Answer

India’s rapid urbanisation, with over 60% of the population expected in cities by the 2060s, will exert significant pressure on urban transport systems. Developing sustainable, inclusive, and efficient mobility solutions is vital to support economic growth and improve quality of life in expanding urban centres.

Role of Transportation in Achieving Sustainable Urbanisation

• Reducing Urban Emissions and Congestion: Mass transit systems reduce private vehicle usage, leading to lower emissions and traffic congestion.
  Eg. Ahmedabad’s Janmarg BRTS, carrying over 1.4 lakh passengers daily, reduced GHG emissions by 35% and traffic-related deaths by 65.7%.
• Promoting Non-Motorised Transport (NMT): Walking and cycling infrastructure supports cleaner air and better public health.
  Eg. The MYBYK bike-sharing network in Ahmedabad and Indore, promotes last-mile connectivity and is reducing vehicular dependence.
• Improving Multimodal Integration: Seamless integration of metros, buses, ferries, and cycles enhances travel efficiency and reduces commute times.
  Eg. The Kochi Water Metro, integrated with Kochi Metro, serves 34,000 passengers daily, improving connectivity in island and coastal areas.
• Electrifying Public Transport Fleets: Electric and CNG buses reduce urban air pollution and improve energy efficiency.
  Eg. The PM e-Drive scheme targets 14,000 e-buses and 1.1 lakh e-rickshaws to cut emissions and improve urban air quality.
• Innovative Financing of Transit Projects: Cities are using green bonds and public-private partnerships to finance sustainable mobility solutions.
  Eg. Pimpri-Chinchwad’s ₹200 crore green bonds, oversubscribed fivefold, fund Harit Setu pedestrian corridors and other low-emission transport initiatives.

Key Challenges Faced by Urban Transport Systems

• Lack of Inclusive Pedestrian Infrastructure: Most Indian cities have poor footpaths, affecting safety for walkers and differently-abled users.
  Eg. In Bengaluru, only 17 cm of footpath exists per 100 m of major roads, contributing to over 800 pedestrian deaths since 2022.
• Funding Constraints and PPP Implementation Delays: Urban transport projects often face financial stress and execution hurdles in public-private models.
• Disconnected and Fragmented Transit Networks: Lack of modal integration causes inefficiencies and longer commutes.
• Slow Adoption of Clean Energy Transit: Cities face technical, financial, and regulatory hurdles in transitioning to EVs.
  Eg. Although FAME II aims to support 7,000 e-buses, diesel buses still dominate public fleets in many Tier 2 cities.
• Policy–Implementation Gaps in Transit Planning: Urban planning often prioritises road expansion over public or green transport investment.
  Eg. Despite a well-rated BRT system, Pune allocates less than half its transport budget to sustainable mobility modes, limiting impact.

Measures for Inclusive and Environmentally Sound Urban Mobility Systems

Inclusive Mobility Solutions

• Fare Subsidies for Marginalised Users: Affordable fares ensure accessibility for women, senior citizens, and low-income groups.
  Eg. Karnataka’s ‘Shakti Scheme’, launched in 2023, allows free bus travel for women, raising daily ridership from 85 lakh to 1 crore.
• Universal Design in Public Infrastructure: Urban roads and facilities must cater to the disabled, elderly, and children.
  Eg. Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Healthy Streets initiative developed 90 km of safe pedestrian and cycling lanes under national NMT design standards.
• Promoting Community-led Shared Mobility Models: Empowering communities through affordable, clean last-mile options boosts inclusivity.
  Eg. Bengaluru’s e-rickshaw pilot, supported by the government, provided employment to the transgender community, enhancing social inclusion.

Environmentally Sound Transit Systems

• Electrification of Urban Public Transport: Switching to e-buses and CNG reduces fossil fuel dependence and improves air quality.
  Eg. Nagpur’s EV bus fleet, with real-time flash charging, significantly reduced GHG emissions and fuel costs.
• Expansion of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Systems: Dedicated lanes increase efficiency, reliability, and ridership.
  Eg. Hubli–Dharwad BRTS, funded by World Bank and GEF, serves over 1 lakh daily riders, providing clean and fast connectivity.
• Mobilising Green and Climate Finance: Cities need sustained funding for eco-mobility through innovative financial instruments.
  Eg. Indore Municipal Corporation issued India’s first retail green municipal bond in 2023, to finance a 60-MLD solar-powered sewage plant, showcasing scalable climate-finance for urban services.

As India moves toward becoming a developed nation by 2047, the future of urbanisation rests on building inclusive, resilient, and climate-smart mobility systems. By embracing multi-modal transport, life-cycle-based investment planning, and technological innovation, India can transform its cities into productive, accessible, and environmentally sustainable urban engines fit for the challenges of the 21st century.

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