Shows the per capita GHG emissions per kilometer with the existing occupancy levels of the various modes of transport used during the study. As is visible, my single occupancy Santro with both CNG as well as petrol is the most ecologically destructive mode of transport. The diesel-powered school Innova seems ecologically friendlier than a cycle or a cycle-rickshaw as the life-cycle analyses of cycles have been considered. The CNG school bus is the most environment-friendly form of transport.

Shows the distance that can be covered and the time taken on a cycle to produce the same amount of CO2 equivalent emissions as a Delhi-Bombay return flight. It would take 1,60,507 kilometers of cycling to meet the emissions of 2,326 kilometers of air travel.

Shows the GHG emissions per kilometer per capita of a cycle and my CNG Santro at single occupancy. The emissions of a CNG-powered Santro are nearly 7 times that of a cycle.

The graph shows that airplanes have the highest emissions and the highest fuel cost while having the smallest travel time. Cycles have the second-lowest emissions but the maximum travel time. CNG buses have the lowest emission for travel. Next, I compared the Delhi Metro to cycles and buses when traveling 15 kilometers. Although the Metro has the highest emissions, it has the lowest travel time and the lowest per capita fuel cost. CNG buses have the lowest emissions but the highest per capita fuel cost. The time taken by cycles and buses are the same while traveling within city limits.

After initial inputs from my friends regarding the above data, I presented data on flying 1000 passengers from Delhi to Bombay as against driving 20 CNG buses with the same total capacity. The graph also includes cycles and a train for the same journey.

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Finally, I sought the fastest and most convenient way (in terms of privacy and control over departure time) to travel short distances in an eco-friendly way. As is visible, CNG Santro, petrol Santro as well as diesel Innova have a break-even point with the Metro only when they have an occupancy of more than 3 people. Buses have the lowest per capita emissions

As a means of mass transit, cycling or a cycle-rickshaw is the most environment-friendly mode of travel, has similar timeefficiency as automobiles, has virtually no fuel cost, and has no loss in productivity when traveling within city limits.

The fastest and most convenient way to travel within city limits without pedaling is by a CNG, diesel or petrol-powered car seating more than 3 people. This is what makes car pool a good ecological choice. As against traveling by car, the Delhi Metro is the most eco-friendly when there are less than 4 commuters by car.

With an average speed slightly less than 15 kilometers per hour due to stoppages, a public CNG bus has the lowest Co2 impact but also has a loss in productivity and has the highest fuel cost. Air transport is ecologically the most damaging mode of travel and has the highest per capita fuel cost.

National trains are the most ecofriendly way to travel long distances and also have the highest time efficiency, lowest per capita fuel cost and lowest loss in productivity. Carbon impact can only be lowered if high emissions transportation is not used.

Sudeep is a techno-geek, an educator and an environmentalist. He participated in the Green Schools Programme teacher’s training and can be contacted at

sudeepduggal@gmail.com