28 minute read
Round Up
HIGHLIGHTS OF MAY - JUNE
Dubai RTA unveils Zero Emission Plan for the City
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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) had unveiled a long-term plan to have zero emissions public transport in Dubai by 2050. As such, RTA becomes the first government body in the MENA region to map out such a comprehensive plan for public transport and related infrastructure.
UK Government agrees to fund £1.08 bn to Tranport for London for London Underground
The Government of United Kingdom (UK) has agreed a third funding and financing package for Transport for London (TfL) worth around £1.08 billion, ensuring the continued running of London Underground network as the UK continues to progress along its roadmap through the COVID-19 pandemic.
UITP appointed Khalid Alhogail as President for 2021-2023
UITP has appointed its newest President after the General Assembly voted for Khalid Alhogail to take up the role for the next two years, following his tenure as UITP Vice President.
KMRL, Kerala Govt. sign MoU for incorporation of SPV for O&M of Kochi Water Metro.
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. (KMRL) and the Govt. of Kerala signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for incorporation of a special purpose vehicle, Kochi Water Metro Ltd (KWML) for Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of the Kochi Integrated Water Transport Project.
The LA Metro Authority started work on Airport Metro Connector Project. The new LA Metro project will connect Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with the city’s transport network, with light rail and bus connections planned for the new transport hub.
SBI sanctions Rs 372.5 crore loan for Noida International Airport
Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL) has secured loan worth Rs 372.5 crore from the State Bank of India (SBI) for development of the Noida (Jewar) International Greenfield Airport Project.
Govt. of India approves implementation of Phase 2A & 2B of Bangalore Metro
The Union Cabinet of Government of India has approved implementation of the Phase 2A (KR Puram-Silk Board corridor) and Phase 2B (Airport Line) of Bangalore Metro Rail Project.
The Board of Directors of Uttarakhand Metro Rail, Urban Infrastructure and Buildings Construction Corporation Limited (UKMRC) has approved implementation of the Metro Neo System in Dehradun.
17 firms submit bids for execution of civil works at Dholera airport
A total of 17 firms have submitted bids for detailed designing, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of airport infrastructure of operational area for 4E category operation of airport i.e. runway, taxiway, apron, perimeter road etc., including associated electrical works under Phase I for the Dholera (Federa) International Airport Project.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) proposed development of metro corridor on the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL).
K-RIDE accords priority status to two corridors of Bengaluru suburban rail project
Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Limited (K-RIDE) accorded priority status to two corridors viz. Corridor 2 and 4 of the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (Bengaluru Commuter Rail System).
MMRDA commence dynamic testing and trial run on Mumbai Metro lines 2A, 7
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) commenced dynamic testing and trial run on 20 km long priority sections of the Mumbai Metro Phase I Line 2A Project (Dahisar-DN Nagar) and the Mumbai Metro Phase III Line 7 (Andheri East-Dahisar East).
NIAL submits revised master plan of Noida airport to MoCA
Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) has submitted the revised master plan of the Noida (Jewar) International Greenfield Airport Project to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).
Centre approves extension of Delhi-Panipat RRTS to Karnal
The Union Cabinet of Government of India has approved the proposal of extension of the Delhi - Panipat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) Corridor to Karnal.
Wabtec to provide major rolling stock components for Delhi-Meerut RRTS Train
Wabtec Corporation announced that it will support the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transport Systems (RRTS) with critical component orders valued at about $15 million for new rolling stock. The company will supply advanced technology brake systems, pantographs, roof disconnector switches and fully integrated passenger information systems to Alstom, which is building the coaches for the project.
India targets road construction worth Rs 15 lakh crore in next two years
The Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Nitin Gadkari said that the Government is giving utmost priority to the development of infrastructure and has set a target of road construction of worth Rs 15 lakh crores in next two years. He was confident that the Ministry for Road Transport & Highways will achieve the target of 40 kilometers per day of highway construction in the current fiscal. He said that the Government of India is permitting 100% FDI in the road sector.
