Urban Mass transport needs policy reform

Source: The Hindu

Gs2: Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels and Challenges Therein.

Synopsis:  The Budget allocation for improving Urban Mass transport is welcome. Yet much is needed to be done to achieve inclusive urbanisation.

Background:

• In the recent budget, Finance Minister announced fund allocation for improving the Urban mass transport system.
• A sufficient amount is allocated for the Kochi, Chennai, and Bengaluru Metro projects.
• Budget allocation for the Metro projects in the three cities is commendable. It provides greater certainty for these cities to meet their targets.
• However, the budget allocation for improving bus transport will not be adequate.
• The budget allocation for expanding the bus transport system is (₹18,000 crore) under the PPP model.

Issues in the Budget proposal for Bus Transport system?

• India’s ratio of buses to population is a low 1.2 (per 1,000 people) compared to 8.6 in Thailand and 6.5 in South Africa. Some states like Karnataka are exceptions with the above national ratio.
• Moreover, Private bus services is a politically sensitive matter in some states with government monopolies in bus services.

What further needs to be done to improve Public transport in Urban India?

The challenge of urbanization needs multiple interventions apart from supplying grants to Metro and bus system

1. First, State governments control the Urban development instead of city administrations. They have failed to operationalize the nodal authorities to regulate transport.
2. Second, Common mobility cards are still in pilot mode. It would help citizens, use bus, train, and feeder networks seamlessly.
3. Third, Metro and bus services are expensive compared to the per kilometer cost of a two-wheeler.
4. Fourth, Census 2011 identified no. of Census towns. But Urban local bodies are not yet established here. They lack access to funding, infrastructure, and capacity to meet the needs of large populations. Hence, the Recognition of census towns as urban bodies will provide the flow of necessary funds to these growing urban conglomerations.

Way forward

In this context, the Centre should start working with State governments to integrate key areas with its transport vision. Such as affordable inner-city housing, access to civic services and health care, and enhanced sustainability, greenery, and walkability. Only integration can bring about inclusive urbanisation.