Multi-pronged approach with synergisation of travel modes and institutional linkages – critical for sustenance of urban transportation

Urban areas and metros are growing at a much higher rate than the rural areas. Urban areas play a significant role in the development of the nation by contributing 60% of the national income with only 27.78% of the population. Urban Transport is the most crucial (infrastructure) element in shaping urban development and living. The supply of transport is heterogeneous with a number of interacting and competing modes while the demand for it is derived from the overall pattern of urban activity. Urban Transport has a significant impact on the environment, land use, and land development patterns. In India, multiple institutions are responsible for urban transport and it is governed by multiple policies/ Acts/ legislations. While bus is the major mode of urban transport, local/suburban trains (Railway), Taxies/Autos and personalized transport makeup the rest. Lack of proper public transport has resulted in the increase of personal vehicles, causing problems of congestion, pollution and loss of productive time on travel delays. Study of urban transport systems across the world has revealed that well coordinated institutions with dedicated funding sources and proper planning ensure well functioning urban public transport systems, keeping the cities liveable and productive. Urban transport has to be a public good and be funded through public resources. Indian context have revealed a good beginning made in this direction but absence of institutional arrangements for planning at local level, lack of coordination among various institutions and departments, lack of dedicated funding, lack of inter modal coordination, lack of patronage for new rail based systems are also glaring