Urban Transportation at a Glance

As the population grows, so does production, consumption, and transportation demand. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, the transport sector is vast and multifaceted. It heavily impacts economic activities across the nation. As of the fiscal year 2012-2013, urban transportation contributed approximately 5.2% to the national GDP, with road transportation representing a substantial share.

Regulatory Framework

The governance of urban transport is primarily executed by the Ministry of Urban Development, which operates under the provisions outlined in the National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP), 2006. This policy framework mandates that state governments oversee urban transport management while adhering to central policies. Many vital agencies collaborate to implement these policies, ensuring cohesive and efficient transport solutions across urban regions.

Key Components

1. Transport Modes: Urban transportation encompasses various modes, including:
   • Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS): Designed for efficient bus transit, reducing travel time and enhancing passenger experience.
   • Metro Rail Projects: These projects facilitate high-capacity urban transit, providing a reliable alternative to road-based transport.

Urban transportation is particularly complex due to the different modes of transport, numerous starting points and destinations, and the diverse types of traffic. However, it enhances connectivity within the regions, allowing people to avoid road congestion and reach their destination on time. 

Early History of Urban Transport in India

On April 16, 1853, India witnessed the launch of its first urban rail transit system with the introduction of commuter rail in Mumbai. The first passenger train in India ran from Bori Bunder (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) to Thane, covering a distance of 34 km in 1 hour and 15 minutes. This became India’s first suburban rail. This service laid the foundation for future rail networks in urban areas, providing a reliable means of transportation for commuters.

The Tram Era

During the early 20th century, the tram system emerged as a prominent mode of urban transport in several major cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai. These tram networks were designed to provide efficient and reliable public transit, catering to the growing demands of urban populations. These systems are discontinued in Chennai, Delhi, and Kanpur, making Kolkata an exception where trams are still operated. 

Different Forms and Trends in the Indian Urban Transport

List of India’s Major Urban Transport

Focus on India’s Metro System

1919:

• W.E. Crum established a committee in September 1919.
• The committee recommended the development of a metro line in Kolkata, setting up the initial proposal for India’s first metro system.

1949-50:

• The Government of West Bengal submitted a formal proposal for the Kolkata Metro.
• A survey was conducted by French experts to assess the feasibility of the project.

1972:

• After a delay of 23 years, the foundation stone for the Kolkata Metro was laid.

1984:

• On 24 October 1984, the Kolkata Metro became operational, making it India’s first metro system.

Metro systems in India developed in parallel with urbanisation, as the increasing population density and infrastructural demands in major cities necessitated advanced transit solutions. As urban expansion progressed, additional metro projects were implemented to facilitate economic growth and enhance intercity connectivity, providing an efficient and sustainable mode of transportation for the evolving urban landscape.

Operational Metro Lines 

Under Construction Metro Lines

Approved Metro Lines

Planned Metro Lines

The metro system in India has significantly expanded in terms of length, development in different cities, and ridership. 

Source: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

Challenges Faced by the Indian Metro System

1. Low Ridership: A report by IIT Delhi reveals that most metro networks in India operate at less than 50% of their expected capacity. The Delhi Metro achieves around 47% of its projected ridership, while Mumbai and Kolkata hover around 30%, and Bengaluru registers a mere 6%. Despite these low utilization rates, daily ridership across all metro systems in India has surpassed 10 million, with projections to exceed 12.5 million in the near future. For example, the Delhi Metro has reported an average of approximately 67 lakh passenger journeys on weekdays, representing an 8% increase over the ridership projections for 2023.

2. Faulty Planning and Execution: Issues related to detailed project reports (DPRs), such as poor planning for first and last-mile connectivity and insufficient catchment areas, contribute to low ridership. 

3. Lack of First and Last-Mile Connectivity: Inadequate feeder bus services present a major obstacle to accessing metro stations, with bus services available on only 44% of approved routes in cities like Delhi due to fleet shortages. This lack of reliable first and last-mile connectivity discourages potential commuters from using the metro, limiting the system’s overall effectiveness and ridership growth.

4. Fluctuating Raw Material Prices

It is difficult to predict the prices of the raw materials used in metro construction. The prices fluctuate based on market demand and supply, sometimes making it costly for the contractors to fulfil the project within the assigned budget.

