director, TERI, moderated the session 'Powering Freight Electrification: Technologies, Grid, and Energy Systems,' featuring experts from DeepWay (China), the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP, Europe), CSTEP (India), and Hapag-Lloyd. Mr Sanjay Seth, Senior Director, TERI, delivered a keynote address during the plenary session on 'Driving Global Logistics Emissions Transparency,' highlighting India's progress and opportunities in advancing green logistics. Mr Piyush Saxena, Associate Fellow and Mr Arun Kumar, Project Associate, TERI, also participated in the event.

On the sidelines, the team held bilateral meetings with the Dutch Government, SFC leadership, Boson Energy, and MoEVing, exploring collaboration on freight decarbonization, maritime sustainability, and electric truck deployment in India. A discussion was also held with LOTS Group on Pathfinder, an AI-powered logistics optimization platform designed to support net-zero transportation.

Learnings from the sessions highlighted the need for further research on maritime decarbonization and assessing battery swapping solutions for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) in India.


Photo – TUGD at the Smart Freight Week 2026, Amsterdam
 
 
TUGD Participates in IUT National Workshop on Advancing Environmentally Sustainable Urban Transport
 
TUGD participated in a national workshop on 'Environmentally Sustainable Urban Transport,' organized by the Institute of Urban Transport (IUT) on April 25, 2026 held at Institute of Town Planners India (ITPI) headquarters. Mr Faiz Jamal, Associate Fellow, TERI, attended the workshop, which brought together urban transport planners, policymakers, and researchers to deliberate on strategies for reducing environmental impacts in the transport sector.

Across the workshop, three technical sessions covering key themes such as: 'Policy Interventions for Environmentally Sustainable Urban Transport', 'Active Mobility and Public Space Design and Green' and 'Low-Emission Mobility Systems' were held. These sessions highlighted critical aspects like people-centric street design, walking, cycling, and complete streets, norms for e-charging, technology, zero-emission vehicles, and operational efficiency, non-motorized transport, EV adoption frameworks, and operational efficiency in public transport systems.


Photo – TUGD at the National Workshop on Environmentally Sustainable Urban Transport
 
 
Launch of UP-CAMP Initiative to Accelerate Clean Mobility Solutions in Uttar Pradesh
 
TUGD participated in the launch event of the UP-CAMP Project (Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Mobility Programme) organized by the Government of Uttar Pradesh in Lucknow on June 14, 2026. Mr Sharif Qamar, Associate Director, and Mr Faiz Jamal, Associate Fellow, TERI, represented the division at the event, which marked the formal launch of the initiative which aims at advancing clean air and mobility goals in the state in the presence of Hon'ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

UP-CAMP is a pioneering World Bank-supported initiative in Uttar Pradesh that aims to address air pollution through a multi-sectoral, integrated, and result-oriented framework. The Project was launched under the World Environment Day theme, 'Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.'

The event witnessed participation from government departments, academic and educational institutions, development partners, financial institutions, industry representatives, technical agencies, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders working on clean air, climate action, and sustainable development.

TERI played a key role in the development of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for UP-CAMP, covering six priority sectors—Clean Cooking; Transport and Green Mobility; Industry and MSMEs; Agriculture and Livestock; Waste Management; and Road Dust Management. As a part of the project team, TUGD contributed to the preparation of the 'Transport and Green Mobility' chapter of the DPR, supporting the development of strategies and interventions aimed at reducing emissions and promoting sustainable mobility across the state. TERI continues to support the state in the implementation phase of UP-CAMP.



Photo – Launch event of the UP-CAMP Project in Lucknow
 
 
Advancing EV-Ready Workforce Development through Future-In-Charge Phase II Training Programme
 
TUGD delivered Phase II of 'Future-In-Charge–EV Charging Infrastructure Training Programme' from May 1 to June 15, 2026, at the Ecoconnect COE and Infrastructure Lab, Gurugram, on the importance of EV skilling under the Future-in-Charge Phase II initiative. Mr Sharif Qamar, Associate Director and Ms Megha Chauhan, Associate Fellow, TERI, conducted the sessions, which focused on building awareness and technical capacity among participants on the role of skilling in enabling India's electric mobility transition. The training emphasized the growing demand for EV-ready workforce capabilities and the importance of structured upskilling programmes to support the clean transport ecosystem.

