A Quarterly E-Newsletter from the Transport and Urban Governance Division, TERI July–September 2026
 
 
Contents
 
Advancing Transport Climate Targets in Asia and the Pacific: TUGD engages with ADB for Knowledge Sharing Session in Manila
 
Dialogue on E-Charging Infrastructure: Challenges and Opportunities
 
Building the Next Generation of Digital Mobility Champions: TUGD organizes Training and Capacity Building Programme on Digital Ticketing Awareness in Goa
 
Exploring the Intersection of Electric Mobility, Air Quality and Energy Security: TERI-IHC Lecture Series
 
Creating an Enabling Environment to Scale Climate Action through Urban-Act
 
Advancing Climate-Responsive and Inclusive Urban Mobility in Thoothukudi through Stakeholder Consultation
 
Jan Mela Focusing on Climate Resilience, Accessibility and Urban Mobility
 
Strengthening Sustainable Urban Transport through Global Sustainability Alliance Masterclass
 
TUGD Moderates Dialogue on Sustainable Mobility and Clean Fuels at India Energy Summit and Expo 2026, Hyderabad
 
TUGD Collaborates with Ministry of Railways and NTPC to Advance Sustainable Fly Ash Transportation
 
Dialogue on Building India's EV Charging Network at IESW2026
 
Driving the Change: TUGD Participates in PHDCCI Youth Safety & Smart Mobility Expedition
 
TUGD Participates in India Clean Transportation Summit 2026
 
Advancing Urban Climate Resilience through City-University Knowledge Exchange Workshop
 
Closed-Door Dialogue on Clean Mobility Transition in Delhi-NCR
 
On-ground Activities and Impact
 
 
 
  Updates from the Transport and Urban Governance Circuit (News)
Govt extends green clearances for ports, dredging projects up to 30 yrs
Business Standard
 
Karnataka ranks 3rd in NITI Aayog’s electric mobility index
The New Indian Express (Online edition)
 
Nepal’s climate call is a test for India
The Indian Express
 
Indian Railways regularizes 14 Amrit Bharat services in August, freight loading up 5.4%
The Financial Express
 
Alternative fuels zoom past petrol in share of PV sales: Fada data
Business Standard
 
COP31 hosts Australia and Türkiye face the fossil-fuel question
The Hindu
 
e-FAST India, an initiative of NITI Aayog, launches PACT to support accelerated zero-emission freight deployment in India
Press Information Bureau
 
‘Air taxis’ part of Master Plan Delhi-2047
The Hindustan Times
 
Centre extends e2w subsidies under PM E-DRIVE till March 2028, boosts outlay to Rs 11,900 crore
The Economic Times
 
5% cut in cost of ownership can make electric trucks competitive: MHI
Business Standard
 
Roads Reimagined: The Rise of India’s Electric Vehicles Ecosystem
Press Information Bureau
 
Govt may include electric two, three-wheelers in cybersecurity rules after battery-draining apps trigger concerns
Mint
 
 
  Transport and Urban Development Knowledge Hub (Other Publications)
Discussion Paper on ‘India’s Maritime Trade and Its Implications for Future Energy Demand: Evidence from Shipping Energy Efficiency and Non-Oil Cargo at Major Ports’
Ms Shreya Gupta, Research Associate and Mr Sharif Qamar, Senior Fellow and Associate Director, TERI
 
Report on ‘Delivering India’s NDC Targets: Role of Transport’
Ms Shreya Gupta, Research Associate and Mr Sharif Qamar, Senior Fellow & Associate Director, TERI
 
 
  Blogs and Opinion Pieces
When Risk Stops Looking Normal: Lessons from the Nepal Floods
Ms Shiren Pandita, Associate Fellow, TERI
TERI Web Desk
 
From Traditional Planning to Participatory Governance: Building Urban Resilience from the Ground Up
Ms Anushree Harde, Associate Fellow, TERI
Ms Shiren Pandita, Associate Fellow, TERI

Enersider
 
What Delhi's EV Policy Means for the Future of Sustainable Transport
Mr Faiz Jamal, Associate Fellow, TERI
Mr Sharif Qamar, Senior Fellow and Associate Director, TERI

