New Delhi/Jaipur: In a major push towards sustainable development and resource efficiency, NITI Aayog has launched three comprehensive reports focusing on enhancing the circular economy in End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs), Waste Tyres, E-waste and Lithium-ion Batteries in India.
The reports were officially released on January 22, 2026, during the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) – International Material Recycling Conference (IMRC) held in Jaipur.
Reports Address Key Challenges in India’s Circular Economy Ecosystem
The three reports provide an in-depth analysis of the existing challenges across these high-impact waste streams and offer actionable policy and implementation recommendations. The focus areas include:
- Infrastructure development
- Sector formalisation
- Strengthening the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework
- Enhancing economic potential and revenue generation
- Improving resource efficiency and material recovery
The reports underline that building a strong circular economy is not only an environmental necessity but also a strategic economic imperative for India.
Circular Economy Central to Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047
NITI Aayog highlighted that the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 is closely linked to India’s transition towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient development pathway. This transition requires large-scale deployment of:
- Clean energy systems
- Electric mobility
- Digital and electronic infrastructure
Electronic and electrical equipment, Lithium-ion Batteries, and automotive vehicles are expected to play a critical role in powering digitalisation, mobility, and the energy transition.
Rapid Growth in EVs, Batteries and Waste Generation
The reports present key data reflecting the scale of the challenge and opportunity:
- Electric Vehicle (EV) sales increased from 50,000 in 2016 to 2.08 million in 2024
- The government aims for 30% EV share in total vehicle sales by 2030
- Lithium-ion battery demand is projected to rise sharply from 29 GWh in 2025 to 248 GWh by 2035
- End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) are expected to grow from 23 million in 2025 to 50 million by 2030
- E-waste generation is projected to increase from 6.19 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2024 to 14 MMT by 2030
These trends highlight the urgency of developing sustainable systems for recycling, recovery, and reuse of materials.
Strategic Importance of Managing ELVs, Tyres, E-Waste and Batteries
The reports emphasise that India faces significant challenges in the sustainable management of:
- End-of-Life Vehicles
- Waste tyres
- Electronic and electrical waste
- Lithium-ion batteries
Addressing these challenges through a circular economy approach will help reduce environmental risks, improve material security, and create economic opportunities. NITI Aayog noted that circularity in these sectors is central to achieving sustainable and inclusive growth under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Extensive Stakeholder Consultations Behind the Reports
The reports were developed through extensive consultations involving:
- Line ministries
- Regulatory bodies
- Industry stakeholders
- Knowledge and research partners
This collaborative approach ensured a comprehensive and practical assessment of the current ecosystem, along with clear, implementable recommendations to accelerate India’s transition towards circularity.
Expected Outcomes of the Recommendations
According to NITI Aayog, implementation of the recommendations will:
- Improve resource efficiency
- Strengthen India’s material security
- Enhance environmental sustainability
- Formalise recycling and waste management sectors
Unlock economic value and employment opportunities
Access to the Reports
The reports are publicly available on the NITI Aayog website:
- Enhancing Circular Economy of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) in India
- Enhancing Circular Economy of Waste Tyres in India
Advancing Circular Economy of Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (E-waste) and Lithium-ion Batteries in India
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