This week marked a significant milestone as NRDC, in collaboration with partners Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), unveiled a first-of-its-kind initiative to pilot electric vehicles in rural areas. The primary objective of this pilot is to catalyze an inclusive and equitable transition towards cleaner mobility — by weaving together the threads of climate justice, livelihoods, and women’s empowerment.
Transport infrastructure is the backbone of economic development and social well-being, especially in rural areas. Enhancing mobility holds significant potential to uplift communities dependent on agriculture, farming, and small businesses as their primary source of livelihoods. Despite the considerable energy given to rural development, empirical data reveals a lack of adequate transportation infrastructure in villages is a major hindrance to these communities realizing their full developmental potential. With about two thirds of the Indian population based in rural areas, the need for inclusive and equitable clean mobility solutions is more critical than ever.
Access to clean mobility solutions can be transformative for livelihood opportunity growth in rural India. Small farmers selling perishable produce can mitigate the risk of losing more than 30% of their post-harvest produce due to poor storage and transport infrastructure by utilizing clean mobility alternatives. Rural entrepreneurs, especially women, with reliable access to commercial centers can thrive. Mobility solutions for women entrepreneurs can help reduce drudgery and enhance safety. Access to vehicles can reduce the physical effort of carrying heavy loads while walking door-to-door as a salesperson or commuting to nearby market hubs. Moreover, the introduction of electric vehicles could augment electricity demand in villages, utilizing the existing solar assets and enhancing their economic sustainability. The key is to provide mobility through electric vehicles without compromising the environmental integrity of the surroundings.
Challenges in Rural mobility: Limited Infrastructure for Seamless Commutes