The Core
 
Queues to QR codes: India’s Daily Commute is Becoming a Digital Experience
Ms Shreya Gupta, Research Associate, TERI
Ms Shubhangi Gupta, Consultant, TERI

The Pioneer
 
Reimagining Mobility - Future Transportation Fuels for Viksit Bharat 2047
Mr Sharif Qamar, Senior Fellow and Associate Director, TERI
Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI

PPAC Journal, Edition VI
 
 
  Insights from EV Sector
India Commits ₹1.25 lakh cr to EVs: NITI Aayog
The Asian Age
 
Cabinet Clears 'DURGA' Scheme; 1,300 Pink E-Autos in First Phase
The Hindustan Times
 
JSW Unveils Electric Trucks, Buses with Rs 2,000 cr Bet
Mint
 
Rs 2,000-cr EV Charging Scheme Barely Covers 2% of 2030 Target
The Financial Express
 
NITI Aayog Readies New EV Playbook as State Policies Near Expiry
Mint
 
FAME India Scheme Phase-II: Progress in Electric Vehicle Adoption and Charging Infrastructure
Press Information Bureau
 
Delhi EV Policy: Green Shift Needs Public Transport, Not Just EV Growth 2026
Deccan Herald
 
Driving the Transition to Cleaner Mobility: PARIVARTAN Scheme for Modernizing Trucks and Buses in Delhi-NCR
Press Information Bureau
 
Advancing Transport Climate Targets in Asia and the Pacific: TUGD engages with ADB for Knowledge Sharing Session in Manila
 
TUGD, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), organized a knowledge sharing session on ‘Ramping up the Ambition of Transport-Related Climate Policy Targets in Asia and the Pacific’ held in Manila on September 2, 2026. Mr Sharif Qamar, Senior Fellow and Associate Director and Shreya Gupta, Research Associate represented TERI at the session.

The session explored how countries across Asia and the Pacific can strengthen the ambition of transport-related climate targets and translate them into actionable policies. Discussion highlighted the importance of aligning transport decarbonization pathways with broader climate commitments while addressing growing mobility and freight demand at the same time.

During the session, TERI launched a report on ‘Delivering India's NDC Targets: Role of Transport’. The report examines the role of transport sector in supporting India's climate commitments, with a focus on sectoral emissions, energy transition and pathways for reducing emissions in the wake of increasing mobility and freight requirements. The engagement provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange on strengthening transport climate action and translating national commitments into implementable sectoral pathways.

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TUGD at ADB headquarters in Manila for knowledge sharing session
 
 
Dialogue on E-Charging Infrastructure: Challenges and Opportunities
TUGD contributed to the 14th webinar on ‘E-Charging Infrastructure: Challenges and Opportunities’, organized on July 20, 2026. Mr Sharif Qamar, Senior Fellow and Associate Director, TERI participated as a key speaker alongside representatives from the Institute of Urban Transport (India), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

The webinar provided a platform to deliberate on the emerging opportunities and challenges associated with India's electric vehicle charging ecosystem. The discussion focused on the importance of developing adequate charging infrastructure to support the country's accelerating transition towards electric mobility.

TUGD contributed to the broader dialogue on strengthening charging infrastructure as an integral component of India's sustainable mobility transition.

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TUGD participated in the webinar on E-Charging Infrastructure: Challenges and Opportunities
 
 
Building the Next Generation of Digital Mobility Champions: TUGD organizes Training and Capacity Building Programme on Digital Ticketing Awareness in Goa
 
TUGD, in collaboration with Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) and the National Service Scheme (NSS), organized a training and capacity building programme on ‘Digital Ticketing Awareness’ in Goa on September 4, 2026.

The programme brought together more than 80 students from colleges across Goa, along with NSS Programme Officers and KTCL officials, to familiarize participants with the KTCL's digital ticketing initiatives, including Smart Cards and Smart Transit Passes. Participants were also introduced to the benefits, registration process and usage of digital ticketing solutions.

