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250 Words15 Marks
Q.How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development of India? (Answer in 250 words)
UPSC Mains 2019•Geography
Model Answer
View this Question In PYQ RealmSyllabus Point
- Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Approach
- Introduction (30-40 words): Briefly highlight the critical role of urban mass transit.
- Body (170-180 words):
- Discuss how affordable and efficient mass transport drives economic growth.
- Outline key government initiatives in this sector.
- Conclusion (30-40 words): Stress the importance of sustainable and inclusive urban transport policies.
Introduction
With India's urban population growing by 34% in 2017, rapid urbanization has placed immense pressure on city transit systems. Severe traffic congestion and reduced mobility are directly impacting economic productivity and the overall quality of life of urban residents.
Body
Efficient and Affordable Urban Mass Transport: Keystone to Economic Development
- Supporting Urban Clusters: High reliance on private vehicles can choke growth in mega-cities. Well-planned public transit fosters urban agglomerations, allowing dense economic clusters to function efficiently.
- Saving Productive Man-Hours: Commuters in highly congested cities like Bengaluru lose significant time in traffic. Efficient mass transit recovers these lost hours, redirecting them toward productive economic activities.
- Improving Labor Market Accessibility: Enhanced transport connectivity expands the geographical reach of the workforce, providing employers with a larger pool of talent.
- Health and Economic Benefits: Air pollution is a major health hazard in Indian cities. Shifting to mass transit reduces emissions, lowering healthcare costs that otherwise drain economic resources.
- Climate Commitments: Promoting public transit helps India meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) under the Paris Agreement, fostering sustainable development.
- Government Initiatives: The government has launched several policies, including the National Transit Oriented Development Policy (2017), the Green Urban Transport Scheme (2016), and the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles) scheme.
- Smarter Regulations: Implementing traffic management rules, such as restricting heavy commercial vehicles during peak daytime hours, can optimize existing road capacity.
- Innovative Projects: High-speed transit options like Hyperloop and expanded suburban railways offer promising future solutions.
- Smart Cities Mission: Under this program, all 100 selected cities have prioritized Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) to improve local mobility.
Conclusion
As emerging cities become key drivers of global economic growth, India must build Safe, Adequate, and Holistic Infrastructure (SAHI) that caters to all segments, including women, the elderly, and the disabled.