Why in the News?
India’s path to becoming a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047 relies on transforming its urban areas, as over 60% of the population is expected to live in cities by the 2060s.
What are the main challenges India faces in achieving efficient urban mobility?
- Insufficient Public Transport Coverage: Only 37% of urban residents have easy access to public transport, compared to over 50% in countries like Brazil and China. Eg: Many Tier-2 cities still lack proper metro or bus services.
- Shortage of Urban Buses: India needs about 2,00,000 urban buses, but currently has only 35,000 (including e-buses). Eg: Overcrowded buses in Delhi and Bengaluru during peak hours show the supply-demand gap.
- Poor Last-Mile Connectivity: Even when metros are available, the cost and difficulty of reaching homes or offices from stations reduce usage. Eg: Metro commuters in Mumbai often rely on expensive auto-rickshaws for last-mile travel.
- High Cost and Low Returns from Metro Projects: Metros are expensive and slow to build, with lower-than-expected ridership, making cost recovery hard. Eg: Many phases of the Jaipur Metro remain underutilized due to low footfall.
- Limited Government Subsidies and Private Investment: Unlike developed nations, India cannot afford large recurring subsidies, and private investment is low due to uncertain returns. Eg: E-bus projects in Pune face delays due to funding and maintenance challenges.
Why is the current investment in metro and e-bus infrastructure falling short?
- High Cost and Low Ridership: Metro projects involve huge capital and operational costs, but often fail to attract enough passengers to recover expenses. Eg: The Lucknow Metro struggles with low ridership despite high investment.
- Fare Sensitivity and Last-Mile Issues: People are price-sensitive, and poor last-mile connectivity discourages use of metros and e-buses. Eg: In Hyderabad, a small hike in metro fares led to a drop in daily commuters.
- Unsustainable Operational Models: E-buses have high replacement and maintenance costs, making them financially unviable in the long run. Eg: Many cities like Nagpur face challenges maintaining their e-bus fleets without subsidies.
How do trams compare to e-buses in terms of long-term cost-effectiveness?
- Higher Long-Term Profitability: Trams show about 45% profitability over their typical 70-year life cycle, making them more financially sustainable. Eg: European cities like Vienna continue to expand tram networks due to long-term cost benefits.
- Lower Operational and Replacement Costs: Trams require less frequent replacements and have lower running costs compared to e-buses, which face high battery and maintenance expenses. Eg: Kolkata’s tram system, though outdated, still operates at a lower cost than many new e-bus services.
- Better Scalability and Climate Alignment: Trams are more scalable in dense cities and better aligned with climate goals due to zero tailpipe emissions and use of electricity from clean sources. Eg: The planned Kochi tram project is being promoted as a sustainable alternative to road-based transport.
Which schemes support urban transport in the Budget 2024?
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Way forward:
- Integrated Multi-Modal Transport Planning: Develop seamless connectivity between metro, buses, e-rickshaws, trams, and non-motorised transport (NMT) to reduce last-mile gaps and improve user convenience.
- Prioritise Cost-Effective and Sustainable Modes: Encourage trams and trolleybuses in high-density corridors through life-cycle cost analysis, while ensuring targeted subsidies for low-income commuters and investment in green fuels like bio-CNG and hydrogen.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2019] How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development of India?
Linkage: The article talks about different types of public transport like buses, metros, trams, and trolleybuses, and how important it is to choose options that are affordable and effective. It stresses the need for a strong and efficient public transport system to deal with the growing challenges of travel in cities. As more people move to cities, the article says urban areas will play a key role in driving India’s economic growth, making good public transport even more important.
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