As part of the programme, TERI introduced the ‘Youth for Smart Mobility’ initiative, a joint TERI-NSS effort aimed at developing a network of student ‘Digital Ambassadors’ who can support fellow commuters and promote the adoption of digital ticketing. The programme marked an important step towards strengthening youth engagement in digital and sustainable mobility along with expanding awareness about cashless public transport solutions across Goa.

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TUGD organized training and capacity building programme on Digital Ticketing Awareness in Goa
 
 
Exploring the Intersection of Electric Mobility, Air Quality and Energy Security: TERI-IHC Lecture Series
 
TUGD hosted a session as a part of TERI-IHC Lecture Series on Sustainable Development in New Delhi on September 21, 2026. The session focused on ‘Beyond Tailpipe: Electric Mobility at the Intersection of Air Quality and Energy Security’.

Moderated by Mr Sharif Qamar, Senior Fellow and Associate Director, TERI, the discussion brought together experts from research, civil society and industry, including Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, Mr Amit Bhatt of the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), Ms Anumita Roychowdhury of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Mr Anirudh Arun of Refex Mobility and Mr Naveen Gupta of Trev Mobility.

The discussion explored how transport electrification can contribute to cleaner urban environments, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthen energy security. Experts also deliberated on the opportunities and challenges shaping India's transition towards electric mobility.

The session brought together diverse perspectives on the intersection of air quality, energy security and transport electrification, stressing the need for a holistic approach to India's clean mobility transition.

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TUGD at TERI-IHC Lecture and Discussion Series on Sustainable Development
 
 
Creating an Enabling Environment to Scale Climate Action through Urban-Act
 
TUGD participated in the ‘Urban-Act: Enabling Environment to Scale Climate Action’ workshop, held in New Delhi on September 25, 2026. The event brought together project partners, urban practitioners, policymakers, training institutions and policy community to share experiences, achievements and lessons emerging from the implementation of the Urban-Act Project.

Mr Sanjay Seth, Senior Fellow and Executive Director, TERI, participated as a panelist in the session on ‘Low-carbon Urbanization as a Climate Imperative,’ which explored how low-carbon urbanization can contribute to reducing emissions across key urban sectors, including mobility, city services and buildings.

Ms Shiren Pandita, Associate Fellow, TERI, delivered a presentation on ‘Policy-based Learnings for Cities’, highlighting the work undertaken by TERI under the Urban-Act Project. She also participated as a panelist in the session on ‘Climate Action for Inclusive and Equitable Cities,’ which focused on Gender, Equality, Diversity and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) integration and the need for institutional, policy and financial environments that enable inclusive urban climate action.

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TUGD at Urban-Act: Enabling Environment to Scale Climate Action Workshop
 
 
Advancing Climate-Responsive and Inclusive Urban Mobility in Thoothukudi through Stakeholder Consultation
 
TUGD continued its engagement with Thoothukudi City Municipal Corporation (TCMC) through a series of activities focused on climate resilience, accessibility and sustainable urban mobility under the PACT-Digi-PULSE initiative.

Ms Ruchika Mattoo, Associate Fellow, TERI and Ms Anushree Harde, Associate Fellow, TERI participated in stakeholder consultation on the ‘Integrated Climate-Responsive Urban Mobility Planning Strategy’ for Thoothukudi, held on July 22, 2026. The consultation, chaired by Hon'ble Mayor Thiru P. Jegan and Hon'ble City Municipal Commissioner Tmt. S. Priyanka brought together municipal departments and key stakeholders to deliberate on urban flooding, extreme heat and climate-resilient mobility.

The discussion focused on climate-responsive mobility planning, governance and policy integration, strengthening public and non-motorized transport, sustainable freight and logistics, and using digital twin technology for evidence-based decision-making. TERI also engaged with municipal departments, the V O Chidambaranar Port Authority, and SIPCOT to explore financing mechanisms and strengthen institutional coordination for sustainable urban development.

