Round Table on “Implementation of Net Zero in Transportation” 

Chandigarh, November 20, 2025: The India North Network of the Climate Compatible Growth Programme United Kingdom (CCG-UK) at Panjab University Chandigarh today organised a Round Table on “Implementation of Net Zero in Transportation” in collaboration with PI RAHI and PANJ Foundation. 

Many senior academics, government officials, and sectoral experts from Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh participated in the roundtable programme. Dr Suman Mor and Dr Ramanjit Kaur Johal, coordinators of CCG-UK, Panjab University opened the session by highlighting the significance of evidence-based transition pathways in the transport sector and the growing need for integrated planning to meet India’s national goal of achieving net zero by 2070.

The deliberations covered the current status of EV policies of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, challenges in execution, and gaps in infrastructure across the region. Representatives from the Departments of Environment and Climate Change, Punjab and Chandigarh; Directorate of Transport Punjab & Haryana;  Punjab State Council for S&T, Punjab Development Commissionand CIT-SSM and Chandigarh Administration, faculty researchers from the School of Community Medicine and Public Health, PGIMER, Punjab Engineering College and the host organisations discussed issues related to route optimisation, low operational efficiency of bus fleets, and the need for modernised terminals equipped with solar installations. 

Experts emphasised the importance of charging infrastructure, battery management systems, fast charging solutions, and skilled manpower. Participants also noted that while Chandigarh continues to lead in EV penetration, both Punjab and Haryana require stronger enforcement, behavioural interventions, and greater focus on public transport rather than private vehicle dependency. 

Prof. R. Khaiwal and Prof. Umesh Sharma, Dean, PEC, moderated the discussions. Madhu Mishra, Senior Advisor, British Dy. High Commission, Chandigarh participated in the event of this FCDO, UK funded project.

The Round Table concluded with the consensus that the region must adopt a holistic strategy combining technological innovation, community engagement, and policy continuity. Speakers stressed the need for last mile connectivity, low emission zones supported by scientific evidence, and creation of green jobs through EV and renewable energy integration. 

In summing up Prof. Ramanjit K. Johal highlighted that sustainable mobility transitions depend on collaborative governance involving transport departments, urban planners, and citizens. The CCG Programme committed to extending capacity building support through energy modelling and knowledge exchange and promoting stakeholder networks to advance climate compatible transportation across North India.

Dr. Jatinder Arora, Advisor, Northern Region S&T Cluster thanked the participants and expressed the hope of continued collaborative working for promotion of effective policies and their implementation.