Introduction
A well-functioning metro system is more than just a network of rail lines and stations; its success depends on efficient last-mile connectivity. India’s central government has invested heavily in metro rail networks to counter urban traffic congestion. Although these networks have improved travel experiences for millions of citizens, they have struggled to achieve the projected ridership mentioned in DPRs. In some cases, ridership has reached only 10% of the expected numbers (UITP India, 2021).
Projected & Actual Metro Ridership in India
One of the major hindrances to metro use is cost. However, even in segments that have the economic ability to use the metro, there is a crucial problem from the last-mile issue, which discourages many commuters. The convenience of accessing metro stations and reaching final destinations defines the overall usability and efficiency of the system. Research done by WRI India in Bengaluru indicates that about 70% of surveyed potential metro commuters avoid using the metro system owing to problems pertaining to inconvenient access.
In India, where urban congestion is a major challenge, well-planned last-mile solutions can encourage public transport adoption, reducing traffic congestion and pollution. This study aims to elucidate the role of last mile connectivity in backing the metro projects.
Need for Last-Mile Connectivity in Metro System
Last-mile connectivity of metro systems is needed to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of urban transportation. This article elaborates on some of the major reasons behind this requirement.
- Boosting Efficiency and Ridership: Efficient last-mile options like feeder buses, e-rickshaws, hire bikes, and e-scooters facilitate the ease and convenience of travel to the metro stations for commuters. Studies indicate that cities with strong last-mile solutions witness up to a 20-30% increase in metro ridership.
- Enhancing Commuter Convenience: According to a 2021 report by RITES Ltd., 30% to 40% of metro users in urban areas face accessibility issues while reaching metro stations because there are not enough feeder services. Low-income communities and the disabled are majorly affected, with them experiencing problems due to the non-availability of low-cost last-mile transport.
- Reducing Traffic Congestion and Pollution
By providing reliable and cost-effective last-mile transportation, cities can encourage a shift from private vehicles to public transport. Improved public transport can lower the reliance of commuters on private vehicles. Decreasing the number of private vehicles will lower air pollution,
Role of Metro Rail Policy 2017
To address this problem, the Indian central government has given priority to last-mile connectivity improvements to increase metro rail ridership. The Metro Rail Policy of 2017 made it compulsory that comprehensive last-mile service planning be done for metro projects to get central financial aid. Moreover, the appraisal guidelines of upcoming projects include feeder bus route plans, as described by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in 2017. The efficient last-mile connectivity promotes the transition from personal vehicles to public transport.
Case Studies on Last-Mile Connectivity
1.Delhi Metro: India’s Largest Metro System
Delhi, the capital of India, operates one of the world’s largest and fastest-expanding metro networks. The Delhi Metro has evolved as a key urban transportation system over 2 decades by connecting not only the city but also surrounding areas such as Gurgaon, Noida, and Faridabad. Presently, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) runs a network of around 395.248 Km with 289 stations. Delhi Metro’s feeder services have increased overall ridership by 12%, particularly benefiting women by providing safer and more reliable transit options.
Initiatives by DMRC to Facilitate Last-Mile Connectivity
- E-Auto Services: In July 2024, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) improved last-mile connectivity with the introduction of over 1,100 electric auto-rickshaws (e-autos). Out of a total of 2,299 e-auto licenses provided to the DMRC by the Transport Department, 1,183 e-autos have been successfully registered. Around 40 DMRC stations are currently making possible the functioning of these e-autos.
- Bike Taxi Integration via Mobile App: In November 2024, a specially tailored initiative was drawn up by DMRC to address the needs and preferences of women metro passengers. DMRC launched bike taxi booking facilities directly through Delhi Metro’s official mobile application, DMRC Momentum (Delhi Sarthi 2.0). Passengers can make use of two forms of Bike taxis, viz., SHERYDS– for women, by women and RYDR– for all passengers.
3. Policy for Allocation of Spaces: In August 2024, DMRC launched a new policy to allocate and provide spaces for first and last-mile services at metro stations. This initiative is designed to enhance accessibility and increase revenue through partnerships with service providers.
Current Status of Last-Mile Connectivity Services Provided by DMRC
| Type of Last-Mile Service | Number of Stations Where the Service is Available |
| E-Rickshaw – Services | 2 stations. |
| Pedal Cycles | 18 stations. |
| Battery Operated Cycles | 43 stations |
| E- AUTO Services | 40 stations |
- Lack of Integrated Planning: Indian urban transport networks are inward-oriented, with no coordination with feeder transport networks.
- Inadequate Infrastructure: About 40% of Indian metro stations lack well-built bus bays or special auto zones, a cause of traffic congestion around exit points of the station.
- High-Costs: The 2022 Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report showed that Indian city last-mile travel costs were 30-40% of the overall trip cost, thus decreasing the feasibility of utilizing metro services.
Impact of Good Last-Mile Infrastructure
- Expanded Role of Women: The price of not having adequate access to metro systems is steep. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has estimated that increased access to safe transport can increase the participation rate of women in developing countries by 16.5%.
- Reduced Traffic Congestion: A good last-mile infrastructure will be beneficial in multifaceted ways. It will not only attract more commuters but also reduce the no. of private vehicles which will result in and low carbon emissions.
- Impact on Travel Time and Costs: A study by World Resources Institute (WRI) on Delhi’s urban mobility indicates that commuters spend 40% of their total travel time and 48% of their travel cost covering just 18% of the total travel distance required to reach public mass transit modes like the Delhi Metro.
Conclusion
The success of Indian metro networks largely rests on properly integrated last-mile connectivity solutions. This absence of last-mile infrastructure discourages ridership. Addressing these concerns via feeder buses, e-rickshaws, bikes, and taxis can help go a long way towards encouraging metro uptake. Cities that have successfully scaled up last-mile solutions have attained 20-30% ridership growth.
Investment in last-mile infrastructure, given top priority by the Metro Rail Policy 2017, will enhance access, reduce congestion, and facilitate gender-inclusive public mobility, which could add 16.5% to women’s participation rate. The development of improved last-mile infrastructure is required in order to unleash the full potential of metro rail systems in the country.
