Model Answer

Introduction

Urban areas are the engines of India’s economic growth, contributing about 65% of the nation’s GDP. With urbanization accelerating, this share is expected to reach 70% by 2030. To sustain this momentum, efficient urban mass transport systems are critical for overcoming congestion, reducing emissions, and enhancing productivity.

The Significance of Urban Mass Transport for India’s Economic Development

1. Supporting Clusters and Agglomerations
   Efficient urban transport fosters high-density development by overcoming the limitations of private vehicle usage. This enhances economic clustering and productivity.
   • Fact: Metropolitan congestion costs major Indian cities 1–6% of GDP annually due to delays and inefficiencies.
2. Raising Energy Efficiency
   Public transport is significantly more energy-efficient, using only a sixth of the energy per passenger mile compared to private vehicles.
   • Fact: Expanding metro rail systems could reduce India’s carbon emissions by 14% by 2030 (McKinsey report).
3. Increasing Productive Man-Hours
   Improved transit systems save commuting time, especially in traffic-heavy cities like Bengaluru, enabling better utilization of working hours.
   • Fact: Commuters in Bengaluru spend an average of 243 hours annually stuck in traffic (TomTom Traffic Index, 2022).
4. Promoting Social Inclusivity
   Affordable and accessible mass transit connects marginalized communities in urban peripheries to economic hubs, fostering equity.
   • Fact: Women’s safety perceptions improve with secure mass transport, reducing gender inequality.
5. Enhancing Job Accessibility
   Improved connectivity broadens the labor market by making jobs more accessible to workers from diverse locations.
   • Fact: Traffic delays in Delhi and Bengaluru cause significant economic losses due to reduced workforce efficiency.
6. Health and Environmental Benefits
   Efficient public transport reduces pollution exposure and health risks.
   • Fact: Cities like Delhi and Gurugram suffer high pollution-related health costs, which effective transit systems can mitigate.

Challenges to Urban Mass Transport

• Traffic congestion and insufficient infrastructure hinder mass transit adoption.
• Poor last-mile connectivity discourages users from switching to public transport.
• Affordability remains a barrier for low-income groups.

Way Forward

1. Policy Reforms
   Implement policies like the Green Urban Transport Scheme and FAME to promote electric and efficient mobility.
2. Transit-Oriented Development
   Encourage compact urban development near transit hubs, as seen in Hong Kong.
3. Incentives for Public Transport
   Introduce congestion fees for private vehicles and expand shared mobility options.

Conclusion

Urban mass transport is a cornerstone of India’s economic development, addressing connectivity, equity, and environmental challenges. Prioritizing its expansion and modernization is essential for sustaining growth and achieving sustainability goals.