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A people-oriented transport policy

There is global agreement today that cities can be made liveable only by reclaiming them from the grip of an automobile-based culture. India has subscribed to this school of thought, with the Cabinet approving the National Urban Transport Policy recently. If the policy objectives are pursued with the necessary resolve, they can reverse the damaging impacts of unbridled automobile dominance witnessed for more than a decade now. There is enough evidence to show that the trend to motorise heavily without making changes to urban planning, and strengthening public transport and road safety has resulted in unconscionable levels of death and disability in accidents, greater pollution and curtailed mobility for the poor, the handicapped, the elderly, women, and children. The Centre has, through the NUTP, promised welcome correctives to this depressing state of affairs. The policy very appropriately prioritises people over private motorised vehicles in transport planning. This fundamental objective is to be achieved by providing financial resources to State governments that come forward to strengthen public transport, discourage personal commuting, and facilitate walking and cycling. Some States have recognised the imperative and acted speedily. Metro rail projects for Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Bangalore have been cleared with an offer of Central funds. A number of cities are examining high capacity bus rapid transit systems and New Delhi is actively pursuing such a project.

Some NUTP goals can achieve very good outcomes. Improved public transport is one. Under a regulated framework that provides for private participation, trains, buses, and trams will largely overcome the problem of supply, and potentially decongest the roads by reducing dependence on private vehicles. This will automatically lower pollution and accident risks. Any move to encourage urban rail and bus travel at a basic level must recognise that the tariff cannot exceed the cost per kilometre incurred by commuters using a motorised two-wheeler; sustainability of a low tariff can be ensured by cross subsidising it through luxury travel options. The Centre can take the first step by offering promotional tariffs for its existing suburban rail systems in the metros, simultaneously modernising their ticketing, information systems, and station infrastructure. Investments for improved pedestrian and cycling facilities yield immediate dividends by enhancing mobility and equity, and reducing safety risks (the majority of accident victims are pedestrians, motorised two-wheeler riders and cyclists). Finally, fundamental changes to transport policy would appear to be inevitable. Research by the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, shows that as national incomes grow, countries generally expand road networks but experience a worsening of safety. Encouraging people-centric transport would greatly relieve the problems.

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