Srinagar, Oct 15 : Srinagar could reduce transport-related carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 110 tonnes a day through a comprehensive shift towards cleaner public transport and improved traffic management, according to a research study published in 2026.
The study, published in Elsevier’s Transportation Research Procedia, estimates daily carbon dioxide emissions from Srinagar’s transport system at 410 tonnes under its Business-as-Usual scenario.
Under a Sustainable Green Transition scenario, the projected figure declines to 300 tonnes daily, representing a reduction of nearly 27 per cent.
The findings are contained in the paper titled “Sustainable and Green Transportation Strategies for Enhanced Urban Liveability: Quantifying Emission Reductions and Accessibility Improvements”, authored by Muzzamil Yaseen Peer, Aaqib Ali, Basrah Bilal and Mehvish Bilal.
The researchers examined three transport development scenarios: Business-as-Usual, Moderate Intervention and Sustainable Green Transition.
Under the moderate intervention model, carbon dioxide emissions decline to an estimated 340 tonnes a day, compared with 300 tonnes under the more comprehensive green transition.
The study’s emissions table also projects that nitrogen oxide emissions could fall from 4.2 tonnes to 3.4 tonnes daily, while fine particulate matter emissions could decline from 0.45 tonnes to 0.32 tonnes.
These changes represent projected reductions of approximately 19 per cent and 29 per cent, respectively.
The researchers further estimate that lower exposure to fine particulate pollution under the green transition scenario could potentially prevent 15 to 20 premature deaths annually.
The estimate is based on modelling using exposure-response coefficients associated with the World Health Organization.
It is a projected health benefit under the researchers’ assumptions and does not represent deaths already prevented or an independently verified count of deaths caused by traffic pollution in Srinagar.
According to the study, the proposed green transition involves improved public transport, electrification of buses and para-transit vehicles, dedicated walking and cycling infrastructure, and technology-assisted traffic management.
The researchers estimate that these measures could reduce annual fuel consumption by approximately 12 lakh litres and lower transport energy intensity by 18 per cent.
Their model also projects an increase in average network speed from 18 to 22 kilometres per hour.
The paper links the environmental burden of urban transport to Srinagar’s heavy dependence on private vehicles, which account for an estimated 62 per cent of daily trips.
The researchers also identify major commercial corridors where traffic volumes approach or exceed 90 per cent of road capacity during peak periods.
According to the study, congestion contributes to inefficient vehicle movement, increased fuel consumption and higher emissions.
The paper recommends a coordinated approach involving improved public transport, electrification, dedicated pedestrian and cycling facilities, and intelligent traffic management.
The researchers acknowledge an uncertainty margin of approximately 8 to 12 per cent in their emissions estimates, reflecting variations in traffic volumes, vehicle speeds and other modelling inputs.
The study does not establish that the projected emissions reductions or health benefits have already been achieved. They represent potential outcomes under the proposed Sustainable Green Transition scenario.
Published in Volume 96 of Transportation Research Procedia, the research examines the relationship between Srinagar’s transport arrangements, environmental conditions and public health.(KNS)