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TUGD conducted Stakeholder Discussion with Thoothukudi Municipal Corporation
 
 
Jan Mela Focusing on Climate Resilience, Accessibility and Urban Mobility
 
TUGD organized Jan Mela or Stakeholder Engagement and Awareness Activity on September 2, 2026, at Rajagopal Nagar Children's Park, Anna Nagar in Thoothukudi. Around 100 participants, including TCMC officials, ward councillors, resident welfare associations, students and local residents, participated in discussions on cleaner, safer and more sustainable urban environments.

The activity included infographic wall art, a Buckle Canal Walk and risk-awareness exercise, children's activities, peer-learning sessions through community discussions under the theme of climate resilience, and participatory mapping to identify local priorities and solutions. These activities enabled communities to identify local flooding, drainage and mobility challenges and discuss locally relevant solutions.

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TUGD in Thoothukudi for Jan Mela
 
 
Strengthening Sustainable Urban Transport through Global Sustainability Alliance Masterclass
 
TUGD participated at the Global Sustainability Alliance (GSA) Masterclass Series held in New Delhi on September 11, 2026. Mr Sharif Qamar, Senior Fellow and Associate Director, TERI delivered a module on Sustainable Urban Transport and Low Carbon Mobility, highlighting the growing contribution of transport and transport-related emissions to the overall sustainability challenge.

The session emphasized the importance of establishing the sources and characteristics of transport emissions before identifying appropriate interventions and pathways for reducing them. The GSA Masterclass Series, organized in collaboration with ET Knowledge Lab and the Times Group, brought together decision-makers for learning and dialogue on translating sustainability priorities into meaningful action.

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TUGD at the Global Sustainability Alliance Masterclass
 
 
TUGD Moderates Dialogue on Sustainable Mobility and Clean Fuels at India Energy Summit and Expo 2026, Hyderabad
 
TUGD contributed to the India Energy Summit & Expo 2026 through a panel discussion on ‘Powering Sustainable Mobility: EVs, city gas, LNG and clean fuels’ held on August 19, 2026 in Hyderabad. The event was organized by the Telangana Energy Department and the session was moderated by Mr Sharif Qamar, Senior Fellow and Associate Director, TERI.

The panel brought together representatives from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, ASRTU and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union.

Discussions focused on multiple dimensions of the clean mobility transition, including the need for a robust policy roadmap for EV adoption, expansion of private charging infrastructure and scaling up electric bus deployment through the gross cost contract (GCC) model.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of charging network reliability and uptime, particularly for infrastructure being deployed by oil marketing companies, while recognizing the need to integrate the requirements of gig and platform workers within the broader clean mobility transition.

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TUGD at India Energy Summit and Expo 2026
 
 
TUGD Collaborates with Ministry of Railways and NTPC to Advance Sustainable Fly Ash Transportation
 
TUGD, in collaboration with the Ministry of Railways and NTPC, launched the report ‘Fly Ash Utilization and Transportation: Increasing Rail Share in Fly Ash Transportation’ at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi, on July 17, 2026.

The report examines opportunities to increase the share of railways in fly ash transportation, with TERI contributing to the assessment of transport and sustainability dimensions. The launch brought together stakeholders around the need to strengthen sustainable freight transportation systems and explore opportunities for shifting freight movement towards more efficient modes.

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TUGD launches its report at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi
 
 
Dialogue on Building India's EV Charging Network at IESW2026
 
TUGD participated in a panel discussion at the India Energy Storage Week 2026 - IESW2026 Organized by the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) on July 10, 2026, the discussion was titled, ‘Building India's EV Charging Network’.

Mr Sharif Qamar, Senior Fellow and Associate Director, TERI moderated the session. The discussion examined the role of charging infrastructure in supporting the next phase of India's EV transition. Key themes of the discussion included the need for a reliable and convenient charging infrastructure, expansion of charging points across vehicle segments and greater collaboration between public and private stakeholders.

The panel also highlighted the potential of public-private partnerships (PPPs), open charging networks and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) – Charging Point Operators (CPO) collaboration in developing an inter-operable charging ecosystem. Home charging and the concept of a ‘Right to Charge’ were discussed as additional mechanisms that could support EV adoption in residential communities.

