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Title: Health is wealth, literally. How cycling can give GDP a boost
Source:The Times of India
Date:14 January 2019

Cycling for short distances may not only help reduce carbon emissions and save fuel, but it could provide annual benefits of up to Rs 1.8 lakh crore to the Indian economy, roughly equivalent to 1.6% of the GDP, said a report released by TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute). The analysis also revealed that substitution of just half the short distance work trips by cycles, which are typically undertaken by two-wheelers and cars, could result in massive fuel savings to the tune of Rs 2,700 crore. The study estimates that cycles can help unskilled marginal workers save up to 2.3 crore labour hours equivalent to Rs 11,200 crore in terms of travel time savings. To make cycles affordable, the report highlights the need to reduce GST on cycles costing less than Rs 5,000 from the existing 12% to 5%. “It is important to make bicycles more affordable for low-income households,” the study stated.




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