Efficient and affordable urban mass transport plays a pivotal role in fostering the rapid economic development of India on multiple fronts. Firstly, it addresses the burgeoning issue of traffic congestion in major urban centers, leading to significant time and productivity losses. A streamlined and reliable mass transport system reduces commute times, allowing the workforce to spend more time on productive activities. This, in turn, enhances overall economic output.
Secondly, a well-planned urban mass transport system promotes inclusive economic growth by improving accessibility for all segments of society. Affordable transportation options ensure that even low-income individuals can easily reach their workplaces, educational institutions, and markets, facilitating their active participation in the economic landscape. This inclusivity contributes to a more equitable distribution of opportunities and resources, fostering social cohesion and reducing income disparities.
Moreover, an efficient mass transit system can attract investments and spur economic activities in peripheral areas. As connectivity improves, businesses are more likely to establish themselves in regions with accessible transportation, leading to the development of satellite hubs and the decentralization of economic activities. This not only reduces the burden on overpopulated urban centers but also creates new employment opportunities in surrounding areas.
Furthermore, a robust urban mass transport system contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the reliance on private vehicles, thereby curbing air pollution and mitigating the impact of climate change. This environmental consciousness not only improves the quality of life for citizens but also positions India as a responsible global player, attracting environmentally conscious investments and partnerships.
Tag: Urbanisation, their problems, and their remedies.
Decoding the Question:
- In the Introduction, try to briefly write about mass transport and its need.
- In Body, briefly write how efficient urban mass transport is key for rapid economic development.
- In Conclusion, try to mention the overall significance of urban mass transport.
Answer:
Urban mass transport plays a crucial role in shaping the economic landscape of India is no exception As the fastest-growing economy globally, efficient and affordable urban mass transport holds the key to sustaining and accelerating India’s rapid economic development. I
Urban Mass Transport is key for Rapid Economic Development:
- Reduced Congestion and Time Efficiency: According to a report by the Boston Consulting Group, traffic congestion costs the top four Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata) around $22 billion annually in lost productivity and fuel consumption.
Example: The Global Mobility Report 2019 states that commuters in Mumbai and Delhi spend an average of 135 and 128 hours per year, respectively, stuck in traffic, leading to economic losses and reduced work efficiency.
- Enhanced Workforce Mobility: The World Bank estimates that a 10% improvement in travel time within a city can increase the productivity of firms by 3.5%. The lack of adequate transport facilities in urban areas reduces labor market access, leading to lower labor force participation and employment opportunities.
Example: In Bengaluru, where daily commuting times are often substantial, investing in efficient public transport can unlock significant productivity gains for businesses and workers.
- Boost to Productivity and Competitiveness: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs reported that the Delhi Metro alone contributed around Rs 37,500 crore annually to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by increasing productivity, reducing travel time, and attracting investments.
- Promotion of Inclusive Growth: The World Resources Institute (WRI) highlights that public transport systems like buses and metros offer more affordable and accessible mobility options to lower-income groups, ensuring that they can access economic opportunities in urban centers.
Example: The Kolkata Metro provides affordable transit options to residents, helping bridge the accessibility gap and promoting inclusive growth.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: A report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reveals that vehicles are a major contributor to urban air pollution, with metro systems like Delhi Metro reducing around 3.9 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
- Attracting Investments: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) cites that cities with efficient and reliable public transport systems are more attractive to investors due to improved mobility, reduced logistics costs, and enhanced accessibility to markets.
Example: Cities with efficient and reliable public transport systems, such as Hyderabad’s successful metro network, become attractive investment destinations.
- Stimulating Real Estate Development: A study by the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, found that properties near metro stations in Mumbai witnessed a 10-15% increase in prices due to improved connectivity, spurring real estate development and investment.
Example: properties near metro lines in Gurgaon witnessed a surge in demand due to improved connectivity, stimulating further real estate development in the area.
- Reducing Road Accidents and Healthcare Costs: According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, over 1.5 lakh people died in road accidents in India in 2022. Safe and efficient mass transport systems can help reduce road accidents, leading to lower healthcare costs and saving human lives.
Example: Safe and efficient mass transport systems like Ahmedabad’s Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) contribute to reducing road accidents and fatalities.
