Overhaul of existing urban public transport frameworks needed in India: Study – Hindustan Times

Overhaul of Urban Public Transport Frameworks in India: A Study Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

A recent white paper released by the Indian branch of global consulting firm Kearney highlights the urgent need to overhaul existing urban public transport frameworks in India. This initiative aims to address critical urban challenges such as congestion, pollution, and productivity loss, especially with projections indicating that 40% of India’s population will reside in cities by 2030. The study aligns closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Key Recommendations for Sustainable Urban Transport

1. Establishment of a Central Standards Authority
   • Define infrastructure design, vehicle specifications, operational protocols, and safety standards.
   • Leverage global benchmarks while customizing solutions for the local context.
2. Adoption of Last-Mile Connectivity and Multimodal Integration
   • Implement globally recognized models such as Singapore’s integrated metro and feeder bus system with unified ticketing and real-time tracking.
   • Promote cycling infrastructure similar to Amsterdam’s 500 km of dedicated cycling lanes to support first- and last-mile travel.
3. Conducive Land-Use Planning
   • Develop compact, walkable communities around transit hubs to curb urban sprawl.
   • Boost public transport ridership and promote sustainable urban development.

Systematic Barriers Identified

• Delays and cost overruns in marquee projects due to poor implementation.
• Policy fragmentation leading to limited coordination among agencies.
• Underutilization of alternative funding mechanisms such as land value capture.

Current Urban Transport Scenario

• India currently has 23 cities with metro rail networks, up from 5 in 2010.
• Total metro ridership is approximately 10 million passengers, representing only 5.5% of the population in these cities; Delhi accounts for 77% of this ridership.
• Bus systems face challenges with only 72% of the fleet operational despite electrification efforts.
• Suburban train systems and alternative modes like monorail and ropeways are acknowledged as important components.

Data-Driven Approach and Economic Growth

The study advocates for cost-effective and sustainable transport options tailored to geography and demand, based on data-driven analysis of demographics, travel patterns, and growth forecasts. Furthermore, fostering a domestic ecosystem for manufacturing, skill development, and technology transfer is emphasized to promote self-reliance and economic growth, supporting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Through integrated transport systems and walkable urban development.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Via establishment of standards and promotion of innovative transport solutions.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – By reducing pollution and promoting sustainable mobility.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Through skill development and domestic manufacturing.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Encouraging sustainable transport modes and infrastructure.

Conclusion

Manish Mathur, partner at Kearney, emphasized that India’s urban transit challenge extends beyond infrastructure to integration, necessitating empowered metropolitan transport authorities to streamline planning and deliver seamless mobility across modes. The white paper concludes by urging governments to act as enablers of this transformation by prioritizing people over cars, sustainability over short-term gains, and collaboration over isolation. Embracing this vision with urgency and purpose is essential to pave the way for greener, more connected cities that promise a better tomorrow for all, in line with the global Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article focuses on urban public transport frameworks, congestion, pollution, and sustainable urban development, all central to SDG 11.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Calls for infrastructure design, vehicle specifications, operational protocols, and fostering a domestic ecosystem for manufacturing and technology transfer relate to SDG 9.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Addressing pollution, promoting electrification of buses, and sustainable transport options contribute to climate action.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Reducing pollution and congestion impacts public health positively, linking to SDG 3.
5. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Fostering skill development and economic growth through a domestic manufacturing ecosystem aligns with SDG 8.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport.
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including domestic manufacturing and technology transfer.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning, including sustainable transport solutions.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
5. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including skill development.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport (implied by discussion of metro ridership and bus fleet operational status).
   • Percentage of urban population living in walkable, compact communities around transit hubs (implied by advocacy for walkable communities and land-use planning).
2. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Number of domestic manufacturing units and level of technology transfer (implied by fostering domestic ecosystem and skill development).
   • Operational status and quality of transport infrastructure (implied by calls for infrastructure design and standards authority).
3. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Levels of urban air pollution (implied by mention of India having six of the world’s nine most polluted cities).
   • Percentage of electric buses in the fleet and their operational status.
4. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Incidence of diseases related to air pollution (implied by focus on pollution reduction).
5. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Employment rates in manufacturing and transport sectors (implied by skill development and economic growth focus).
   • Economic losses due to congestion (quantified as $22 billion annually in four major cities).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: hindustantimes.com