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TUGD at India Energy Storage Week 2026
 
 
Driving the Change: TUGD Participates in PHDCCI Youth Safety & Smart Mobility Expedition
 
TUGD participated in the PHDCCI Youth Safety & Smart Mobility Expedition 2026, held between September 25–26, 2026. Mr Faiz Jamal, Associate Fellow and Ms Viral Joshi, Associate Fellow, represented TERI at the expedition, which provided an opportunity to engage with college students and gain insights into road safety and responsible driving practices at the Institute of Driving Training & Research (IDTR), Karnal.

The expedition also included hands-on experience of driving an EV, enabling participants to understand EV charging requirements, driving experience and behavioural aspects associated with the usage of EVs under real-world conditions. The engagement provided valuable exposure to emerging dimensions of road safety and smart mobility while facilitating knowledge exchange with young mobility enthusiasts.

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TUGD at PHDCCI Youth Safety & Smart Mobility Expedition
 
 
TUGD Participates in India Clean Transportation Summit 2026
TUGD participated in the India Clean Transportation Summit 2026 held in New Delhi on September 2, 2026. Mr Faiz Jamal, Associate Fellow, TERI, participated as a panelist in a discussion on ‘Improving Transport Emissions Estimates,’ moderated by Amit Bhatt, Managing Director, ICCT India.

The session brought together experts from government, research and civil society to discuss approaches for improving the estimation and understanding of transport-sector emissions.

Mr Faiz Jamal highlighted TERI's studies undertaken along with IIT Delhi, which have focused on capturing and validating on-ground data across different commercial vehicle segments, including trucks. The discussion underscored the importance of robust, ground-level data for developing more accurate transport emission estimates and informing evidence-based policy interventions.

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TUGD at India Clean Transportation Summit 2026
 
 
Advancing Urban Climate Resilience through City-University Knowledge Exchange Workshop
 
TUGD organized Urban Climate Resilience: City-University Knowledge Exchange Workshop under the Urban-Act Project on September 28, 2026 at Shimla. Ms Anushree Harde, Associate Fellow and Ms Shiren Pandita, Associate Fellow, represented TERI at the workshop, which provided a platform for knowledge exchange and engagement around urban climate resilience.

As part of the workshop, TUGD's card-based game, ‘City at the Edge’ was launched as an interactive tool to facilitate discussions and engagement around urban resilience. The initiative highlighted the potential of participatory and interactive approaches in strengthening awareness and knowledge exchange on climate-resilient urban development.

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TUGD organized Urban Climate Resilience: City-University Knowledge Exchange Workshop at Shimla
 
 
Closed-Door Dialogue on Clean Mobility Transition in Delhi-NCR
TUGD participated in a closed-door meeting on ‘Clean Mobility Transition in Delhi-NCR’ held at the Constitution Club of India on September 29, 2026. Mr Sharif Qamar, Senior Fellow and Associated Director, represented TERI at the meeting, which brought together MPs, industry representatives and other stakeholders to discuss key challenges and opportunities associated with clean mobility transition in the region.

The discussion, moderated by Chase Advisors, included participation from representatives of Uber and Everest Fleet. Deliberations focused on the urgency of addressing air pollution in Delhi-NCR and the role of EVs in high-utilization ride-hailing and taxi services. The meeting also explored the evolving requirements and challenges related to EV charging infrastructure, highlighting the need to strengthen enabling ecosystem for the transition towards cleaner urban mobility.

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TUGD at the Constitution Club for meeting on Clean Mobility Transition in Delhi-NCR
 
 
On-ground Activities and Impact
 
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TUGD conducted visit to Vishakhapatnam to assess electric truck deployment opportunities at CONCOR Terminal

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TUGD engaged with stakeholders to ramp up local mobility and EV ecosystem in Srinagar

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TUGD presented preliminary findings to Department of Post’s Rajasthan Circle in Jaipur under RTN Study

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TUGD undertook inception and scoping mission at Vishakhapatnam under PI4Cities Project

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TUGD undertook field assessment for enhancing e-bus network and digital ticketing system in Goa

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TUGD undertook field assessment at ICD Dadri to understand the existing operations and collect primary data under CONCOR-TERI Centre of Excellence
 
 
 
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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