Urbanisation and the Transit Dilemma

Context

Urbanisation is reshaping India’s demographic landscape, with projections indicating that over 60% of the population will reside in cities by the 2060s. This rapid urban growth places immense pressure on existing transport infrastructure, making the quest for ideal transit solutions a central challenge for policymakers and urban planners. Efficient, sustainable, and accessible public transport is vital not only for reducing congestion and pollution but also for supporting economic growth and improving quality of life.

Current Urban Transport Scenario in India

• Infrastructure Deficit and Accessibility: India faces a significant gap in urban transport infrastructure. Only about 37% of urban residents have easy access to public transportation, compared to over 50% in countries like Brazil and China. The country needs approximately 200,000 urban buses, but only 35,000 are currently operational, including electric buses. This shortage leads to overcrowding, unreliable services, and increased reliance on private vehicles.
• Metro Network Development and Its Limitations: While metro networks are being expanded in major cities, their development is costly and time-consuming. Many metro systems have yet to recover their total costs, and fare sensitivity remains a concern—hikes often result in reduced ridership. Additionally, challenges in last-mile connectivity persist, making metro systems less effective for many commuters.

Key Challenges in Urban Mobility

• Last-Mile Connectivity: A major drawback of current public transport systems is the lack of seamless last-mile connectivity. Commuters often face difficulties reaching their final destinations from transit hubs, which discourages the use of public transport.
• Financial Viability and Investment: Private investment in urban transport is limited due to uncertain returns. The shift towards electric buses, while environmentally beneficial, is expensive and often results in financial losses. In contrast, trams and trolleybuses offer better long-term profitability and alignment with climate goals, but are underutilized.
• Environmental and Health Concerns: Urban transport is a major contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Encouraging non-motorized transport and low-emission options is essential for improving air quality and public health.

Global Best Practices

• Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Systems: Cities such as Curitiba in Brazil have demonstrated the worthiness of these systems. Dedicated bus lanes, pre-paid boarding, and high-capacity buses allow cheap and fast transit, almost at par with metro systems in efficiency.
• Multi-Modal Integration: Shibuya Station in Tokyo is a classic example where rail, subway, and bus operations are integrated with commercial and cultural facilities. This kind of integration enhances connectivity and urban vibrancy.
• Non-Motorized Transport Promotion: Cities such as Amsterdam and Copenhagen have successfully promoted non-motorized transport by offering good infrastructure for biking, thereby reducing car dependency and promoting public health.

Strategies for Sustainable Urban Transit

• Investing in Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Systems: Augmenting metro and BRT networks can go a long way in mitigating congestion while providing reliable and fast travel options.
• Promoting Non-Motorized Transport: Encouraging healthier ways of transport by constructing dedicated cycling lanes, pedestrian routes, and traffic calming measures, thereby rendering an automobile-independent alternative.
• Smart Mobility and AI Integration:  Leveraging technology for traffic management, ride-sharing platforms, and autonomous vehicles can optimize urban commuting and reduce congestion.
• Integrated Multi-Modal Transport Planning: Seamless connectivity for metro, bus, e-rickshaw, tram, and non-motorized transactions is a prerequisite to fill those last-mile gaps and make the journey convenient for users.
• Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and Mixed-Use Zones: TOD combines transport and land-use creating compact, walkable communities centered on high-quality transit, while mixed-use developments around transit nodes foster wenge-livability and economic activity.

Policy and Planning Recommendations

• Prioritizing Cost-Effective and Sustainable Modes: Encourage trams and trolleybuses in high-density corridors through life-cycle cost analyses and provide subsidies that low-income commuters can avail themselves of. Large investments should be directed toward green fuels, namely bio-CNG and hydrogen.
• Making Public Transport More Appealing: Ensuring high frequency, reliability, and comfort of the public transit system should be enough to lure people. It should also constitute an integrated fare system and smart payment technologies.
• Community Engagement and Awareness: Public awareness campaigns and community involvement are crucial for the successful adoption of sustainable transport solutions.

Conclusion

Urbanisation presents both challenges and opportunities for India’s transport sector. Addressing the infrastructure deficit, improving last-mile connectivity, and promoting sustainable, multi-modal transport systems are essential for building resilient, inclusive, and vibrant cities. Learning from global best practices and leveraging technology can help India develop transit solutions that support economic growth, environmental sustainability, and improved quality of life for all urban residents.

 Source: The Hindu

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