INDIA at 2047 Re-imagining Transportation – NICMAR

Centre for Smart and Resilient Development

Urban Planning Dialogue Series

India@2047: Re-imagining Transportation

Event Date: 9^th April 2022

Introduction

The second event in the Urban Planning Dialogue Series, titled "India@2047: Re-imagining Transportation", aimed to initiate discussion among the "planning and development professionals" to imagine the future of transportation infrastructure and urban transport facilities.

The event was convened by Dr. Rahul Deshpande and coordinated by Prof. Shruti Vaishampayan. Prof. Dr Anil Kashyap, Director General, NICMAR, delivered the welcome note and set the context of the event. After the presentations, an active panel discussion and Q&A session were held. The sessions were attended by 150 participants in total, including NICMAR faculty, students and external participants.

Proceedings

Demand Responsive Public Transport for First and Last Mile (FLM) Challenges in Dubai – its relevance to the Indian context

Mr. Utpal Deka presented the various challenges for the bus on demand for various stakeholders, including customers and private operators. He shared many learnings from his work about traditional Demand Responsive Transportation, including low demand in some areas, blending with other systems, catering to special users etc. He further added key components of the Demand-responsive Transport (DRT) system that it needs to be technologically sound, cost-realistic and planned to keep in mind the user's need and should be integrated with existing ITS systems in place.

Navi Mumbai Connectivity – the backbone of urban development

Ms. Geeta Pillai presented various projects in Navi Mumbai by CIDCO, including Port Connectivity Project by MJPRCL, Navi Mumbai International Airport, Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), Virar Alibaug Multi-Modal Corridor (MMC), Navi Mumbai Metro Rail Links and Comprehensive Transportation Study for MMR CTS 2021-41.

Efficient Regional Connectivity to Achieve Balanced Development – Delhi NCR Case

With case studies of the megacities of Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Tokyo and Seoul, Mr. Samir Sharma explained that Regional rails are transforming living patterns around economic epicentres – enabling daily commute from suburban towns. He further elaborated on the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) Development Strategy of NCR with High speed, High frequency, high capacity, higher station, spacing, high comfort, and relevance for medium trips 30-100 km. He further presented the priority project of Delhi – Meerut, Delhi-Panipat and Delhi-Alwar with aspects of design, planning, multimodal integration and execution.

Efficient Regional Connectivity to Achieve Balanced Development – Delhi NCR Case

Dr. Abhijit Lokre presented concerns specific to Indian cities – "accessibility or mobility" being the most important one. He explained that planners should keep the context of sustainability in mind while planning transportation with three fundamental aspects, i.e. Walk, Cycle and Bus. He further emphasized that the focus should be on moving people and not vehicles.

Panel Discussion and Q&A

A lively discussion about the future of transportation, including mega transportation projects, public transport, bus systems, last-mile connectivity, and pedestrian-friendly designs, was held. The speakers made apparent that the future of transportation is not only going to be hi-tech systems where speed is the focus but should also cater to the walking and cycling ease and integrate all modes of transportation systems.