5. Adapting to the Changing Socio-Economic Dynamics

Due to the rapid growth and development of cities, changes in technology, demography, socioeconomic conditions, and the environment all need to be taken into account. The system must adapt to changing trends through various strategies, including comfort, end-to-end connectivity options, and real-time and reliable information.

6. Financial Sustainability

The construction of the metro involves high costs, and the low ridership in various cities affects the revenue of the metro in those cities. This leads to losses. Due to such situations, multiple cities face difficulties in launching the metro. Let us consider the Mumbai metro, where the operations of local trains are more beneficial to the locals. The people prefer to travel via local trains as they are less expensive than metros and people can travel long distances for just 5-10 rupees. 

Benefits of the Metro System in India

1. Speed and Efficiency

Metro rails are efficient and carry up to 50,000 passengers every hour. Their speed helps them cover long distances in a short period, allowing people to travel easily, safely, and quickly. 

2. Environment Friendly

The metro rails are electrically powered, and their operation produces zero emissions, which helps to reduce air pollution. As more and more people prefer the metro to avoid road congestion, the number of private vehicles on roads has been reduced, helping to improve the air quality of cities. 

3. Economic Development

The construction and operation of metro rails in cities have helped to improve their economies. The projects have attracted multiple business opportunities and new investments, helping many people get employment. The standard of living in the cities has improved. 

4. Social Equity

Metro rails have helped to improve social equity and reduce social discrimination. As travel has become affordable and accessible, almost everyone can use the metro as a transportation facility regardless of income and social status. 

Exploring the Metrolite Projects in India

Metrolite projects, also known as light rail transit, are an urban rail transit combination of rapid transit and tram systems. As it is cost-efficient, several urban cities have utilised the metrolite system in their cities. It caters to low-ridership demand and acts as a feeder service for existing metro systems.

Approved Metrolite Projects

Planned Metrolite Projects

Challenges Faced by Metrolite Projects

1. Cost and Revenue

The major challenge for metrolite projects is the high cost involved in the construction. The cost of construction is high, and there are high chances for the project to incur loses due to low ridership. 

2. Displacement and Congestion

The light rail project can lead to the displacement of local residents. It can also make streets congested, causing people to suffer from road congestion. 

Benefits of Metrolite Projects

1. Boost Local Economy

The Metrolite projects will provide enhanced transportation facilities to the residents and tourists and create business opportunities in the city. Besides creating employment in the construction and operations of the metrolite, the local economy will see a boost. The shops in the range of the metrolite corridor will be benefited. As the city develops, many educational institutions and commercial centres will open, leading to the city’s economic growth. 

2. Reduced Road Congestion

The metrolite system can reduce the number of cars on the road by providing a reliable and efficient mode of transportation. It will help to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. 

A New Trend of RRTS Projects in India

Regional Rapid Rail Transit (RRTS) connects metropolitan areas with similarly sized cities and surrounding towns and cities. Its high speed enables it to cover long distances in a short period. The maximum speed of RRTS is 180 km/h, the operating speed is 160 km/h, and the average speed is 100 km/h. 

The Delhi-Meerut RRTS, or RapidX, is partially operational, and the 100 m route is still under construction.

Expected Daily Ridership on the Priority Corridors of the RRTS

Challenges Associated with the Construction of RRTS

1. Land Acquisition

Due to the high population of Delhi and Meerut, it became difficult for the NCRTC to acquire land to construct RRTS. Compensation and negotiations delayed the construction and completion of the RRTS project. 

2. Pollution Control

As pollution in Delhi NCR is rising rapidly, smog mitigation became a huge challenge during the construction of the Delhi-Merut RRTS. Several measures, such as sprinkling water and deploying anti-smog guns, were taken to ensure a reduction in dust.

Benefits of RRTS

1. Rise in Economic Activities

RRTS focuses on improving the pattern of movement and development across different regions. As RRTS offers high-speed travel, the total time to reach the destination is reduced, enhancing the region’s productivity and overall economic activities.

2. Employment Opportunities

RRTS would open up new opportunities for the people of the country. With its development and commencement, new businesses and shops would open up in the regions, creating job opportunities for the people. It would also improve the people’s travel conditions.

Trams: Future of Indian Urban Transport System?

The introduction of trams in Indian cities took place in the late 19th century; however, many cities phased out the plan. The only city that implemented a tram system is Kolkata, which is still operational. After the construction of the Kolkata Metro Green Line, only 19.53 km of tram lines were operational in Kolkata. 

