Urbanisation and the Challenge of Ideal Transit Solutions

URBANISATION AND THE CHALLENGE OF IDEAL TRANSIT SOLUTIONS

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 includes urban expansion, which demands better public transport systems. The discussion around cost-effective transit options like trams and e-buses has gained focus in light of growing urban mobility needs.

India’s Urban Shift and Transport Needs

• Over 60% of India’s population is expected to live in urban areas by the 2060s.
• Existing large cities are expanding, and smart cities are still underdeveloped.
• Managing daily commuting needs in such urban settings is a growing challenge.

Government’s Recent Initiatives

• In the Union Budget, the government launched:
  • PM e-Bus Sewa to deploy 10,000 e-buses.
  • PM e-Drive scheme to support 14,000 e-buses, 1.1 lakh e-rickshaws, and other electric vehicles.
• However, India needs 2 lakh urban buses, but only 35,000 are functional, far below the actual demand.
• Metro networks are being expanded, yet they remain expensive and underutilised.

Concerns with Current Urban Transit

• Only 37% of urban residents in India have easy access to public transport.
• Comparatively, countries like China and Brazil offer better access (>50%).
• Metro systems, though helpful, face:
  • High costs, both in construction and operation.
  • Low ridership and fare sensitivity among users.
  • Poor last-mile connectivity, discouraging use.

Need for Cheaper, Reliable Alternatives

• Government focus has shifted to electric buses, but they have high maintenance and replacement costs.
• Private investors show hesitation due to low profit margins.
• Trams and trolleybuses, which are often ignored, offer better long-term financial and environmental gains. Trams show 45% profitability over 70 years, E-buses result in 82% net loss over the same period.

Way Forward

• India must evaluate transport solutions based on cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and coverage.
• The planned tram system in Kochi could be a model for future urban transit.
• Rather than relying solely on subsidies, India needs balanced, scalable transit investments.

Conclusion:

India’s urban transport planning must focus on long-term, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions. Reviving efficient modes like trams can ensure inclusive mobility and support climate goals.