Ushering New Age Transportation In India – The Various Dynamics, Decadal Growth In Urban Transportation In The Country

1. Introduction

Overview of Urbanisation and Transportation Needs in India

India stands as the most populous country globally. It is experiencing rapid urbanization as people increasingly migrate to major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata in search of better educational and employment opportunities. This migration is gradually expanding urban areas and increasing the demand for efficient infrastructure. According to SBI Research, India’s urban population, which was 31.1% of the total population in the 2011 Census, is expected to reach 35-37% by the 2024 Census.

As urban centres attract more people, cities are becoming more congested and polluted. Infrastructure expansion is struggling to match the speed of urbanisation. By 2030, India’s urban population will reach 600 million people, twice the size of America’s entire population. Additionally, India is projected to have 60 cities with a population of over 1 million and 6 megacities with a population of over 10 million by 2030. The share of the Indian population in urban agglomerations of more than 1 million has increased from 14.3% in 2014 to 16.6% in 2023.

With this shift, the need for efficient and sustainable transportation systems has become critical. The growing urban population requires an efficient public transport network to reduce congestion, pollution, and travel time and achieve sustainable urban growth.

Importance of Modernising Urban Mobility

Conventional modes of transport are incapable of managing the increasing number of commuters in cities. As a result, city roads are flooded with personal vehicles, which are causing higher congestion and pollution. India will need to invest nearly $60 billion per year in urban infrastructure, totalling approximately $900 billion over the next 15 years, to meet the demands of its urban population. Implementing efficient transport systems like Metro, RRTS, and High-Speed Rail is imperative to keep cities free from traffic. These systems will not only reduce traffic and pollution but also strengthen economic activities by attracting businesses to support city growth.

Historical Context and Evolution of Urban Transportation in India

The roots of urban transportation in India can be traced back to the 18th century with the introduction of tramways in cities like Bombay (Mumbai), Calcutta (Kolkata), and Madras (Chennai). To streamline connectivity, the first bus service in India was launched on July 15, 1926, in Mumbai. The first electric tramcar in Kolkata began operations in 1902, with services starting between Esplanade and Kidderpore on March 27, followed by the Esplanade to Kalighat route on June 14. Later, the foundation stone for the Kolkata Metro was laid on 29 December 1972 by Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India. It stands as the first metro rail system in India. It began operation on October 24, 1984.

Decadal Growth Between 2000-2010 in India’s Urban Transportation Network

Metro

In the early stages of India’s urban mobility journey, infrastructure projects often struggled due to bureaucratic roadblocks and a lack of strategic planning. A turning point came with the conceptualisation of the Delhi Metro, which introduced a more strategic approach to urban transportation development.

To overcome the challenges that hampered the Kolkata Metro’s progress, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) called the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was established. This SPV was granted full autonomy to ensure the smooth execution of the project. As a result, Delhi Metro’s first section became operational on December 24, 2002, just 4 years after construction commenced on October 1, 1998. 

The success of Delhi Metro not only addressed the mobility challenges in the capital but also set the standard for metro rail projects across the country. By 2010, Delhi Metro had an operational network of 167.33 kilometres.

Expansion of Suburban Rail Networks

Between 2000 and 2010, the suburban rail network in India experienced growth, particularly in major metropolitan areas such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Here’s an overview of the developments during this period:

• Chennai Suburban Railway:

Phase II Expansion: The second phase of the MRTS, connecting Thirumayilai to Velachery, was sanctioned in 1998. The first section of this phase opened on January 26, 2004, with subsequent extensions completed by November 19, 2007.

• Mumbai Suburban:

The Mumbai suburban railway system continued to expand its services to accommodate the growing population and commuter demand. By 2010, it was one of the busiest suburban rail networks in the world, carrying approximately 7.5 million passengers daily.

• Hyderabad Multi-Modal Transport System

The 44km first phase 1 of the project was completed at a cost of ₹1.62 billion (US$22 million). It was inaugurated on August 9, 2003, by the then Deputy Prime Minister of India, L. K. Advani, at Bhoiguda. In May 2010, Indian Railways decided to undertake Phase II, covering 104 kilometers (65 miles) at an estimated cost of ₹641 crore.

