Anand Pathak: How has your journey been so far?
Amit Bhatt:
When I first came to Delhi around 2000, I was fascinated by the transport system. I come from Allahabad (now Prayagraj), and I had studied architecture. But Delhi felt very different—wide roads, large buses, flyovers everywhere. It really caught my attention.
I started my career in architecture, but soon realized I wanted to understand transportation more deeply. That led me to pursue my master’s from the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi. Since then, I’ve been working in the transport space.
Anand Pathak: Over the last two decades, is there any milestone you’re especially proud of?
Amit Bhatt:
Yes, quite a few. I’ve worked on urban bus systems—helping transition from high-floor, truck-based buses to low-floor, accessible buses. Today, that’s become standard.
I’ve also worked on metro expansion, and co-founded Raahgiri Day with my wife and friends in 2013—closing streets for people to walk and cycle. It has now spread to nearly 100 cities.
More recently, my work has focused on electrification—across buses, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, cars, and now trucks.
One area I wish had seen more success in Delhi is BRT. It worked in some cities, but didn’t sustain here.
Anand Pathak: Has the growth of metro systems reduced dependence on buses?
Amit Bhatt:
Not really. Globally, strong metro systems actually depend on strong bus systems. For example, in London, buses carry twice as many passengers as the Underground.
In India, we often treat buses as competition to metros, which is incorrect. We’ve invested heavily in metro infrastructure but neglected buses.
Delhi needs around 12,000–13,000 buses but has far fewer. Gurgaon has only a few hundred buses but needs thousands. Without strong public transport, people shift to private vehicles, leading to congestion.
Anand Pathak: Can you explain what ICCT does?
Amit Bhatt:
ICCT is a global nonprofit research organization focused only on transportation—road, aviation, and maritime.
We study vehicle efficiency, emissions, and electrification. But more importantly, we aim to influence policy. We work closely with governments and also engage with automakers, while maintaining independence.
We operate across major markets like the US, Europe, China, India, and Brazil.
Anand Pathak: Do you think India can achieve net zero in transport?
Amit Bhatt:
Our research suggests that India must electrify most vehicles between 2045–2050 to reach net zero.
Internal combustion engines won’t get us there—we need electrification. While policies like FAME have helped, adoption is still low.
We need stronger regulations—like tighter fuel efficiency standards and zero-emission vehicle mandates. Regulation helps create markets. For example, when CNG was mandated in Delhi, the ecosystem developed quickly.
Anand Pathak: Freight and heavy-duty vehicles often get less attention. How critical are they?
Amit Bhatt:
They are extremely important. Freight has been largely ignored, but it’s central to decarbonization.
Globally, electric trucks are gaining momentum—China is already ahead. In India, adoption is slower due to high upfront costs, lack of infrastructure, and inefficiencies in logistics.
But this will change with better policies, improved technology, and cost reductions.
Anand Pathak: What about shifting freight to rail or waterways?
Amit Bhatt:
Modal shift is important, but it has limitations. Road transport offers flexibility and door-to-door connectivity, which rail and waterways cannot fully replace.
So while we should improve other modes, road transport will continue to play a major role.
Anand Pathak: Are EVs really cleaner if electricity still comes from coal?
Amit Bhatt:
Yes, even today they are cleaner. Electric cars have about 20% lower lifecycle emissions, and electric two-wheelers about 35–40% lower.
As the grid becomes cleaner, the benefits will increase further. Also, EVs eliminate tailpipe emissions, which significantly improves air quality.
Anand Pathak: Let’s do a quick rapid fire.
EVs or hydrogen?
Amit Bhatt: Battery electric.
Anand Pathak: One word for India’s transport future?
Amit Bhatt: Electric.
Anand Pathak: Biggest myth in sustainable transport?
Amit Bhatt: That it is expensive—it’s not.
Anand Pathak: Thank you, Amit. This was a very insightful conversation.
Amit Bhatt: Thank you, it was great speaking with you.