Welcome to the Sustainable Urban Mobility Collective

Driving the Future of Clean, Inclusive Urban Transport: The Sustainable Urban Mobility Collective (SUMC) is a transformative coalition dedicated to addressing the climate crisis by promoting sustainable urban mobility solutions. Focused on Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, SUMC serves as a hub for knowledge-sharing, cross-sector collaboration, and demand generation, driving the electrification of public transport and a shift towards cleaner urban mobility solutions. Our mission is to foster long-term, sustainable urban environments through a collective effort that integrates diverse stakeholders in the transition to green, inclusive transport systems.

Our Vision: A Sustainable, Cleaner Future for India

Launched in Varanasi, November 2024, during the Regional Convention on Clean and Inclusive Urban Transport Systems hosted by The Climate Agenda, SUMC represents a crucial step in combating urban air pollution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in India’s most densely populated states. By working alongside government bodies, private sector partners, and civil society organizations, SUMC aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and other sustainable transport solutions across the region.

 

Why SUMC?

India’ transport sector is a key contributor to the global climate crisis, responsible for a significant portion of the nation’s energy related CO2 emissions. As the world’s largest emitter and the most populous country, India’s transformation in urban mobility is crucial for global climate action. The SUMC is positioned to address critical gaps in urban mobility focusing on regions like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh which face unique challenges in managing pollution, traffic congestion, and energy demand.

 

Expert Insights

During the Regional Convention on Clean and Inclusive Urban Transport Systems, a panel of distinguished experts shared their insights on the urgent need for sustainable urban mobility solutions and the role of SUMC in driving change:

Key Goals

  • Electrification of Public Transport: Advancing the adoption of electric vehicles to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

  • Cross-Sector Collaboration: Bringing together diverse stakeholders to create integrated, sustainable mobility solutions.

  • Inclusive Infrastructure: Promoting transportation systems that are accessible, affordable, and environmentally friendly.
  • Ekta Shekhar, Founding Director of The Climate Agenda, emphasized:
    “Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh hold immense potential to drive India’s net-zero ambitions and meet the goals of the National Clean Air Program. These regions stand at a pivotal juncture where embracing clean urban mobility solutions can significantly curb urban emissions, transforming cities into cleaner, healthier spaces for their residents.”
    She further added, “While state and central governments are making commendable efforts, localized, evidence-based decision-making remains insufficient. A holistic approach—integrating diverse modes of transport and embedding inclusivity principles into transport infrastructure—is crucial for reimagining urban mobility effectively.”
  • Dr. Abhisek Mudgal, Assistant Professor at IIT (BHU), stressed the importance of individual behavior in achieving green mobility:
    “The cornerstone of achieving green mobility lies with road users. By embracing safe, eco-friendly, and sustainable transportation practices, the path to decarbonization becomes attainable. It is imperative to think globally while acting locally, as the responsibility of driving the sustainable transportation movement significantly rests on individuals.“
  • Chinatan Daftardar, Program Head-Transport at WRI, emphasized the need for integrated, multimodal transportation systems:
    “Public transportation should be sustainable, affordable, and accessible to all. Research shows that millions of people rely on walking to work, while many others have private vehicles. Optimizing transportation systems for both groups—through seamless integration of walking, cycling, and public transport—is essential for reducing emissions and improving mobility.”
    He also discussed the importance of road infrastructure that supports sustainable practices: “Our road infrastructure often fails to support sustainable mobility, such as cycling for last-mile connectivity. A balanced approach to road design is essential, prioritizing inclusive infrastructure that supports walking, cycling, and public transportation.”
  • Rajendra Ravi, Founding Member of the People’s Resource Centre, emphasized the need for infrastructure that prioritizes people over vehicles:
    “Infrastructure should be designed to meet the needs of people, not just accommodate vehicles. Today, road designs often prioritize large vehicles, which is neither sustainable nor practical. We need to shift towards multi-modal and inclusive transportation systems that cater to all forms of mobility, including cycling and walking, which are sustainable alternatives to motorized transport.”
    He further highlighted the example of Varanasi, where roads were originally designed for rickshaws, but now, due to unsafe conditions, these green transport options are becoming obsolete. “We need to reconsider our approach and embrace multi-modal transport systems that prioritize sustainability and inclusivity.”

Conclusion

The Sustainable Urban Mobility Collective is more than an initiative—it’s a movement to secure a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable future for our cities. Together, we can create sustainable urban transport systems that address the climate crisis and pave the way for a greener tomorrow.