Urban Transit Evolution (2011-2020): Emergence of Metro Era, Monorail, RRTS & High-Speed Rail Corridor

Between 2011 and 2020, India underwent a dramatic shift in its transportation infrastructure through the proliferation of metro rail systems, the emergence of Regional Rapid Transit Systems (RRTS), and high-speed rail development. As urbanisation rapidly increased, the need for efficient, sustainable, and accessible transportation became a critical focus. In response, the government rolled out several initiatives, policies, and projects, which will be covered in the below sections.

The Rise of New Metro Systems

The success of the Delhi Metro highlighted the role of metro systems in improving urban connectivity and reducing traffic congestion in metropolitan cities. Its implementation inspired other cities to adopt metro systems as an efficient solution for addressing urban mobility challenges. Between 2011 and 2020, several cities introduced metro networks to enhance public transportation. Below is an overview of the metro systems established during this period.

1. Bangalore Metro (Namma Metro): It began operations on October 20, 2011, and as of now, It covers 75.2 km of operational route.
2. Gurgaon Rapid Metro: The first privately financed Mass Rapid Transit System in India, operational since November 14, 2013.
3. Mumbai Metro: Developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, operations began on June 8, 2014, with an operational length of 59.19 km.
4. Chennai Metro: Inaugurated on June 29, 2015, Chennai Metro now covers 54.1 km, with another 116.1 km under construction.
5. Kochi Metro: Operational since June 19, 2017, it spans 27.96 km.
6. Lucknow Metro: Launched on September 6, 2017, with an operational length of 22.9 km.
7. Hyderabad Metro: The world’s largest MRTS developed under PPP, operational since November 29, 2017, with a network of 67 km.
8. Ahmedabad Metro: Phase I opened on March 6, 2019, and currently spans 58.66 km.

Other cities, including Bhopal, Indore, Kanpur, and Agra, initiated metro projects during this period.

Regional Rapid Transit Systems (RRTS): Connecting Urban and Peripheral Areas

Unlike Metro Systems, which focus on short-distance travel within urban areas, the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is designed to provide a high-speed, long-distance travel option for commuters between regional nodes in the National Capital Region (NCR). The Trains for RRTS routes are designed to run at a maximum speed of 180 kmph and an operational speed of 160kmph.

Establishment of NCRTC:

• National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) was established on 21 August 2013 to develop, operate, and maintain the RRTS project.

Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor: 

The Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is an 82.15 km semi-high-speed rail corridor, partially operational, designed to connect Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut within the National Capital Region (NCR). This is one of the three priority corridors identified for implementation by India’s Planning Commission.

 Timeline

• May 2017: Uttar Pradesh State Government approved the Detailed Project Report DPR.
• February 2019: Approval from the Government of India
• March 2019: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Delhi – Meerut

2024: Ongoing ConstructionOf 82 km Delhi Meerut RRTS, a 42 km segment from Sahibabad to Meerut South is operational with 9 stations.The entire corridor is expected to become fully operational by June 2025

The Impact of Delhi Meerut RRTS Route

1. Annual CO2 Reduction:

The RRTS is expected to reduce approximately 2.5 lakh tons (250,000 tons) of CO2 equivalent emissions annually. It is also expected to increase the share of public transportation usage along the corridor from 37% to 63%.

2. Solar Power Contribution

1. Current Solar Power Generation
   • 2.21 MWp of in-house solar power generation is operational along the RRTS corridor.
   • This capacity currently saves over 2,300 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
2. Future Solar Power Target
   • The NCRTC aims to achieve a total solar power capacity of 11 MW.
   • Once this target is reached, annual CO2 emissions savings are projected to increase to approximately 11,500 tons.

Thus, it is evident that the implementation of RRTS will have multifaceted benefits, as it will not only streamline connectivity but also help achieve environmental sustainability.

Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (Bullet Train Project)

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor covers 508 kilometres of distance, connecting Mumbai in Maharashtra and Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

The bullet trains on this corridor, operating at a speed of 320 km/h, will reduce travel time and enhance economic integration among Mumbai, Vapi, Surat, Anand, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad. This substantial project is being constructed at a cost of  INR 1,08,000 crore (USD 17 billion) 

Timeline:

• 2013: Initial groundwork for the project began during the visit of India’s Prime Minister to Japan, where a joint feasibility study for high-speed rail technology was proposed.
• July 2015: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) submitted the final feasibility report.
• December 2015: The Government of India approved the MAHSR project after a detailed review by a committee under Niti Aayog.
• February 12, 2016: The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) was established to implement the project.
• September 14, 2017: The foundation stone for the MAHSR corridor was laid.

