In a significant milestone for sustainable automotive logistics, Maruti Suzuki India Limited has announced that its Gujarat in-plant railway siding has been registered as the world’s first Modal Shift Transportation Project under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) programme of Verra, the world’s largest voluntary carbon credit registry.
The landmark project is expected to generate approximately 1.7 lakh carbon credits over a 10-year crediting period from FY2023-24 to FY2032-33. The credits will be earned by shifting vehicle dispatches from road to rail, a move that significantly lowers carbon emissions compared to conventional road transport.
The emission reductions have been quantified under the AM0090 methodology prescribed by the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Following independent verification of the emissions savings, Verra will issue the carbon credits under its VCS programme.
Significant carbon reduction target
The Gujarat in-plant railway siding aims to reduce approximately 1.7 lakh tonnes of CO equivalent emissions over the 10-year period. By leveraging rail transport, the project not only cuts carbon emissions but also eases road congestion and reduces fossil fuel consumption.
Speaking on the achievement, Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “This is a proud moment for Maruti Suzuki as our Gujarat in-plant railway siding is recognised as the world’s first Verra-registered Modal Shift in Transportation project. By transitioning vehicle movement from road to rail, the project demonstrates how scale, operational efficiency and environmental responsibility can seamlessly go hand in hand.”
He added that the initiative marks a significant step in the company’s sustainability journey and aligns with India’s broader push towards achieving net-zero emissions.
Contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goals
The project contributes to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)
- Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
- Climate Action (SDG 13)
Expanding rail-based vehicle dispatch
Maruti Suzuki has cumulatively dispatched over six lakh vehicles from its Gujarat railway siding since operations began in March 2023.
India’s first automobile in-plant railway siding at Maruti Suzuki’s Hansalpur facility in Gujarat was inaugurated in March 2024.
Further strengthening rail-based logistics, India’s largest automobile in-plant railway siding at Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar facility was inaugurated in June 2025.
