Travelling by buses and metro will help control traffic and pollution in the country, says the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM) in its recent study titled Vision 2030 for Emerging Cities of India. A network of organised mass transport systems is essential as the number of cities with more than 10 lakh people will increase from 48 to 68 in the next two decades.
"There will be a huge demand for mass transit rail as the number of cities with population of 40 lakh and above will increase from seven to 13 by 2030. The subsequent growth explosion in these cities will account for almost 70% of India's GDP," said D.S. Rawat, general secretary, ASSCOHAM.
According to the study, Mumbai is likely to have a population of 3.3 cr by 2030, Delhi 2.6 cr, Kolkata 2.3 cr, Chennai 1.1 cr, Bangalore and Pune 1 cr each. India's total urban population is already 37.7 cr and may exceed the earlier projection of 59 cr by 2030, states this study.
Among all forms of public transport, the Delhi Metro has helped reduce over five lakh vehicles on city roads since its inception. "Metro rail has the potential to bring all-round benefits to businesses, the environment and people from all walks of life. It is evolving as an industry on its own, and creating space for new services and jobs," states the report.
"The metro rail's contribution in reducing carbon emissions in cities like Delhi and Kolkata has been immense. Reduced traffic congestion on the roads, easy connectivity to commercial hubs and office complexes and reduction of pollution will be the most evident benefits from organised mass transport," said Chandan Choubey, senior analyst of transportation and logistics from KPMG.
The ASSOCHAM study also states that the Central government should move quickly to establish the Metro as the best mass transport means.
9 October in The Sunday Guardian.
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