How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development in India?

According to 2011 Census, India has its 31% population in urban areas which is expected to reach 50% by 2040. Urban mass transport stands as key to urban mobility, which itself is a major reason why Indian cities contribute 70% to our GDP.

Roadways, railways, waterways have been the traditional mode of Urban transport, while Hyperloop, Monorail, etc. are the new frontiers of urban mass transportation.

Importance of efficient and affordable urban mass transportation:

1. Boosts economic activity: Cheap and quicker movement of goods and people.

2. Reduces Carbon footprint: leading to cleaner cities and mitigation of environmental crisis.

3. Growth of suburban and peri urban centres: extension of cities.

4. Improved accessibility, monetary savings on transportation.

5. Boosts ancillary industries associated with transportation system and creates job opportunities

6. Greater innovation in automotive and road structure design: reduced costs to companies and nations (Low oil import bill).

Steps taken towards Efficient and affordable Urban Mass transportation:

1. Government Policies like National Urban Transit system, National Electricity Mobility Mission Plan, etc. to boost sustainable Urban Transportation.

2. Innovations in automotive engineering (Catalytic converters, Hybrid vehicles) and structural design (use of plastic in road construction, Geotextiles)

3. Focus on mass mobility: Increased budget allocation for urban Metro projects, Low floor electric buses.

4. Ethanol Blending program, creating charging infrastructure, smart traffic lights etc.

The future of urban mobility is not only to reap economic benefits but also to contribute to environment conservation and social inclusivity. A forward looking sustainable urban mass transport policy catering to all these dimensions will be a huge step in the right direction.