Answer

India’s urban transition, with over 60% population expected in cities by 2060, has intensified the demand for efficient mobility. However, last-mile connectivity remains a major barrier to inclusive and sustainable transport. Without solving this critical gap, public transport systems risk underutilisation and increased urban congestion.

Significance of Last-Mile Connectivity in Urban Mobility

• Encourages Public Transport Use: Seamless last-mile links significantly enhance metro and bus ridership by improving access and commuter convenience.
• Reduces Car Dependence: Affordable and integrated last-mile options discourage reliance on private vehicles, alleviating urban congestion.
  Eg. As existing metros expand, unplanned last-mile access adds to traffic congestion, already worsened by poor integration in smart cities.
• Supports Women and Marginalised Commuters: Safe, reliable last-mile transport encourages equitable access for vulnerable groups.
• Strengthens Sustainable Mobility Goals: Non-motorised and electric last-mile modes reduce carbon emissions and promote environmentally friendly transit alternatives.
• Reduces Travel Time and Boosts Productivity: Efficient last-mile access shortens door-to-door travel.
  Eg. Budget 2025’s urban bus push aims to improve metro city connectivity, which can reduce average commutes by over 20–25 minutes.

Failures in Addressing Last-Mile Connectivity in Indian Cities

• Bus Deficit and Supply Gaps: India needs 2 lakh urban buses, but only 35,000 are operational, straining mass transit coverage.
  Eg. While India pushes for 14,000 e-buses and 1.1 lakh e-rickshaws under PM e-Drive, many cities lack matching infrastructure for deployment.
• Weak Implementation of Smart City Mobility Plans: Poor execution of smart city models leaves new urban centres non-functional.
  Eg. Unlike China’s integrated urban models, most Indian smart cities failed to reduce last-mile commuting burdens.
• Affordability Barriers: High public transport fares and unregulated last-mile services make commuting expensive.
• Policy Blind Spot Toward Trams and Trolleybuses: Despite proven viability, efficient alternatives like trams remain ignored.
  Eg. While trams show 45% life-cycle profitability, they are still excluded from major urban transport policies.
• Low Private Sector Participation: Investors avoid feeder transport due to low return certainty.
  Eg. Long gestation periods and limited subsidies keep private e-rickshaw and minibus services underdeveloped in peri-urban areas.

Innovative and Sustainable Solutions

• ​​Strengthen Multi-Modal Urban Integration: A unified transport network combining metro, buses, walkways, and low-emission modes ensures seamless movement across urban zones.
  Eg. Kochi’s 2024 tram pilot aims to connect central zones sustainably, reviving India’s tram legacy like Kolkata.
• Expand e-Rickshaw Ecosystems Under PM e-Drive: Government procurement must ensure wide deployment in slums and low-income zones.
• Promote Non-Motorised Transport Corridors: Walkways and cycle tracks must be mandated near all major transit hubs.
  Eg. Smart city audits show fewer than 10% roads have safe NMT infrastructure, worsening access for pedestrians.
• Adopt Life-Cycle Based Transit Investments: Include trams and trolleybuses in transport funding models.
  Eg. Unlike e-buses, which suffer 82% net life-cycle losses, trams offer better long-term climate and fiscal alignment.
• Integrate Transit Systems Through Unified Apps and Payment: Common mobility cards and apps can reduce switching hassles.
  Eg. Use of National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) in cities like Ahmedabad improves intermodal access and affordability.

India’s urban future hinges on resolving last-mile gaps in mobility. By shifting from fragmented planning to life-cycle-based, inclusive, and multi-modal approaches, including trams, e-rickshaws, and walkable zones, India can ensure its transport systems align with the needs of a rapidly urbanising population.

DOWNLOAD PDF