Operational Tram in India

Defunct Trams in India

Discussing Kolkata Tram

Recent Update on Kolkata Tram Service

Exploring Some Of The Tram Systems in Asia

Trams started to be used as urban transport systems in Asia in the early 20th century. However, their use started to decline around the 1930s, and by the 1960s, most tram systems were closed. Extensive legacy tramways still exist in Japan, and more modern systems have recently been built in China.

Challenges Faced By Trams in India

1. Higher Implementation Cost

Buses don’t need street alterations to start operating, but installing rails for tram tracks and overhead power cables requires a higher initial cost. The high costs and risks of installing tram tracks make it difficult to think of opening trams in India, as trams can be easily substituted with buses. 

2. Hazardous for 2-Wheelers

Bicycles on tram tracks, especially those with narrow tyres, risk getting their wheels stuck in the tracks. Tram tracks can become slippery when wet, mainly during the rainy season, making riding a bicycle or a motorcycle unsafe, especially in traffic.

Benefits Offered By Trams 

1. Reduced Road Congestion and Pollution

Trams are more efficient to use as they can accommodate up to four cars. They reduce the use of private vehicles, allowing the city to look well-maintained and traffic-free. 

2. Environmental Friendly

Trams are a sustainable option compared to cars and buses. They accommodate a large number of people and also reduce air and noise pollution in the city. Using stell wheels in the trams is environmentally sustainable as they can be recycled more easily than the rubber tiers.

Bullet Trains: Finding Their Way in the Indian Urban Transportation

During the 1980s, India proposed bullet trains that run up to 250 km/h. Since then, initiatives have been taken to do pre-feasibility studies, prepare project reports, and predesign documents by multi-national engineering companies and countries (e.g., Japan, Spain, France, etc.). They continuously worked towards finalising costs, selecting the right technology, and starting construction work.

In February 2016, National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) was established to finance, construct, maintain and manage all high-speed rail corridors in India. NHSRCL was formed with equity participation by the Central Government through the Ministry of Railways and Gujarat and Maharashtra state governments.

Challenges Faced by Bullet Train

1. Technical Difficulties

High-speed rail technology demands specific technical knowledge and experience. For instance, there is a requirement for significant tunnelling and bridge building to utilise the challenging terrain for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad route. Training indian engineers and managers for the project becomes difficult.

2. Cost and Affordability

The construction of bullet trains requires a large sum of money. Due to their expensive tickets, a large proportion of the population may not be able to afford them.

3.  Political Differences

The implementation, construction, and operations of the bullet trains see a delay due to political differences. Any two cities with different political parties see differencing thoughts in the bullet trains and thereby delays the approval of the project.

Benefits of Bullet Train project

1. Support to Make in India

Bullet trains utilize Japanese technology and components made in India, providing support to the Make in India campaign of India.

2. Time Efficiency

Travel times can be decreased by bullet trains because of their rapid speeds. A bullet train, for example, can cover the distance between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in less than three hours, whereas a standard train would take seven or eight hours to complete the same distance.

Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project: Key Progress Updates

Standard Requirements to Enhance the Urban Transportation

1. Encourage Green Mobility

There is a need to encourage the use of bicycles, e-rickshaws, and electric vehicles. The use of micromobility systems like electric bikes and e-scooters for short trips can be a small step to enhance the sustaineblt transport system in India.

2. Public Financing

It is important to allocate the resources to the transport authorities for sustainable mobility. The budgets are ill-equipped to meet such huge capital expenditure. To smoothen transportation, correcting the imbalance between funds and investments made for the urban transportation system is necessary.

3. Involvement of Private Firms

The involvement of the private sector is crucial for financing and managing urban transport services in the city. Due to the scarcity of public funds and expertise, the PPP (Public Private Partnership ) route has been proposed in the recent past for funding and implementing urban transport projects. 

Conclusion

India’s urban transportation system is evolving rapidly to meet challenges such as a growing population and diverse mobility needs. While significant progress has been made with initiatives like metro systems, metrolite projects, and the introduction of bullet trains, challenges such as financial sustainability, land acquisition, and public acceptance have remained a significant concern for the authorities. Promoting green mobility, encouraging public-private partnerships, and enhancing funding mechanisms are essential for a more efficient and environmentally friendly transport network. By addressing these issues, India can create a sustainable urban transport system that supports economic growth and improves the quality of life for its citizens.