Changing Spectrum of Human Settlements and Planning Education ISBN 978-93-5053-361-1

INTEGRATED MULTI-MODAL
TRANSPORTATION IN INDIA

Tejas Rawal (Corresponding Author)

Ph.D. Research Scholar, Dept. of Architecture & Planning,
Indian Institute of Technology-Roorkee, Roorkee-247 667
Email: tejas2509@gmail.com M: +91 75002 07427
tejaspap@iitr.ac.in M: +91 93758 53831

Dr. V. Devadas
Associate Professor, Dept. of Architecture & Planning,
Indian Institute of Technology-Roorkee, Roorkee-247 667
Email: valanfap@iitr.ernet.in

Nand Kumar
Ph.D. Research Scholar, Dept. of Architecture & Planning
Indian Institute of Technology-Roorkee, Roorkee-247 667
Email: architectnand@gmail.com

Abstract

With escalating nuisance of transportation demand and rapid urbanisation in India, innovative
solutions and methods are being evolved and borrowed from other countries. Over the last
decade numerous Mass Rapid Transit Systems have come up in various cities like Metro
Rails, Bus Rapid Transit Systems and Monorails. The interlinking of these various public
transport modes and various other modes is now the important issue from user point of view
and opportunity from planners’ point of view, for seamless travel across the various modes
and sustainability of the overall public transportation network in the city. This paper is an
attempt to understand the Integrated Multi-Modal Urban Transportation for India. With the
help of Delhi case study, efforts are made to identify the advantages, disadvantages and
challenges of Integrated Multi-Modal Urban Transportation for Indian cities.

Key words: Multi-Modal, Sustainability, Integrated Transportation, India

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1 INTRODUCTION

In the contemporary era, majority of the Indian cities are characterized as urban areas
having higher densities; organically developed (improper land use control); lack of adequate
physical and social infrastructure; especially transport infrastructure where there is lack of
proper roads and parking facilities, poor public transport, lack of road-user discipline, etc.
Urban transport systems in most Indian cities are under heavy strain, and has negatively
affected the quality of life of urban population (Verma 2010). Facilities of mass transit in the
cities are utterly insufficient for providing fast, comfortable and convenient travel. This has
resulted in heavy shift of commuter patronage from mass transit to private or personal
transportation and as a consequence there is huge increase in personal vehicle ownership. The
resultant effects are, increased traffic congestion and transport-borne pollution, heavy fuel
consumption, poor level of service to the commuters, etc. Still, million plus cities generates
more travel demands, which is not fully met by private modes of transportation, as a
consequence mass rapid transit system becomes mandatory for such cities, to provide better,
advanced, efficient and quality transit services. Many steps are being taken by the Indian
Government to promote sustainable urban transport. There are seven cities with populations
in excess of 4 million. Nearly 100 kilometers of Metro rail is operating in Delhi with another
250 kilometers of Metro rail under construction in the first five cities. Two other cities are
actively planning their rail transit systems. In addition, 11 cities are introducing Bus Rapid
Transit System while two more cities have them in the planning stage (Singhal, 2010).
Nevertheless, the efficiency and effectiveness of mass transits rely on accessibility of various
modes in the city, design and availability of routes, incoming flow of pedestrians at station,
frequency of service, etc. Transportation infrastructure development, traffic management,
intelligent transportation systems, use of green and renewable fuels, higher traffic speed, less
operation costs, maximum utilization of public transport, less congestion and accidents on
road , easy & safe movement of pedestrian, etc. are the key parameters for sustainability of
public transportation facilities. In levy to suffice the never ending needs of urban commuters,
authorities try to combine two or more public transportation modes, to achieve easy and
uninterrupted travel in the cities. The resultant process, which has evolved out of this, is
Integrated Multi Modal Transport System (IMMTS) that involves coordinated use of
different modes and its integration to fight against road congestion, longer journey time and
air pollution.