IIT Delhi launches Post Graduate Engineering Programme in Electric Mobility
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi will start a new Post Graduate programme ‘M. Tech in Electric Mobility from academic session i.e. 2021-22. The programme will be offered by the Centre for Automotive Research and Tribology (CART) at IIT Delhi. The IIT Delhi Board has recently given its approval to start the new M. Tech. programme.
Urban Transport News concluded three-day webinar series “Rail & Metro Infrastructure 2021” .
Urban Transport News and Metro Rail Today jointly concluded a 3-day on demand webinar series “Rail & Metro Infrastructure 2021” from June 28-30, 2021. In 14 sessions, a total of 34 national and international speakers and 796 delegates participated in the webinar programme. The webinar was broadcasted on YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook platforms also. The programme was appreciated by key industry leaders and decision maker groups.
DDA focuses on Smart Public Transportation System in Delhi Master Plan 2041
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has issued a draft Master Plan 2041. The Master Plan 2041 of Delhi envisages a transport system equipped with state-of-the-art technology to encourage the use of public transport. This ranges from strategic corridors to redevelop the historic ring rail network to strengthen high-speed connectivity.
Wabtec, General Motors join hands to develop Hydrogen Fuel Cell Solutions for Rail Industry
Wabtec Corporation and General Motors signed a nonbinding memorandum of understanding (MoU) on June 15, 2021, to advance the two companies’ shared vision of a zero-emissions future in transportation. Wabtec will bring its expertise in energy management and systems optimization, to develop a solution for heavy haul locomotives that takes full advantage of GM’s advanced technologies.
NTPC REL to set up India’s first green Hydrogen Mobility project in Ladakh
NTPC REL, a 100% subsidiary of NTPC, signed a MoU with the Union Territory of Ladakh, to set up the country’s first green Hydrogen Mobility project in the region.
RTA, ZTSR Group sign MoU for revival of suspended Sky Rail Transport in Dubai
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that the authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zhong Tang Sky Railway Group as part of its endeavours to come up with innovative solutions for developing a futuristic suspended transport network in Dubai. The MoU signed between Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim Younes, CEO of Rail Agency (on behalf of RTA) and Tang Tong, Chairman of Zhong Tang Sky Train (on behalf of the Group) in presence of Jaber Al Bahandi, Chairman of Centurion Company (The UAE representative of Zhong Tang Sky Railway Group) and Tariq Al Bahandi, Head of Development at Centurion.
Turkey plans to expand 16,700 km railway network by 2023
Turkey government is planning to expand its railway network by 16,775 kilometers by the Turkish Republic's 100th anniversary in 2023, said Adil Karaismailoğlu, Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister on June 5, 2021. The current length of railways in the country is 12,803 kilometers, Karaismailoğlu told the media personnel in the central province of Yozgat adding that Turkey has made significant railway investments over the last 19 years.
India celebrating Six Years of Urban Transfor mation
Vinod Shah, Head Communications, Urban Transport News
The purpose of the Smart Cities Mission is to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life of people by enabling local area development and harnessing technology, especially technology that leads to Smart outcomes.
On June 25, 2021, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India has organised an online event on here today to commemorate 6 years of the three transformative Urban Missions vis. Smart Cities Mission (SCM), Atal Mission for Urban Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U), which were launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 25, 2015. The Anniversary event highlighted some of the important initiatives being implemented under Smart Cities Mission. The event was presided by Shri Hardeep S. Puri, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Housing and Urban Affairs and was attended by key urban stakeholders from Central and State Governments including Principal Secretaries of States/UTs, Municipal Commissioners of Cities, and MDs/CEOs of Smart Cities. The date also marked the 45 years of establishment of National Institute of Urban Affairs, an autonomous body of MoHUA, tasked to bridge the gap between research and practice on issues related to urbanization.
Union Minister of State (I/C), MoHUA, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri released a short movie that encapsulated the Mission’s journey of six glorious years in fulfilling the dream of a pucca house for millions of Indians. In line with the vision of Prime Minister- ‘Housing for All’ by 2022, PMAY-U has registered outstanding success. So far, about 1.12 crore houses have been sanctioned for its beneficiaries, out of which more than 83 lakh houses are grounded and more than 50 lakh completed.
