The distribution of urban population by city size widely varies and is skewed towards larger cities. One specific feature of India’s urbanization is the increasing metropolitanization, that is, growth in the number and size of cities with a million plus population. The trends indicate the continued urbanization and metropolitaniztion in the years to come.

1. PART 1

2. AN OVERVIEW OF URBAN ROAD
TRANSPORTATION
The distribution of urban population by city size widely varies and is
skewed towards larger cities. One specific feature of India’s
urbanization is the increasing metropolitanization, that is, growth in
the number and size of cities with a million plus population. The
trends indicate the continued urbanization and metropolitanization
in the years to come.
Often, there is a debate as to whether it is an index of development
or distress. The very process of urbanization has sometimes been
looked as something undesirable. While the objections used to be on
social and moral grounds earlier, the criticism lately is more on
economic grounds such as provision of requisite infrastructure and
civic amenities at rapidly escalating per capita costs.

3. Despite all the objections, the rate of urbanization has not even
retarded, not to speak of its being halted. Certain inevitability about
the process is being accepted steadily. It is now felt that urbanization
is necessary for the benefits of sharing modern technology for the
growth and development of the entire national economy.
In India, urban areas contribute more than sixty percent of the
national income. In the coming years, as India becomes more and
more urbanized, urban areas will play a critical role in sustaining high
rates of economic growth.
AN OVERVIEW OF URBAN ROAD
TRANSPORTATION

4. AN OVERVIEW OF URBAN ROAD
TRANSPORTATION
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. Economic efficiency of
cities and well-being of urban inhabitants are directly influenced by
mobility or the lack of it.
City efficiency 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 stifle economic growth and development,
and the net effect may be a loss of competitiveness in both domestic
as well as international markets.

5. AN OVERVIEW OF URBAN ROAD
TRANSPORTATION
As the urban population and income increases, demand for key services
such as transportation, water, sewage treatment, and low income
housing will increase to sevenfold in cities of every size and type.
In the past, policy makers in India have always stressed on checking
rapid urbanization and migration through introduction of various
schemes for rural households. In fact, urbanization is a result of the
development process.
Despite the challenges, urbanization is an opportunity for furthering
economic development and provision of quality of life.

6. AN OVERVIEW OF URBAN ROAD
TRANSPORTATION
Amongst various urban services, urban transport is a very
important service for the overall development of the country.
Urban transport provides mobility of people and goods and
access to employment, education, shopping, health,
entertainment opportunities.
It also affects the income levels of people, land values and
environment. In nutshell, it determines the quality of life in an area.

7. AN OVERVIEW OF URBAN ROAD
TRANSPORTATION
Many cities are unable to meet the increasing demands for travel due
to the prevailing imbalance in the modal split; inadequate transport
infrastructure and its sub-optimal use; lack of integration between
land-use and transport planning; and no improvement or little
improvement in city bus services, these factors collectively
encourage a shift to more personalized modes of travel.
In order to support the required level of economic activities in urban
areas, it has become imperative to address urban transport issues on
an urgent basis.

8. AN OVERVIEW OF URBAN ROAD
TRANSPORTATION
A number of innovative initiatives have been undertaken and some
are under implementation to develop a sustainable urban transport
system.
Many cities have prepared Comprehensive Mobility Plans and have
plans to introduce modern bus services; Bus Rapid Transit Systems
(BRTS) are planned in fourteen cities and new metro rail systems are
being planned/under implementation in eight cities.
Of the various urban transport initiatives which have been
undertaken, several initiatives/projects have been successful and can
be replicated in other cities.
Documentation of best practices as well as learning from challenges
and constraints faced during the implementation process would be
useful for future planning and implementation.

9. Email: jyoti.gadia@resurgentindia.com Call Us: +91 124 4754550
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