Intro:
• Urban mass transport includes metro rail, buses, suburban trains, BRTS etc.
• As urban population is projected to reach 600 million by 2031, efficient mobility is vital.
1. Boosts Economic Productivity:
• Reduces travel time → higher work hours & efficiency.
• Example: Delhi Metro saves 300,000 tonnes of fuel/year (DMRC report).
• Decongests roads, reduces man-hour losses in traffic (Bengaluru loses ₹19,725 crore/year).
2. Enhances Labour Market Access:
• Low-income workers can reach workplaces affordably.
• Mumbai suburban rail carries ~7.5 million daily—core for economic functioning.
3. Reduces Urban Logistics Cost:
• Efficient movement of goods via multimodal transport (e.g., Chennai Metro’s freight corridor).
• Lowers supply chain costs for urban businesses.
4. Environmental & Health Benefits:
• Reduced air pollution & GHG emissions.
• Example: Metro rail emits 1/10th CO₂ per passenger-km compared to private vehicles.
5. Promotes Inclusive Urbanisation:
• Affordable transport improves access to education, healthcare, jobs.
• Important for equitable growth in Tier-1 & Tier-2 cities.
6. Attracts Investment & Tourism:
• World-class mobility infrastructure (e.g., Hyderabad Metro) attracts FDI & domestic investment.
• Enhances urban livability index—key for service sector growth.
Conclusion:
• Efficient, accessible, and green mass transit systems are catalysts for sustainable urban growth and economic acceleration.
• Investment in urban mobility is investment in national productivity.
