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Abstract: The increasing reliance on motorized mobility in the cities is unsustainable considering the fast-depleting fossil fuel resources and the associated impact on global climate change. The consequences are more serious for India since it relies largely on imported crude oil for its mobility. To have a greater understanding of the urban transportation system, this paper presents trends and patterns of urban mobility and the consequent impacts on energy and environment in India. The analysis has been carried out for road transport across 23 metropolitan cities during the period 1981–2005. The study explores the underlying relationship among three variables—energy intensity, mode of transport and passenger kilometers traveled. Patterns of energy consumption and CO2 emissions, in private and public transport, are examined. The study makes policy recommendations to reduce transport energy use and emissions for achieving sustainable urban mobility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]