2 INTEGRATED MULTI MODAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM?

Integrated Multi Modal Transport System (IMMTS) comprises of one trip that
involves two or more than two different modes of transportation like bus, metro, car, tram,
etc.; either government or privately operated; where in-between passengers have to transfer in
to other mode. Some modes of transportation have always been depended on other modes.
Urban bus systems generally serve train and subway stations and often extends to local
airports. A major goal of integrated multi-modal transport system in developed countries is to
reduce dependence on the automobile as a major mode of ground transportation and increase
use of public transport. In the developing countries a variety of modes of transport are used.

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When these modes are run on the same track, the efficiency is lost over the period of time and
by increase in number of vehicles. The system can otherwise help improve the efficiency if
managed properly, where local bodies have defined tracks for them (Buchari 2008). This
multi modal system can be helpful for the cities which have a fast rate of urbanisation and
higher population densities. The main aim of IMMTS is to promote public transport in urban
areas. A coordinated integration of different modes brings about reduced congestion on the
road, greater convenience for commuters, efficiency and cost effectiveness. Key elements of
IMMTS can be identified as: Transportation infrastructure on top of which transport modes
operate; Modes of transport: network representing different modes, routes and paths; Multi
modal trips: this is the use of people for these modes with different combinations; Transfer
points: allowing people to change from one mode to another. In other words, Multi modal
transport planning refers to decision making that considers various modes, such as, walking,
cycling, automobiles, public transit, etc., and connections among modes so that each can play
its optimal role in the overall transport system (Litman 2012). In this context, a multi modal
transport system is an integrated approach that incorporates all components of urban transport
into a single system for efficient use of available transport resources and infrastructure for
better mobility within a wide range of modal options for the commuters.

The Various Characteristics Of IMMTS Are As Follows (Kumar, 2009):

• Journey involving more than one mode of transportation.
• For various possibilities, use of different modes of transport is accepted.
• The policy generally do not fixate on one single mode.
• Development of seamless web of integrated transport chains, linking road, rail
and water ways.
• Competition between transporters instead of between transport modes.
• Transfer node and smooth interchange flow.
• Seamless travel an important characteristic of the system.

With the comprehensive objectives to ensure safe, affordable, quick, comfortable,

reliable and sustainable access for the growing number of city residents to jobs, education,
recreation and such other needs within cities; the Ministry of Urban Development, Govt. of
India, formulated National Urban Transport Policy in 2006. As one of the techniques to
achieve such objectives is to, “enabling the establishment of quality focused MULTI
MODAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEMS that are well integrated, providing seamless
travel across modes”.

3 URBAN MULTI-MODAL COMMUTING

Public transportation systems such as train or metro systems have the most efficient
means and highest capacity to transport people around cities. Therefore multi-modal
commuting in the urban environment is largely dedicated to first getting people onto the train
network and once off the train network, to their final destination and its associated modes of
transportation, consisting the integration of multiple modes. The following are the types of
mixed modes approaches observed in various countries (Hine 2003):

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FIGURE 1: Urban Multi-modal Commuting Examples: Park and Ride, Feeder Service, Bike and Ride,
Bicycle on Bus, Bicycle Parking, Bicycle Rental Service and Integrated Multimodal Transfer Station

3.1 Automobile to public transport nodes

Automobiles are predominantly and conventionally popular as a single-mode form of

transit, although, they also are accepted in various multi-modal scenarios. They can provide a
short commute to train stations, airports, and bus stations, where all-day "park and ride"
spaces are available. Cars offer commuters the relative comfort of single-mode travel, while
it significantly reduces the financial and environmental costs.

3.2 Bus to public transport nodes

Many large cities link their railway network to their bus network. This enables
commuters to get to places that are not serviced directly by rail, which are often considered to
be far compared to comfortable walking distance. Feeder buses are a specific example of this.
Feeder buses work best when they are scheduled according to the railway timings. Feeder
buses are very successful in servicing customers' needs which helps to increase ridership
patronage and therefore also improves the operating income.