2024: Ongoing WorkThe foundation work for all eight stations in Gujarat has been completed, and the construction of superstructures is progressing rapidly.So far, 12 river bridges have been completed out of the 20 planned in Gujarat.The first section of the MAHSR in Gujarat is expected to open in 2026.

Monorail Systems

The monorail system is also a type of Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS). In India, Mumbai Monorail is the country’s first and only operational monorail project. Additionally, it is the world’s second-longest monorail, following the Osaka Monorail Main Line in Japan. Unlike the metro, it operates on a single track, typically elevated above ground level.  The Mumbai Monorail has a total length of 20 kilometres. The project was constructed by a consortium of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Scomi Engineering. The first phase was inaugurated and opened to the public on February 2, 2014, while Phase II commenced operations on March 4, 2019.

Significance of Mumbai Monorail

• Lower Emissions: Monorails are an eco-friendly mode of transport as they are typically powered by electricity. The Mumbai monorail is estimated to reduce carbon emissions by around 200 tons of CO2 daily.  
• Interconnectivity: The Mumbai Monorail enhances interconnectivity by linking key suburban railway stations, including Mahalaxmi, Lower Parel, Curry Road, Dadar, and Wadala.
• Lower Construction Costs: The construction of monorails tends to be more cost-effective than traditional metro systems. The estimated investment in the Mumbai Monorail project is ₹24.6 billion ($501.9 million).

Key Dynamics Shaping New-Age Urban Transportation

1. Technological Advancements: The modern transport system incorporates advanced technologies that increase operational efficiency and reduce the risk of human error. For example, the Delhi Metro has implemented driverless and unattended train operations on the Magenta Line using Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling. 

On the other hand, the Delhi-Meerut RRTS is equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 over the LTE backbone for the first time in the world. This system includes Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and Automatic Train Supervision (ATS) sub-systems. Additionally, digital payment solutions are becoming increasingly prominent in urban transit systems.

2. Sustainable Mobility: Urban transport projects are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, such as installing solar panels on station roofs for energy generation and implementing water conservation measures. The RRTS stations are designed with eco-friendly features to minimise environmental impact. NCRTC received the prestigious IGBC Net-Zero Energy (Operations) rating at the Green Building Congress 2024 for the platinum-rated Sahibabad and Guldhar stations on the Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut RRTS corridor.

3. Government Policies and Initiatives: The Indian government has implemented several recent policies and initiatives to improve the urban transit system. 

1. National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP): This policy was launched in 2006. It aimed to promote sustainable urban mobility by prioritising investment in public transport and non-motorised transport (NMT). The policy advocated for an integrated transport framework rather than merely expanding road infrastructure.

2. Metro Rail Policy 2017: The Union Cabinet introduced this policy under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on August 16, 2017. The policy was designed to facilitate the expansion of metro systems across India’s cities.

Key Features of the Metro Rail Policy 2017

• Requirement of Public-Private Partnership (PPP): The policy mandates the inclusion of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) component to ensure efficient utilisation of private resources, expertise, and entrepreneurship.
• Low-Cost Mass Transit Mode: The policy demands an Alternate Analysis to evaluate other mass transit options like the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), Light Rail Transit, Tramways, Metro Rail, and Regional Rail.
• Innovative Funding Mechanisms: To support the financing of metro projects, the policy recommends the use of creative funding solutions, which include Corporate bonds, Value-capture funding 
• Last Mile Connectivity: The policy stresses the importance of last-mile connectivity. It proposes a 5km catchment area on both sides of the metro stations.

3. One Nation One Card (ONOC) initiative: The Government of India introduced the One Nation One Card (ONOC), also known as the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), on March 4, 2019. This card allows users to conveniently access multiple modes of transportation, including buses, metros, and trains, with a single payment solution.

4. Public-Private Partnerships: Despite their potential benefits, PPPs in urban mass transit have faced challenges, including low financial viability, long payback periods, and high capital expenditure, which have limited private investment in metro rail projects. 

Case Study: Some of the metro projects executed on PPPs are below:

• Mumbai Metro Line One: This is India’s first metro project implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The project was entrusted to a consortium headed by Reliance Infrastructure in 2007.  In the fiscal year 2022-2023, Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL) reported a loss of ₹345.26 crore, following a loss of ₹388.70 crore in the previous fiscal year (2021-2022). IDBI Bank and SBI have initiated bankruptcy proceedings against MMOPL, with IDBI seeking to recover ₹133.37 crore. Additionally, Reliance Infrastructure Ltd reported a total principal debt of ₹1,711 crore for the MMOPL consortium in an exchange filing on January 15, 2024.

