As cities in India grow rapidly, issues like traffic jams, increasing carbon emissions, and  poor air quality have become common. In this situation, sustainable transport is  essential. GreenCar, India’s largest not-for-profit carpool organisation, is making a  difference in how people commute while helping to lessen the environmental impact in  cities like Delhi. 

Founded in 2014 in Delhi NCR, GreenCar operates as a non-governmental organisation  (NGO) focused on environmental care and teamwork. Unlike regular ride-hailing  services, GreenCar relies on corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding and  donations, making it a public-interest initiative rather than a business. Its goal is clear:  to reduce the number of cars on the road by promoting shared travel. 

Addressing the Urban Mobility Challenge 

Vehicle emissions are a major cause of air pollution in Indian cities. With millions  commuting daily for work and education, the use of private vehicles has increased,  leading to worse air quality and overloaded infrastructure. Rajiv Arora, the Founder of  GreenCar, emphasises the urgent need for sustainable transport solutions. 

“Growing urbanisation and environmental harm require immediate and large-scale  action,” Arora stated, explaining why GreenCar was created as a practical solution to  this issue. 

A Concept-Driven Approach to Sustainability 

Despite its name, GreenCar does not provide electric or alternative-fuel vehicles. The  ‘green’ aspect comes from the results—reduced carbon emissions through carpooling.  By allowing people to share rides they are already taking, the platform decreases  congestion and pollution without needing new infrastructure.

“GreenCar is a concept name,” Arora clarified. “It represents CO₂ reduction through  carpooling, not the type of vehicle used.” 

Connecting Commuters and Easing Hesitation 

GreenCar’s design addresses a key social challenge—hesitation. Many individuals are  willing to carpool but feel uncomfortable starting conversations. The platform acts as a  neutral link between three user groups: seekers (those needing rides), poolers (car owners), and users who switch between both roles. 

The seeker pays the pooler a suggested fee of ₹3.5 per km, with the option to adjust. The  platform accommodates both short and long trips, serving daily office commutes and  occasional travel needs. 

Technology with a Social Purpose 

GreenCar’s free app, available on Android and iOS, ensures it is accessible to everyone.  The platform focuses on behaviour rather than transactions, encouraging users to view  mobility as a shared duty. Each shared ride helps reduce emissions and fosters a  stronger sense of community. 

A Personal Motivation Behind the Mission 

The inspiration for GreenCar was deeply personal. Delhi’s polluted air severely affected  Arora’s father, who developed a serious lung condition despite being a non-smoker.  “That experience turned pollution into a personal issue for me,” Arora recalled. 

Rather than just advocating for change, he decided to empower people to take  collective action. 

Growing Through CSR and Corporate Partnerships 

GreenCar is funded through CSR and is actively looking for partnerships with  organisations that want to enhance their environmental, social, and governance (ESG)  commitments. By including carpooling in corporate travel plans, companies can  directly reduce their carbon footprint while boosting employee involvement. 

So far, Arora has invested over ₹50 lakh into the initiative. Looking ahead, GreenCar  aims to remove 80,000 cars from Indian roads by 2026, potentially saving ₹844 crore in  fuel costs. 

As India seeks effective and inclusive solutions to urban pollution, GreenCar shows that  meaningful change can start with a simple act—sharing the road.