Urban Transportation Pattern in India: A Review

Abstract

Cities and towns play a major role in encouraging economic growth and prosperity. Though less than one-third of Indian people live in cities and towns, these areas produce over two-third of the country’s income and account for 90% of government revenues. In the upcoming years, as India becomes more and more urbanized, urban areas will play a major role in supporting high rates of economic growth. But, economic growth momentum can be sustained if and only if cities function efficiently – that their resources are used to maximize the cities’ contribution to national income. The effectiveness of city largely depends upon the effectiveness of its transport systems, that is, efficacy with which people and goods are moved throughout the city. Poor transport systems suppress economic growth and development, and the net effect may be a loss of competitiveness in both domestic as well as international markets. This paper provides a summary of urban transport challenges and issues in India. Rather than covering every aspect of urban transportation, it primarily focuses on those areas that are important from policy point of view. The paper first reviews the major trends of vehicular growth and obtainability of transport infrastructure in Indian cities. This is followed by a discussion on the nature and magnitude of urban transport problems such as congestion, pollution and road accidents. Building on this background, the paper suggests policy measures to enhance urban transportation in India.