Urbanisation and the Challenge of Ideal Transit Solutions

Syllabus: GS3/Urbanisation; Infrastructure

Context

• As India is undergoing a rapid expansion of metro and tier-1 cities, the demand for efficient and sustainable transit solutions has become a critical challenge.

Urbanization Trends & Its Impact on Mobility

• Global Urban Population: More than 4 billion people — over half of the world’s population—now live in urban areas.
• Projected Urban Growth: By 2050, nearly 68% of the global population is expected to reside in cities (United Nations projections).
• Urbanization by Income Level: In high-income countries, over 80% of the population lives in urban areas, while in upper-middle-income countries, the figure ranges between 50% to 80%.
• Megacity Expansion: The number of megacities (cities with over 10 million inhabitants) is projected to increase significantly by 2035.
• Urbanization in India: India’s urban population is expected to surpass 600 million by 2030, and is expected to grow over 60% of the population by the 2060s.

Challenges in Urban Transit Development

• Limited Public Transport Access: Only about 37% of urban residents in India have easy access to public transportation, compared to over 50% in countries like Brazil and China.
• Infrastructure Deficit: India needs 200,000 urban buses, but only 35,000 are operational, including electric buses.
• Environmental Concerns: Rising vehicle emissions contribute to urban pollution, making sustainable transit solutions a necessity.
  • The transport sector contributes ~15% of global CO₂ emissions.
  • Urban areas suffer from toxic air pollution, primarily from fossil-fuel vehicles.
• Funding and Cost Recovery: Metro projects require substantial investment, and many struggle to recover costs due to lower-than-expected ridership.

India’s Initiatives

• PM e-Bus Sewa and PM e-Drive: These aim to induct 14,000 e-buses and over 1 lakh e-vehicles (e-rickshaws, e-ambulances, e-trucks).
  • However, India needs around 2,00,000 urban buses, but only 35,000 are currently operational, including e-buses — a major shortfall.
• Expansion of Metro Networks: Increased funding for metro projects in major cities is expected to enhance urban connectivity.
• Sustainable Infrastructure Development: The government is focusing on next-generation infrastructure powered by sustainability and long-term vision.

Case Studies

• Hong Kong – Mass Transit Railway (MTR): It integrates high-density development around stations, creating vibrant, walkable neighborhoods.
  • It generates revenue through real estate, making the system less dependent on fares.
• Curitiba, Brazil – Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): Dedicated bus lanes, pre-paid boarding, and bi-articulated buses allow for high-capacity, low-cost transit that rivals metro systems in efficiency.
• Tokyo, Japan – Shibuya Station Redevelopment: It is a multi-modal integration, blending rail, subway, and bus systems with commercial and cultural spaces.
  • It’s a hub of connectivity and urban energy.

Solutions for Sustainable Urban Transit

• Investing in Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Systems: Metro trains and bus rapid transit corridors can significantly reduce congestion while offering a reliable, fast mode of travel.
• Promoting Non-Motorized Transport: Expanding pedestrian pathways and cycling infrastructure encourages healthier mobility while reducing dependence on automobiles.
• Smart Mobility & AI Integration: Traffic management powered by artificial intelligence, ride-sharing platforms, and autonomous vehicles offer futuristic possibilities for urban commuting.
• Policy and Planning: Governments need to prioritize transit-oriented urban development, ensuring residential and commercial zones are well connected to efficient transport networks.
• Exploring Road-Based Alternatives: India needs to look beyond metro networks to bridge mobility gaps, especially in last-mile connectivity. Alternative technologies like hydrogen, biofuel, and CNG are gaining attention.

Conclusion

• Urbanisation in India presents both opportunities and challenges. While the government is making strides in improving transit infrastructure, there is still a long way to go in ensuring efficient, accessible, and environmentally friendly mobility solutions.
• A combination of policy reforms, technological advancements, and sustainable investments will be crucial in shaping the future of urban transit in India.

Source: TH