The logistics sector plays a vital role in India's economic growth. In 2021–22, logistics costs were estimated at 13–15% of GDP. Freight transport—both domestic and imported—accounted for 64–72% of these costs. Of this, railways contributed only 9.9%, while road transport accounted for a much higher 63.5%. Despite offering high transport capacity at lower costs, the railway sector remains underutilized.
While reducing logistics costs remains a priority, addressing freight-related emissions is equally crucial. In 2020–21, freight accounted for 35% of transport emissions. Under a business-as-usual scenario, transport emissions are projected to rise sixfold by 2070–71, with freight contributing 53%.
To address these challenges, TERI, with support from Container Corporation of India Ltd (CONCOR), has established the CONCOR-TERI Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Green and Sustainable Logistics. The CoE aims to develop low-carbon, cost-effective freight solutions by encouraging a modal shift to railways, promoting cleaner fuels, and advancing sustainable logistics practices.
Key focus areas of CoE include creating green warehouse rating systems, developing logistics decarbonization tools, and conducting sector-specific studies to guide freight optimization. The Centre will also support multimodal transport development, expand the Indian Railways’ commodity basket, and help stakeholders participate in carbon credit markets.
Beyond research, the CoE will act as a knowledge-sharing platform, represent India’s green logistics efforts at international forums, and explore pathways to commercialize sustainable logistics innovations.
Through these initiatives, the Centre seeks to transform India's freight landscape—making it more efficient, climate-resilient, and aligned with the country’s long-term decarbonization goals.
Key Areas of Work
Strategies to Reduce Carbon Footprint of Logistics
Rating System to Promote Green Warehousing
Mechanisms to Leverage Carbon Markets for Logistics Sector
Developing Multimodal Freight Transport Strategies
Knowledge Sharing
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Project Partners
About TERI
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) is an independent, not-for-profit, knowledge-driven institute dedicated to advancing transition towards a cleaner and sustainable future. In its journey of 50 years, TERI has shown unparalleled dedication to multidisciplinary research, advocacy, and development of policies and technologies in energy, energy efficiency transitions, sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly transportation, sustainable development, efficient building practices, and climate action.
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About CONCOR
Container Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR), a Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, is a market leader in providing responsive, cost-effective, and reliable logistics solutions. With the largest network of 66 ICDs/CFSs across India, CONCOR has expanded beyond rail-based container transport to managing ports, air cargo complexes, and cold-chain logistics. Committed to promoting containerization, it leverages a modern rail wagon fleet, customer-friendly commercial practices, and advanced technology to support multimodal logistics for both international and domestic trade.
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About GRIHA
GRIHA is an acronym for Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment. GRIHA is a Sanskrit word meaning – ‘Abode’. Human Habitats (buildings) interact with the environment in various ways. Throughout their life cycles, from construction to operation and then demolition, they consume resources in the form of energy, water, materials, etc. and emit wastes either directly in the form of municipal wastes or indirectly as emissions from electricity generation. GRIHA attempts to minimize a building’s resource consumption, waste generation, and overall ecological impact to within certain nationally acceptable limits / benchmarks.
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Contact:
The Energy and Resources Institute
Darbari Seth Block, IHC Complex Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110 003, INDIA
Email : concortericoe@teri.res.in
Phone : (+91 11) 2468 2100 and 41504900