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Focus on metro networks promoting equitable urban mobility

2024-10-30

The improvement of quality of life through the establishment of efficient, sustainable, and equitable urban mobility systems is a primary focus of the Narendra Modi government, as stated by Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, on Sunday. He noted that over the past decade, the metro rail network in the country has expanded by 725 kilometers.

Speaking at the conclusion of the three-day 17th Urban Mobility India Conference-cum-Exhibition in Gandhinagar, Manohar Lal highlighted that India's operational metro network, currently the third largest globally after China and the United States, is poised to become the second largest soon.

The Minister emphasized the necessity for standardization across public transport, particularly in metro networks, which emerged as a key takeaway from the conference. “A holistic government approach is essential,” he stated, urging ministries, state authorities, urban local bodies, and industry stakeholders to collaborate on scalable and sustainable solutions.

He remarked, “Urban mobility is not merely about moving people from Point A to Point B; it’s about creating systems that are sufficient, efficient, sustainable, and equitable. It aims to enhance the quality of life for every citizen, regardless of whether they reside in bustling metropolitan areas or smaller towns. Additionally, it focuses on reducing the carbon footprint of cities while making them more livable for future generations.”

The Minister highlighted the Modi government’s commitment to integrated transport systems through initiatives like the Smart City Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). He noted the acceleration of electric vehicle (EV) adoption under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme, improvements in public transport infrastructure, and promotion of non-motorized transport options like cycling and walking.

In the past decade, the operational metro network has grown from 248 kilometers across five cities in 2014 to 989 kilometers in 23 cities, serving over one crore daily commuters. Moreover, an additional 974 kilometers of metro lines are currently under construction.

The Minister reiterated that the demand for diverse urban transport solutions is ever-increasing, urging cities to adapt, connect, and build resilience. Embracing technology and innovation will be crucial in addressing the complexities of urban mobility, he added, while also advocating for the evolution of PPP models to tackle urban mobility challenges in the years ahead.