At the event which was attended by Secretary, MoHUA, Shri Durga Shanker Mishra, other senior officials of MoHUA, States/UTs/ULBs, a short movie contest ‘Khushiyon ka Ashiyana’ was declared open for students, youths, non-governmental organisations, institutions and individual/groups in the run up to India’s 75th Independence. Accordingly, 75 such movies under
diverse aspects of the Mission like Housing for All, Sapno ka Aashiyana, Laabharthiyon ki Zuban Se, Women Empowerment, Livelihood, Life Transformation will be selected by a jury of eminent persons. 25 awards each under the Gold, Silver and Bronze categories will be given away along with a cash prize and citation from MoHUA. A video testimonial ‘Ghar Hua Apna, Pura Hua Sapna’ of PMAY-U beneficiaries who have experienced life transformation on moving into a pucca house were also released at the event.
In addition, MoHUA announced that 75 ‘Awas Par Samvaad’ workshops will be held across States/UTs in Schools/Colleges/Institutions to propel the ‘Housing for All’ as a universal theme.
PMAY (U) implementation has followed the ethos of Cooperative Federalism in which MoHUA delegated powers to States / UTs for project formulation, appraisal and approval. Further, the success of the Mission can be attributed to its robust financial model of which, Direct Benefit Transfer has been a key element. Besides, use of Information Technology for real time monitoring and technological innovation, additional funding through Extra Budgetary Resource over and above Budgetary allocations have been major contributors. The houses sanctioned so far under the Mission involve an investment of Rs7.35 lakh crore with Central Assistance of Rs1.81 lakh crore. As of now, over Rs100,000 crore of Central Assistance has already been released. Infusion of such a large amount of funding has propelled the economy. For sustained funding support to keep the pace of construction activities, over and above Budgetary support, a corpus of Rs 60,000 crore through EBR was mobilized under National Urban Housing Fund (NUHF) wherein Rs 43,000 crores has already been drawn. Affordable Housing Fund Rs20,000 crores are being utilized in the last 3 years.
Acknowledging the diversity in housing demand across various income groups of the country, for the first time interest subsidy on home loans have been given to MiddleIncome Group having annual income of up to Rs18 Lakh under PMAY-U’s Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS). Nearly 16 lakh beneficiaries belonging to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Lower Income Group (LIG) and MIG have so far been brought under the fold of CLSS.
Due to its forward and backward linkages to other sectors, the current investment made by the Government in the sector, has created almost an estimated 689 crore person days of employment translating into around 246 lakh jobs and led to consumption of 370 Lakh MT of cement and 84 Lakh MT of steel.
Over the years, the Government has taken up various measures for adopting construction technology reforms in the housing. MoHUA organised Global Housing Technology Challenge India (GHTC-India) in 2019 to identify and mainstream globally best available proven construction technologies that are sustainable, green and disaster-resilient to enable a paradigm shift in affordable housing. On 1st January 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ushered the Nation into a new era of construction technology. He laid the foundation of six Light House Projects (LHPs) in the country through video conference. The LHPs, that are being built under PMAY-U showcase the best of new-age alternate global technology in housing construction sector, selected through GHTC-India.
SMART CITIES MISSION PROGRESS
Cities 100
Projects 5151
Proposed Investment (in Cr) Rs205,018
Tendered Projects (in Cr) Rs181,902
Work Order Stage (in Cr) Rs150,180
Works Completed (in Cr) Rs50,634
(Source: Smart Cities Mission Website)
As a response to the reverse migration taking place due to the COVID-19, MoHUA launched Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs), a sub-scheme under PMAY(U) for urban migrants/ poor. Under Model 1, a total of 2,588 houses have been made operational in Chandigarh and Surat (Gujarat)and RFPs are issued for 6,649 houses across other States. Under Model 2, so far, proposals for about 80,000 ARHC units have been received from Public/Private entities in 17 States/UTs. Second round of EoI has been issued on for shortlisting of additional entity with last date as 30th June 2021.
