Importance of India’s investment in metro rail systems

Source: The post importance of India’s investment in metro rail systems has been created, based on the article “How to enable transit oriented development” published in “The Hindu” on 24th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – infrastructure

Context: The article discusses the importance of India’s investment in metro rail systems to improve urban mobility, job access, and economic growth. It highlights how Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) can help reduce congestion, enhance productivity, and support sustainable growth.

For detailed information on Redefining Mobility: Transforming Land scape of Transport Sector read this article here

How does public transportation benefit the economy?

1. India is investing ₹3 trillion (2022-2027) in metro rail projects to improve urban mobility and unlock economic potential. These investments aim to reduce congestion and pollution while creating jobs and boosting economic growth.
2. Studies show that investment in public transportation can generate economic returns 5-7 times the initial cost and create thousands of jobs.
3. The National Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Policy and Metro Rail Policy (2017) promote the development of sustainable, compact urban growth near transit systems.

How Does Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Impact Urban Areas?

1. TOD integrates land use and transport to promote dense, mixed-use neighborhoods and sustainable transport options like walking and cycling.
2. It aims to reduce congestion and the environmental impact of urban growth.
3. In Bengaluru, for example, TOD can address the city’s significant traffic issues, which cost ₹38,000 crore annually, or 5% of the city’s GDP.

What Are the Job Trends Near Metro Areas in Bengaluru?

1. A study by WRI India in Bengaluru found about 0.2 million registered enterprises employing around 4.6 million people, mostly in service industries.
2. Large enterprises, though only 2% of all businesses, provide 60% of the jobs.
3. Currently, 28% of jobs are within 500 meters of a metro station, but many are still too far for convenient access, highlighting the need for better pedestrian infrastructure and feeder services.

What Challenges Do Businesses Face in Locating Near Metro Stations?

1. Limited Property Availability: In developed inner-city areas, large businesses struggle to find suitable properties, especially legally compliant Grade-A buildings.
2. Regulatory Barriers: Development regulations, such as road widths, setbacks, and parking norms, hinder high-density redevelopment near metro stations.
3. High Property Prices: Smaller businesses are deterred by elevated property prices near metro stations, unlike larger established ones.
4. Community Resistance: Local communities often resist increased commercial activity near metro stations.

What Steps Can Enhance Job Densities Near Transit Stations?

1. Set job density targets: Bengaluru’s master plan revision can set targets for job growth near transit hubs, like Hong Kong, where 57% of jobs are within 500m of transit stations.
2. Encourage businesses: Incentives such as additional development rights or tax subsidies can encourage companies to relocate near metro stations.
3. Improve infrastructure: Redevelopment should address regulations on land use, setbacks, and parking.
4. Expand last-mile connectivity: Invest in pedestrian infrastructure and feeder services, as 85% of Bengaluru’s jobs are within 2km of metro stations.

Question for practice:

Discuss how Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) can help address traffic issues and promote job growth near metro stations in Bengaluru.