Public Transportation System in India: Evolution, Current State, and Future Outlook

Public transportation is the lifeline of India, connecting its vast and diverse geography and facilitating the movement of millions daily. The evolution of the public transportation system in India is a fascinating journey marked by significant milestones, especially in response to the country’s demographic and economic needs. This blog delves into the historical development, current state, and future outlook of public transportation in India, examining its diversity, structure, adequacy, quality, cost, and challenges.

1. Evolution of Public Transportation System in India till Independence

The history of public transportation in India dates back to ancient times when the primary means of transport were bullock carts and horse-drawn carriages. With the advent of British colonial rule, a more structured transportation system began to emerge.

Railways: The most significant development was the introduction of the Indian Railways in 1853, with the first passenger train running between Mumbai and Thane. The British developed the railway network to facilitate the movement of raw materials and goods, crucial for their economic interests. By the time of independence in 1947, India had a substantial railway network, albeit designed to serve colonial interests rather than domestic needs.

Road Transport: Road transport saw significant improvements with the construction of metaled roads, although the primary focus remained on railways. Public buses were introduced in some cities in the early 20th century, but their reach was limited.

Tramways: Trams made their debut in India in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with Kolkata (then Calcutta) introducing horse-drawn trams in 1873, followed by electric trams in 1902. Mumbai and Chennai also adopted trams, which became an essential part of urban transport. However, with the advent of buses and growing traffic congestion, trams gradually declined. By the mid-20th century, most tram services were discontinued, except for Kolkata, which still retains a modest tram network as a heritage and functional transport system.

Water Transport: India’s extensive network of rivers and coastline was historically significant for trade and transport. The British enhanced port infrastructure, notably in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, but inland water transport remained underdeveloped.

2. Development and Growth of Public Transportation System Since Independence

Post-independence, the focus shifted towards creating a transportation system that catered to the socio-economic needs of the newly formed nation.

Railways: Indian Railways underwent massive expansion and modernization. The network grew to become one of the largest in the world, facilitating passenger and freight movement across the country. The introduction of different classes of travel, suburban rail systems in metropolitan cities, and modernization projects like high-speed trains and dedicated freight corridors marked significant progress.

Road Transport: The development of national and state highways improved road connectivity. The introduction of state-run bus services expanded public road transport. Recent initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) aimed at enhancing rural connectivity.

Air Transport: The establishment of the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 1953 led to the growth of the aviation sector. Nationalization of airlines, the development of major airports, and the introduction of private carriers in the 1990s transformed air travel. The liberalization of the aviation sector in the 1990s marked a significant turning point. The entry of low-cost carriers like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and GoAir made air travel accessible to a larger section of the population. The development of airports under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme further boosted regional connectivity, leading to a significant increase in domestic air travel. Today, India is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world, with millions of people traveling by air annually.

Metro Systems: The launch of the Kolkata Metro in 1984, followed by the Delhi Metro in 2002, marked a new era in urban transportation. Many cities have since developed or are developing metro systems to tackle urban congestion.

Water Transport: While inland water transport remained underdeveloped, initiatives like the National Waterways Act, 2016, aimed at improving this sector. Coastal shipping and port modernization have also been significant focus areas.

3. Various Types of Public Transportation Systems and Their Spread Across the Country

India’s public transportation system is diverse, comprising railways, buses, metros, auto-rickshaws, taxis, ferries, and airlines.

Railways: Indian Railways operates long-distance and suburban trains, with extensive coverage across the country. Special trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto express trains offer faster and more comfortable travel options.

Buses: State-run bus services, private operators, and recently app-based shuttle services form the backbone of road transport. Cities have their own public bus systems, while intercity bus services connect urban and rural areas.

Metros: Metro rail systems are operational in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Lucknow, and Jaipur. These systems are expanding rapidly, enhancing urban mobility.

Auto-Rickshaws and Taxis: Auto-rickshaws are prevalent across cities and towns due to their lower cost compared to cars. They provide a crucial link for last-mile connectivity and are widely used for short-distance travel. App-based services like Ola and Uber have revolutionized the taxi sector, offering more organized and reliable services.

Ferries: Coastal cities and towns utilize ferry services for both passenger and freight transport. Inland waterways are being developed for better connectivity.

Airlines: With over a hundred airports, both domestic and international, the aviation sector connects major cities and towns, providing faster travel options.

4. Diversity, Structure, and Depth/Reach of Various Types of Transportation Systems in India

The diversity of India’s transportation system is a reflection of its geographical, economic, and cultural diversity.

Urban Transport: Cities have developed complex transportation networks combining buses, metros, suburban trains, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. The depth of these networks varies, with metropolises like Delhi and Mumbai having more extensive systems compared to smaller cities.

Rural Transport: Rural areas rely more on state-run buses, private mini-buses, and shared auto-rickshaws. Road connectivity is improving, but the reach is still limited compared to urban areas.

Intercity Transport: Intercity travel is facilitated by long-distance trains, intercity buses, and flights. The rail network is extensive, but road and air connectivity are also significant, especially for remote areas.