The initiative was jointly conducted by Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) and TERI, with EVI Technologies and the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer, with IIT Delhi serving as knowledge partners, and Ecoconnect Services as its implementing partner. Serving as a vital green skilling programme, it addressed the severe shortage of trained technicians and charging point operators (CPOs) in India's booming electric vehicle (EV) sector. The programme drove the transition to sustainable mobility by combining rigorous academia with hands-on, real-world industry experience.


Photo – TUGD delivering training session on EV Skilling under Future-in-Charge Phase II
 
 
Stakeholder Brainstorming Session on the National Active Mobility Framework for India
 
TUGD participated in a stakeholder brainstorming session on the National Active Mobility Framework, jointly convened by the Indian Institute of Science Sustainable Transportation (IST) Lab, and Urban Morph on May 29, 2026. Mr Sharif Qamar, Associate Director, and Ms Ruchika Mattoo, Associate Fellow, TERI, represented TUGD at the session, which brought together around 40 stakeholders from the government, academia, civil society, and industry.

The discussions focused on strengthening active mobility in India, highlighting the importance of walking and cycling for short-distance urban trips while addressing challenges related to limited budgetary support, lack of unified legal protection, and road safety concerns. Stakeholders identified gaps in the current legal framework and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to support the development of a National Active Mobility Framework.


Photo – TUGD participated in a stakeholder brainstorming session on the National Active Mobility Framework
 
 
Field Assessments Across Karnataka to Explore EV Deployment Opportunities in India Post's Road Transport Network
 
TUGD conducted field visits on April 15, 2026 covering Bengaluru and Mysuru circles, as part of the ongoing study on the Road Transport Network (RTN) of India Post. Mr Faiz Jamal, Associate Fellow, Ms Yashswani Sharma, and Mr Abhishek S, Research Associates, TERI, undertook the visits, which focused on meetings with regional heads and data collection to understand operational dynamics, route structures, and logistical processes within the network. The study aims to identify logistical challenges, optimize route efficiency, and evaluate routes best suited for EV integration.

Additionally, the team conducted field visits to Hubballi, Kumta, Udupi, and Mangaluru from May 7–8, 2026 as part of an ongoing study on 'Feasibility Study on Deployment of E-Commercial Vehicles on RTN Routes' with the Department of Posts (DoP), Karnataka Circle. The visits focused on engaging with North Karnataka regional officials to understand RTN operations, validate operational data, and assess potential for electric commercial vehicle (e-CV) deployment.

The team visited the Hubballi RMS office to understand mail and parcel flow, coordination between RMS and delivery units, and integration of KSRTC bus services. This was followed by a visit to Kumta RMS to discuss the operational framework and EV deployment opportunities in the challenging terrain of the NK region. The team also covered the South Karnataka region, visiting Mangaluru RMS and head post office to collect datasets and interact with officials. The visit involved detailed validation of key operational parameters including vehicle deployment, mail movement, and the role of Departmental Mail Motor Service (DMMS) vehicles.


Photo – TUGD conducted field visits to Hubballi, Kumta, Udupi and Mangaluru under the India Post RTN Study

For more details regarding the 'Roadmap for Fleet Electrification' Project, visit this link.
 
 
Exploring E-Truck Deployment Opportunities at CONCOR Terminals through Field Assessment
 
TUGD conducted a site visit to the Inland Container Depot (ICD), Tughlakabad on May 20, 2026 to meet the Sunic team, an AI/ML service provider for terminal operations, and to collect data from CONCOR officials. Ms Shubhangi Gupta, Research Associate, and Mr Arun Kumar, Project Associate, TERI, undertook the visit as part of the ongoing project on assessing the feasibility of e-truck deployment at CONCOR terminals. The interaction focused on understanding AI/ML applications in terminal operations and gathering data relevant to the study's operational feasibility analysis.