• Hyderabad Metro Rail: L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Limited (LTMRHL) executed the Hyderabad Metro Rail project. It operates on a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) model. It stands out as the world’s largest metro project implemented under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. Nevertheless, the project has faced critical financial losses. In the fiscal year 2021-22, L&TMRH reported a loss of ₹1,745 crore on revenue of ₹475.37 crore. In 2022-23, losses decreased to ₹1,315.95 crore, with fare collection revenue reaching around ₹500 crore.

5. Funding and Investment Trends: Over the past decade, the funding and investment landscape for urban transit projects in India has evolved. India’s growing transportation sector has attracted substantial support from agencies such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), European Investment Bank (EIB), and Asian Development Bank (ADB).

• In August 2020, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $1 billion loan to support the construction of the Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).
• The Agra Metro project is supported by a €450 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB).
• The European Investment Bank (EIB) has sanctioned $540 million for the Lucknow Metro Rail project.
• The Nagpur Metro project received a $580 million loan from Germany’s KfW Development Bank.

Challenges and Barriers in the Path of Urban Transportation Development

1. Financial and Funding Constraints: Implementing metro systems, suburban rail systems, RRTS, monorails, or high-speed rail projects requires substantial funding and strong financial backing. Despite India being the 5th largest economy ($3.89 trillion) in the world, securing adequate funding for these projects remains a critical challenge for authorities.

• Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP): The project has struggled to secure funding to procure 306 coaches, which resulted in repeated tender cancellations.

• Due to funding constraints in Chennai Metro Phase 2, underground stations have been scaled down by 40%, with lengths reduced from 240 meters in Phase 1 to 150 meters. This change is expected to result in cost savings of ₹2,000 crore in systems procurement.

2. Land Acquisition and Regulatory Hurdles: Urban transit projects in India face challenges related to land acquisition and regulatory approvals. These issues often lead to project delays, increased costs, and complications in implementing essential infrastructure.

• Kolkata Metro: The East-West corridor of Kolkata Metro encountered land acquisition challenges, which led to delays and a 30% cost escalation.

• MAHSR Corridor: The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor, originally targeted for completion by 2023, has faced delays due to similar issues.

3. Sustainable Development and Infrastructure Balancing: A critical challenge in urban transit is achieving sustainable development while creating efficient, equitable, and environmentally friendly transportation systems, as it requires meeting the transportation needs of growing urban populations without compromising environmental goals. This often involves overcoming obstacles such as limited funding, land acquisition issues, and ensuring that new systems reduce carbon emissions while maintaining affordability and accessibility for all.

Future Outlook: Vision for Urban Transportation in India

• Connected and Integrated Mobility: The future urban transportation systems aim to create multi-modal systems which shall integrate metros, buses, and other transit modes for efficient and connected journeys.

• Last-Mile Connectivity: Providing last-mile connectivity shall be a priority for authorities to ensure urban transit systems are accessible to commuters in all parts of cities.

• Smart and Data-Driven Mobility: The incorporation of advanced technologies, such as IoT and advanced signalling systems, in urban transit systems will transform urban mobility by increasing operational efficiency and reducing the need for infrastructure expansion.

Conclusion

India’s urban transportation landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, and it is imperative to accommodate rapid urbanisation, growing populations, and increasing commuter demands. From the historical roots of tramways and suburban rail to the metro systems, RRTS corridors, and high-speed rail projects, the country is heading towards a more connected and sustainable future.

Key developments, such as the Delhi Metro, Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train, and Delhi-Meerut RRTS, exemplify India’s commitment to modernising urban mobility. These projects not only alleviate traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions but also promote economic growth by improving accessibility and promoting regional development. Technological advancements, sustainable practices, and innovative funding models are shaping these endeavors to ensure efficiency and eco-friendliness in operations.

However, achieving this ambitious vision requires continued investments, policy support, and public-private collaboration. By prioritising intelligent, sustainable, and inclusive transportation solutions, India can achieve equitable urban growth while addressing the challenges of climate change and urban sprawl. As the nation progresses, these advancements in urban transit highlight India’s resilience and its resolve to usher in a new era of mobility.