Investment under ARHCs is expected to create 11.74 crore person days of employment with 3.89 crore direct and 7.84 crore indirect in nature. In terms of jobs, it works out to be a total of 4.19 1akh with 1.39 lakh direct and 2.80 lakh indirect jobs. ARHC has elicited remarkable response on ground. Under Model 2 of the scheme, proposals from public/private entities for about 80,000 units have been received from across 17 States / UTs. Encouraged by thetraction, MoHUA has issued second EoI for inviting proposals under ARHCs. Nearly 22,000 PMAY-U houses were used as COVID facilities.
As the Mission moves ahead, there has been a need to address life transformation issues that arise out of moving into a new house and neighbourhood. To address this, ANGIKAAR, a campaign for social change management was initiated by ‘Housing for All’ (HFA) Mission on 29th August 2019. It has achieved the objective to build capacities of PMAY -U beneficiaries in adapting to change though door-to-door awareness on best practices in water & energy conservation, health, hygiene, sanitation and financial literacy.
Further, an enabled environment was created through convergence with various Urban Missions and schemes of other Central Ministries. It is an unique initiative in the urban housing sector that embraced and brought into its fold welfare oriented schemes of the State and Central Government.
A campaign of this magnitude in the urban housing sector is a result of the collective efforts and proactive participation of PMAY (U) beneficiaries, States / UTs / ULBs and elected representatives. Around 18,500 ANGIKAAR Resource Persons were trained by about 2,200 specialists of City Level Technical Cells (CLTCs) working in 4,427 cities of PMAY (U). They acted as foot soldiers and helped propagate the message of the campaign.
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation & Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation & Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is the first focused national water Mission and was launched on 25th June, 2015 in 500 cities covering 60% of the urban population. All cities having population above 1 lakh are covered under Mission. Providing piped water supply and sewerage & septage management in Mission cities is the major focus of the Mission. Storm water drainage, non-motorized urban transport and green spaces & parks are minor components of Mission. Overall Mission allocation is Rs1 lakh crore including central share of Rs50,000 crore. State action plans amounting to Rs77,640 crore for basic infrastructure projects were approved, against which projects worth Rs79,772 crore have been grounded. So far, work worth Rs52,477 crores (66%) has been carried out.
So far, 105 lakh household water tap connections and 78 lakh sewer/ sepatage connections have been provided under Mission and in convergence with other schemes. Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) capacity worth 1,240 MLD have been created, of which 907 MLD is being recycled/ reused. Another, 4,800 MLD STP capacity is under development. Through projects in drainage sector, 1,840 water logging pointshave been eliminated. 1,850 parks & green spaces (3,770 acre) added. 800 parks (1,600 acre) are in progress. 180 projects in non-motorized urban transport sector have been completed. AMRUT has a reform agenda with focus on e-Governance, energy audit, credit rating of ULBs, efficient town planning, online building permission system and raising funds by floating municipal bonds by ULBs. Under energy audit, 88 lakh streetlights have been replaced with energy efficient LED lights against target of 101 lakh leading to energy savings of 193 crore units and reduction in CO2 emission by 15.4 lakh tons per annum. Energy audit of water pumps have been completed in 396 cities in 27 States/UTs. 11,385 water pumps are identified for replacement, of which 667 pumps have been replaced. As per The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), 84.6 lakh tons carbon footprint reduced through various initiatives under AMRUT.
Credit rating work has been awarded for 485 cities and completed in 470 cities. 164 cities have received Investible Grade Rating (IGR), including 36 cities with rating of A- or above. Ten ULBs namely Ahmedabad, Amravati, Bhopal, Ghaziabad, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow Pune, Surat and Visakhapatnam have raised Rs3,840 crore through issuance of municipal bonds.
Online Building Permission System (OBPS) withseamless integration with internal/ external agencies has been made operational in 2,465 towns including 452 AMRUT cities. India’s rank in Ease of Doing Business (EODB) in construction permits has jumped to 27 in World Bank’s Report (DBR)-2020 from 181 in 2018.
Master Plans of AMRUT cities are being prepared based on Geographical Information System (GIS) through a subscheme costing Rs515 crore. National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad has been roped in to provide satellite photos and for digitization of city maps. So far,final GIS based Master Plans have been prepared for 66 cities and drafts plans have been prepared for another 61 cities. In order to ensure efficient land use, a sub-Scheme on Local Area Planning and Town Planning Scheme (LAP/TPS)in 25 cities costing Rs50 crores is in progress.