Photo – TUGD conducted field assessments at CONCOR terminals

For more details regarding the CONCOR TERI Centre of Excellence, visit this link.
 
 
Field Assessment for Enhancing Goa's E-Bus Network and Digital Ticketing System
 
TUGD conducted field visits and stakeholder meetings in Goa from May 25–28, 2026 as part of the study on 'Enhancing Digital Ticketing Adoption in Panaji E-bus Service and Bus Route Rationalisation and Network Analysis for E-bus Service, Goa.' Mr Arun Babu and Ms Yashswani Sharma, Research Associates, TERI, undertook the visit, which focused on meetings with KTCL authorities regarding digital ticketing awareness campaigns and network planning under the Goa Phase II study.

The team met officials from Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL), the Office of the OSD to Chief Minister, Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd. (IPSCDL), Goa State Urban Development Authority (GSUDA), and the Panaji Depot Manager. Key discussions covered plans for 50 e-buses to be deployed under the PM e-bus Sewa Scheme, proposed digital awareness campaigns, key passenger hotspots including Panaji and Madgaon, charging infrastructure planning at Porvorim Depot, and routes identified for shuttle operations connecting Panaji to cities across Goa.


Photo – E-buses at the Panaji Bus Stand, Goa

For more details regarding the pilot project, visit this link.
 
 
Technical Visit for Strengthening EV Battery Identification and Lifecycle Management
 
TUGD conducted a technical visit to Navi Mumbai on June 1, 2026 in connection with the work related to Battery Aadhar, an initiative aimed at tracking the lifecycle of EV batteries. Ms Shreya Gupta, Research Associate, and Ms Shubhangi Gupta, Project Associate undertook the visit to Coulomb LITech, engaging with the team on technical aspects related to battery identification, data management, and lifecycle tracking frameworks that would underpin the Battery Aadhar system. The visit included interactions with Mr Darshil Darod, Co-founder and COO. The team observed the battery pack assembly process and had discussions on battery performance, thermal management, fast charging, and battery lifecycle optimization, including initiatives related to second-life batteries under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).


Photo – TUGD technical visit to Coulomb LITech, Navi Mumbai
 
 
Assessing E-Truck Deployment Opportunities at CONCOR Terminals in Bengaluru and Chennai
 
TUGD conducted site visits to CONCOR terminals in Bengaluru and Chennai from June 16–19, 2026 as part of the project on 'Assessing the Feasibility of E-Truck Deployment at CONCOR Terminals.' Mr Arun Kumar, Project Associate, and Ms Shiren Pandita, Associate Fellow, TERI, undertook the visits and held meetings with Terminal Managers, Operations Managers, and transporters to better understand operational requirements and assess the feasibility of e-truck deployment at these facilities. As part of the Chennai visit, the team also engaged with the SwitchLabs team for discussions related to the study. The site visits were aimed at generating ground-level operational data and stakeholder insights to support evidence-based recommendations for electrifying container logistics at key CONCOR terminals across India.


Photo – TUGD site visits to CONCOR terminals in Bengaluru and Chennai

For more details regarding the project, visit this link.
 
 
TUGD Participates in India EV Show 2026, Chennai
 
TUGD participated in the India EV Show 2026, held from June 27–28, 2026 at the Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai. Organized by Entrepreneur India Media Pvt. Ltd, the India EV Show is India's largest annual gathering dedicated to the electric vehicle ecosystem, bringing together EV manufacturers, charging infrastructure providers, battery technology companies, policymakers, investors, and researchers from across the country. The event featured panel discussions, keynote addresses, product launches, B2B roundtables, and networking sessions spanning themes such as EV financing, charging standardization, battery manufacturing, AI integration in EVs, and India's trajectory towards large-scale electrification. TUGD's participation provided an opportunity to engage with industry stakeholders, share research insights on clean mobility, and contribute to discussions on the policy and technology dimensions of India's EV transition.

 
 
 
Contents Managed by the Transport and Urban Governance Division, Sustainable Infrastructure Programme
Copy Edited by Publishing Solutions Area, Communications and Publications Division
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
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