- Transport-oriented model: India’s transport-oriented model focuses on developing efficient and sustainable urban mass transport systems to drive economic growth. With rapid urbanization and increasing traffic congestion, investing in reliable modes of transportation becomes crucial. For example, the Delhi Metro contributes around Rs 37,500 crore annually to India’s GDP, reducing travel time and enhancing productivity. Similarly, the Bengaluru metro’s 10% improvement in travel time can lead to a 3.5% increase in firms’ productivity.
Challenges with Urban Mass Transport in India:
- Insufficient Infrastructure Investment: According to the World Bank, India’s public infrastructure investment is relatively low, accounting for only about 3% of its GDP. This underinvestment leads to inadequate development and maintenance of mass transport systems, resulting in subpar services and limited coverage.
Example: The Kolkata Metro, one of the oldest mass transit systems in India, has struggled with expansions and upgrades due to inadequate funding. The delayed implementation of projects has led to overcrowded trains and inconvenience for commuters.
- Lack of Integration and Connectivity: One of the contributing factors is the lack of seamless integration between different modes of transport, leading to inefficient transfers and longer travel times for commuters.
Example: In Bengaluru, the lack of seamless integration between the metro and other modes of transport has resulted in commuters facing multiple ticketing systems and difficulties in transferring between different transit modes.
- Financial Viability and Operational Efficiency: Many public transport systems in India face financial challenges, with operational costs often exceeding revenues. As per a report by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, public transport operators in 300 cities incur losses, affecting their sustainability and quality of service.
Example: The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), which operates bus services in Delhi, has faced financial challenges, leading to an aging fleet and limited investment in newer buses, affecting the quality and reliability of services.
- Growing Demand vs. Capacity Constraints: Urban areas in India are experiencing rapid population growth and urbanization. According to the United Nations, India’s urban population is expected to reach 600 million by 2030. Meeting the growing demand for mass transport while facing capacity constraints remains a significant challenge.
Example: Mumbai’s suburban railway system, one of the busiest in the world, grapples with the challenge of accommodating the overwhelming number of daily commuters, leading to overcrowded trains and safety concerns.
- Safety and Security Concerns: Instances of safety and security issues on public transport, such as the safety of women passengers, discourage people from using mass transit systems. A study by Jagori, a women’s rights organization, found that around 90% of women in Delhi feel unsafe using public transport.
Example: Incidents of harassment and safety concerns on public transport, particularly for women, have been reported in cities like Delhi, making it necessary to address these issues to create a safer and more inclusive transport environment.
Steps taken in this direction:
- Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): PMGSY aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to rural areas, enhancing accessibility and connectivity for people living in remote regions. As of September 2022, PMGSY has completed the construction of over 7,00,000 kilometers of rural roads, benefitting millions of people in rural India.
- Smart Cities Mission: The Smart Cities Mission focuses on developing 100 cities across the country with modern infrastructure, including efficient public transportation systems. As of July 2022, over 6,900 projects worth Rs 1.66 lakh crore have been tendered, and more than 5,700 projects worth Rs 1.43 lakh crore have been completed under the mission.
- Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): AMRUT aims to upgrade basic infrastructure in cities and improve the quality of life for urban residents, including the development of urban transport infrastructure. By September 2022, AMRUT projects worth Rs 77,640 crore had been approved, focusing on improving urban mobility and public transport in various cities.
- Bharatmala Pariyojana: The Bharatmala project is a mega infrastructure development program that aims to build and upgrade roads across the country, including national highways and economic corridors. The first phase of Bharatmala, approved in October 2022, includes the construction of around 34,800 kilometers of highways at an estimated cost of Rs 5.35 lakh crore.
- National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP): The NUTP provides a policy framework for sustainable and inclusive urban transport planning and development. The NUTP encourages the use of public transport and non-motorized modes and emphasizes the integration of different transport modes to create seamless and efficient urban transport networks.
- Metro Rail Policy: The Metro Rail Policy provides guidelines for the development of metro rail projects in Indian cities, aiming to promote environmentally sustainable and cost-effective mass transit systems. As of July 2022, metro rail projects are operational in 18 cities, covering a total length of about 754 kilometers, with many more projects under construction and planning.
Conclusion:
- Hence, Careful planning of the urban goods movement is necessary to ensure the economic vitality of the urban economy on the one hand and to contribute to sustainable urban mass transport on the other. Consideration of road safety in urban planning and development of transport policy is also important. By prioritizing investments in modern and efficient mass transport infrastructure, India can pave the way for a prosperous and sustainable future, ensuring that economic development reaches every corner of the nation.
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