India Brand Equity Foundation
India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, driven by rising demand for goods and services among citizens and rapid urbanisation. These have boosted the country’s economic growth. The country’s economic activity is mostly driven by Indian cities—estimated to contribute to ~70% of India’s GDP (gross domestic product) by 2030. Movement of goods plays a significant role in various sectors (such as e-commerce) to ensure timely product deliveries to customers and contribute to the overall economic growth.
In July 2021, the Indian government introduced plans for ‘Freight Smart Cities’ to enhance urban freight efficiency and reduce logistics costs in an effort to recognise the need for managing movement of goods to improve the city freight traffic. This is likely to boost all sectors of the economy. India is experiencing a robust urbanisation and to keep with the requirement, we need to use energy efficient and climate friendly freight solutions. We must move from regulatory approach to a freight friendly transportation approach.
Hardeep Singh Puri Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India
The initiative encompasses the following plan: • Phase I – Identification of the initial 10 cities to be developed as ‘Freight Smart Cities’ • Formation of city-level logistics committees in 10 cities – including member participation from the government and the private sector • These committees are to co-create ‘City Logistics Plans’ such as promoting electrification of urban freight, building peri-urban freight centres, developing truck routes and managing night-time deliveries • Expansion of the initiative to the next 75 cities in Phase
II. Target segment includes all state capitals and cities that have >1 million population
The government’s increased focus on enhancing urban freight traffic is estimated to reduce logistics costs (as a share of the GDP) to 10% by 2022, from 14% in 2018. This is estimated to save ~Rs. 10 lakh crore (US$ 133.81 billion), according to RMI Analysis (published in June 2021).
Role of ‘Freight Smart Cities’ in Improving Urban Freight Efficiency
According to an RMI India report, the demand for urban freight in India is projected to increase ~140% by 2030. Further, India is witnessing robust growth in sectors such as e-commerce, which is expected to further boost the demand for urban freight. According to a report published by GlobalData, the e-commerce industry in India is expected to grow at ~141% to reach US$ 111.4 billion in 2025, from US$ 46.2 billion in 2020.
By implementing ‘Freight Smart Cities’, the government plans to address the following key challenges of the current urban freight system.
Key Challenges Current Urban Freight System
Thus, with implementation of the new freight plan, the government aims to address key concern areas (environmental impact, logistics-related high costs, etc.) of the current urban freight system and improve efficiencies to meet the rising demand, create employment opportunities and boost economic competitiveness.
Key Trends and Government Initiatives
The urban freight system is experiencing the following key trends:
Multimodal Logistics Parks
In 2017, the Indian government approved 34 multimodal logistics parks in India. Key cities such as Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Surat, Chennai, Nagpur, Vijayawada and Guwahati are expected to witness development of large logistics parks. In 2020, the foundation stone was laid for the Rs. 694 crore (US$ 92.76 million) multimodal logistics park in Assam. The park provides connectivity through road, rail and inland waterway. It is expected to be a
Improved Urban Freight Efficiency
Environmental impact As per RMI Analysis, urban freight accounts for ~10% of India’s freight-related CO2 emissions. These vehicles impact air quality as they add up to 23 kilo tonnes of Particulate Matter (PM) emissions and 305 kilo tonnes of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) emissions annually. As per the RMI report, by implementing the new freight system, India is estimated to save ~10 giga tonnes of CO2, 500 kilo tonnes of PM and 15 million tonnes of NOx emissions (by freight transport) by 2050.
High Costs
Congestion Final-mile freight movement in cities accounts for ~50% of the total logistics costs in India’s ecommerce supply chains. India aims to reduce logistics costs (as a share of the GDP) to 10% by 2022, from 14% in 2018. This translates into savings of ~Rs. 10 lakh crore (US$ 133.81 billion)
Traffic congestion and delays are caused by inefficient driving and parking practices. The government aims to reduce truck traffic on roads by achieving 48% decrease in vehicularfreight activity by 2050.
consolidation or distribution centre for the North-Eastern states as well as a cross-border trade centre with Myanmar, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan.