Waterways: Coastal and riverine transport is less developed but holds potential for significant growth, especially with initiatives to develop national waterways.

5. Adequacy, Quality, and Cost of their Services to Users

Adequacy: The adequacy of public transportation varies widely. Urban areas, particularly larger cities, generally have better transportation infrastructure and services. Rural areas often face challenges of inadequate services and connectivity.

Quality: Quality is a major issue, with public transportation often struggling with overcrowding, poor maintenance, and inefficiency. However, metro systems and some state-of-the-art buses offer high-quality services. Indian Railways has been working on improving the quality of its services with new coaches, better sanitation, and faster trains.

Cost: Public transportation in India is generally affordable compared to many other countries. Railways and state-run bus services offer low-cost travel options, while metro systems and app-based taxis cater to different segments of society with varying fare structures. Auto-rickshaws remain a popular choice due to their lower cost compared to cars, offering a more economical mode of transport for short distances.

6. Licensing and Investment Required for Such Systems

Licensing: The licensing of public transportation systems involves multiple regulatory bodies. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Civil Aviation, and respective state transport departments oversee licensing and regulation.

Investment: Significant investment is required for developing and maintaining public transportation infrastructure. This includes government funding, public-private partnerships, and international loans and grants. Recent years have seen increased investment in metro projects, railway modernization, and airport development.

7. Comparisons with Neighbouring Countries

China: China’s public transportation system is more advanced, with extensive high-speed rail networks, well-developed metro systems, and superior road infrastructure. However, India’s system is catching up with ambitious projects and reforms.

Pakistan: Pakistan’s transportation system is less developed compared to India, with limited railway coverage and fewer metro systems. Road transport is more dominant, but the overall infrastructure needs significant improvement.

Bangladesh: Bangladesh faces challenges similar to India, with overcrowded and underdeveloped transportation systems. However, efforts are being made to improve urban transport with projects like the Dhaka Metro.

Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka’s transportation system is relatively smaller in scale but well-organized, with a good mix of rail, bus, and taxi services.

8. Pain Points for Users

Overcrowding: A major issue, especially in urban areas and on popular train routes.

Reliability and Punctuality: Delays and cancellations are common, affecting user trust and convenience.

Quality and Maintenance: Many public transportation services suffer from poor maintenance, leading to discomfort and safety concerns.

Accessibility: Rural and remote areas often lack adequate public transportation options.

Integration: Lack of integration between different modes of transport makes commuting challenging.

Private Vehicles and Traffic Congestion: Due to the inadequacy of public transport, many people have turned to private vehicles, leading to crowded city and intercity roads. This has resulted in severe traffic congestion, longer travel times, and increased pollution.

9. Future Outlook

The future of public transportation in India looks promising with several initiatives aimed at modernization and expansion.

High-Speed Rail: Projects like the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor are set to transform long-distance travel.

Metro Expansion: Ongoing and planned metro projects in various cities will enhance urban mobility.

Electric Vehicles: Promotion of electric buses and vehicles will reduce pollution and enhance sustainability.

Smart Transportation: Integration of technology for ticketing, real-time tracking, and service management will improve efficiency and user experience.

Investment in Infrastructure: Continued investment in road, rail, and air infrastructure will bridge connectivity gaps.

Usage and Affordability of Public Transportation

Understanding the number of people using various types of public transportation and the associated costs helps in evaluating the system’s adequacy, affordability, and accessibility.

Railways:

• Daily Passengers: Indian Railways transports approximately 23 million passengers daily.
• Annual Passengers: Over 8 billion passenger journeys are made annually.
• Cost:
  • Suburban Trains: ₹5 to ₹50 for short distances.
  • Long-Distance Trains: ₹50 – ₹2,000 depending on class and distance.

Buses:

• Urban Buses:
  • Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC): Over 4 million passengers daily.
  • Mumbai’s BEST: Around 2.9 million passengers daily.
• Intercity Buses: Widely used across regions.
• Cost: ₹5 – ₹1,000 based on distance and service type.

Metros:

• Delhi Metro: Around 2.8 million daily passengers.
• Mumbai Metro: Approximately 400,000 daily passengers.
• Cost: ₹10 to ₹60 depending on distance.

Auto-Rickshaws and Taxis:

• Usage: Crucial for short-distance travel and last-mile connectivity.
• Cost: ₹10 – ₹15 per kilometer for auto-rickshaws; taxis have a base fare plus per kilometer charges.

Ferries:

• Usage: Predominantly in coastal and riverine areas.
• Cost: ₹10 – ₹100 depending on route and distance.

Airlines:

• Domestic Passengers: Around 144 million annually.
• International Passengers: Over 60 million.
• Cost: Domestic fares range from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000; international fares vary widely.

Conclusion

The diversity in transportation options, combined with a range of costs, ensures that public transportation in India is accessible and affordable to a broad spectrum of the population. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in terms of quality and reliability, the overall affordability makes public transportation a vital component of daily life in India. Ongoing reforms and investments promise a more efficient, reliable, and sustainable future for public transportation in India, catering better to the needs of its diverse population.

Amulya Charan

Pune