Automated Parcel Delivery Terminals
Smartbox, a provider of parcel locker solutions, offers customers one-time password to unlock their delivery box and gather their packages. The service is operational in cities such as Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai. In September 2019, Smartbox became a member of NASSCOM-National Association of Software & Service Companies.
Industrial Planning
In 2021, the Delhi Development Authority passed the ‘Delhi Master Plan, 2041’ . The plans present an outline for future development in the city, empowering stakeholders to understand policies pertaining to land parcels. The ‘2041 Plan’ intends to reduce pollution in the city by separating the urban area into residential, commercial and industrial zones. It underlines zoning limitations to reduce adverse impact on the health of residents from industries.
The Indian government’s initiatives to improve efficiencies in the logistics sector
Logistics Efficiency Enhancement Program (LEEP)
In 2015-16, the Indian government introduced the Logistics Efficiency Enhancement Program (LEEP) to improve logistics efficiency, leveraging infrastructure solutions such as creating 35 multimodal logistics parks as well as establishing technological and digital solutions such as goods tracking.
Bharat Stage (BS) Emission Norms
In 2016, the Indian government issued a draft notification for ‘Bharat Stage (BS) VI emission standards’, outlining objectives under the ‘Bharat Stage Emission Norms’ to reduce emissions from motor vehicles and enhance vehicle efficiency. The BS VI has been effective since April 2020.
FAME II Scheme
In 2019, the Indian government introduced the FAME II scheme, a subsidy to boost manufacturing and deployment of EVs. The scheme aims to reduce the TCO (total cost of ownership) of EVs by offering direct subsidies. Under the FAME II scheme, the government allocated Rs. 8,596 crore (US$ 1.15 billion) as direct subsidies for electric vehicles and Rs. 1,000 crore (US$ 133.67 million) for charging infrastructure.
National Logistics Policy (Draft)
In 2019, the Indian government issued a draft on the ‘National Logistics Policy’ to boost economic growth by building efficiencies of the logistics sector and reduce logistics costs as a share of the GDP.
Infrastructure Development
The government is focusing on strengthening the infrastructure to boost rising demand for freight. Under the Union Budget 2021-22, the Government of India has allocated Rs. 118,101 crore (US$ 15.79 billion) to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Development of the sector is expected to boost growth of the logistics sector.
Recent Development
In July 2021, a consultative meeting was conducted by the Indian government key stakeholders to discuss areas of progress in the ‘Freight Smart Cities’ initiative. Key highlights of the development are as follows:
In July 2021, the government launched a portal and handbook, highlighting 14 actions characterising highleverage spaces for cities to expand their economic competitiveness and reduce pollution & congestion. These actions are aimed at low-cost, low-effort approaches that could be quickly adopted with the related public and private stakeholders.
In July 2021, the government announced that its logistic division has collaborated with GIZ (Germany) under the Indo-German Development Cooperation, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) and RMI India to work on the freight smart city initiatives. To boost participation of cities in the initiative, a trial is expected to be declared soon. States and cities such as Hyderabad, Amravati, Gujarat, Panjim and Shimla have boosted efforts towards improvement of the city freight logistics.
Conclusion
The ‘Freight Smart Cities’ initiative’s handbook presents a significant roadmap to Indian cities, highlighting the global best practices to improve logistics efficiencies and economic competitiveness. Realising the potential of efficient urban freight systems, the government is in line with its framework to implement an efficient urban freight system. The improved solutions are also expected to boost the country’s ranking in the Logistics Performance Index as well as deliver a cleaner & safer urban environment for the country.
Bus Rapid Transit Systems in India: An Overview
B. Dakshinya, Member of NOSPlan, JNAFAU
Bus Rapid Transit System or commonly known as BRTS is a high-quality transit system which is based on buses. Its features are mostly similar to that of metro rails. BRTS consists of one single lane which can transport up to 20,000 passengers in one direction per hour. It is one of the most successful transport systems, which reduces delays, accidents, congestion and various other problems. This system is highly accepted in India because it helps the society in achieving their needs. The construction of BRTS is quite simple when compared to other transit systems. Big budgets or high-level technologies are not required as the existing roads itself can be converted into BRTS lanes.
History of BRTS
The BRTS concept was implemented for the first time in Curitiba, Brazil in 1974. It was developed by the then mayor, Jaime Lerner and was called ‘Surface Metro’. This brilliant transportation system inspired various other countries to adopt similar systems in their cities. During the 1970s, development of BRTS was done mostly in North and South America, only after 1990s did the system make its way to other continents. Quito, Equador (1996), Los Angeles, USA (1999) and Bogotá, Columbia (2000) are few cities which have implemented this transit system. Bogotá’s success drew attention of the world. It is the most famous and advanced BRTS in the world.
BRTS in India
In India, cities like Jaipur, Ahmadabad, Indore, Vijayawada, Delhi, Pune, Bhopal and Rajkot have successfully implemented BRTS, covering a total network of 120km. The total investment for these transit systems have been more than 13.6 billion rupees. The first BRTS in the country to be operated was Rainbow Bus Rapid Transport System in Pune and Pimpiri Chinchwad in the year 2006. Many more routes are yet to be constructed in cities across India. Hyderabad, Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli routes are in planning phase and are yet to be finalized.
Need of BRTS
With the increase in population in urban areas, there is an equal amount of increase in demand for cheap, convenient and safe public transportation system in India. Rail-based transit systems are expensive to construct and maintain. The construction of rail-based systems take a long time, hence they cannot be in reach for a long time to come.
People and the government prefer a new cost effective, fast mode of transport for the convenience and conveyance. BRTS full fills these requirement’s, as it is fast, costeffective, safe, and comfortable. BRTS can serve to all types of environment be it sub urban or urban. The buses can be driven by humans or electronically guided, can be driven on aerial structures, freeway medians and underground.
Features of BRTS
Separated lanes: In BRTS system, the inner most lanes are allotted to buses, to ensure that congestion do not delay the buses. Off board fare collection: Passengers pay the bus fare in the station instead of paying on board. This reduces the passengers to cause delays in normal city buses. Platform level boarding: At grade bus lanes are preferred for easy access, operational flexibility and reducing costs. Stations: The station which is the entry point vary in design from simple stops with shelters to multi-modal terminals. Real-time Information: Route maps, signage and real-time information are displayed in stations or in vehicles.
Advantages of BRTS
• Grade separated provides high sense of safety and saves travel time • BRTS lanes do not interfere with mixed traffic • Designated curb side bus-only lanes improve BRT travel time making buses competitive with automobile • Converted High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, allow buses to operate faster, more reliably and more safely than buses in mixed traffic lanes
Disadvantages of BRTS
• Construction of graded lanes has high capital value • Lanes with no interference may not be attainable always • Implementation of new bus lanes with street widening may displace parking and pedestrian paths • Since buses share lane with HOV’s, automobiles may impede bus operations. This make HOV lanes less efficient than bus only lanes.
Types of BRTS
Level of BRTS Characteristics
Full BRTS
BRTS • Metro quality service • Integrate network of routes and corridors • Closed, high quality stations • Off-board fare collection • Frequent and rapid service • Modern, clean vehicle • Marketing identity • Superior customer service
• Segregated bus way • Typically, pre board fare payment • Higher quality stations • Clean vehicle technology • Marketing identity
BRTS Lite • Some form of bus priority but not fully segregated bus ways • Improved travel time • Higher shelters • Clean vehicle technology • Marketing identity
Basic • Segregated bus ways/ single corridor services
Busway • On-board fare collection • Basic bus shelter • Standard bus vehicles
BRTS has proven itself to be successful and a sustainable mode of transportation throughout the world. It is over the edge when compared to other modes of transportation, given its high sense of safety through provision of separate lanes for the buses. The bus fare, quality of the buses, air conditioning adds up to its charm thus making it popular among the masses. The total construction expenditure is also significantly lower when compared to MRTS, since existing infrastructure is but to use. However, the implementation of BRTS has few challenges too, like, the city must have adequate number of cross sections in order to provide right of way to the buses, maintain the quality of mixed traffic lanes and minimize noise levels and maintain air quality.