3.3 Cycling to public transport nodes: “Bike-and-Ride”

All around the world bicycles are used to get to and from train and other public
transportation stations, which is often called "Bike-and-Ride". Due to the threat of theft or
vandalism of bicycles left at these stations, "bike and ride" transport benefits greatly from
secure bicycle parking facilities. Some train/bus/ferry systems allow commuters to take their
bicycles on-board, which allows cyclists to ride at both ends of the commute. In some cities a
public bicycle rental programme has been implemented which allows travelers to get to and
from a train station.

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3.4 Transfer facilities

In recent years, an increasing emphasis has been placed on designing facilities that
make such transfers easier and more seamless. These are intended to help passengers move
from one mode of transportation to another for example, an intermodal station may service
air, rail, and highway transportation for example.

4 INTEGRATED MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION CASE STUDY: DELHI

Delhi has significant dependence on its transport infrastructure. The city has a highly
efficient public transport system with the introduction of the Delhi Metro. There are 5.5
million registered vehicles in the city, which is the highest in the world among all cities,
while the Delhi NCR has 11.2 million vehicles. Delhi and NCR lose nearly 42 crore (420
million) man-hours every month while commuting between home and office through public
transport, due to the traffic congestion. Therefore serious efforts, including a number of
transport infrastructure projects, are under way to encourage usage of public transport in the
city. At 1749 km of road length per 100 km², Delhi has one of the highest road densities in
India. Major roadways include the Ring Road and the Outer Ring Road, which had a traffic
density of 110,000 vehicles per day in 2001. Total road length of Delhi was 28,508 km
including 388 km of National Highways. Major road-based public transport facilities in Delhi
are provided by DTC buses, auto-rickshaws, taxis and cycle-rickshaws.

FIGURE 2: Public Transportation Modes of Delhi namely, DTC Buses; BRT Buses; Auto Rickshaw;
Pedel Rickshaw; Metro and Ring Rail.

Rapid increase of population coupled with large-scale immigration due to high

economic growth has resulted in ever increasing demand for better transport, putting
excessive pressure on the city's existent transport infrastructure. Like many other cities in the
developing world, the city faces acute transport management problems leading to air

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pollution, congestion and resultant loss of productivity. In order to meet the transportation
demand in Delhi, the State and Union government started the construction of an ambitious
Mass Rapid Transit system, known as Delhi Metro in 1998. The project started commercial
operations on December 24, 2002. It has set many performance and efficiency standards ever
since and is continuously expanding at a very rapid pace. As of 2010, the metro operates 5
lines with a total length of 190 km and 132 stations while several other lines are under
construction. Ring railway is a circular rail network in Delhi, which runs parallel to the Ring
Road and was conceived during the Asian Games of 1982. The system is not popular
amongst people and it is a total failure as far as public transport is considered. The major
reasons for failure of the system are lack of proper connectivity, less population density in
areas of reach. The network is now utilized as a freight corridor and limited passenger train
services are available during peak hours.

Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System Ltd.: With all various modes, and its
complications and chaos, there was a need for a managing and implementation agency, which
was sought in form of Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) Ltd. It is an
urban transport and infrastructure development company. DIMTS came into being in April
2006. In July 2007 it became an equal equity joint venture company between the Government
of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) and the IDFC Foundation. DIMTS provide
concept to commissioning as well as operations, management and maintenance services, in
the following areas; Urban Transport Planning; Project Management; Engineering Design
and Construction Management; Financial Modeling; Public Transport Concession
Management; Operations and Facilities Management; Information Technology and e-
Enablement. Transportation is the common theme behind these various areas of concerns.

5 ASSESSMENT

 Multi-modal commuting combines the benefits of walking, bicycle commuting, or driving

with the benefits of rapid transit while balancing some of the major disadvantages of each
individual mode.
 Location plays a large role in multi-modal commuting. When the commuter finds the
distance between the origin and the destination too far to be enjoyable or practical,
commute by car or motorcycle to the station may remain practical, as long as last mile
connectivity to destination is practical by walking, a bicycle, or shuttle/ feeder bus.
 In general, locations close to major transit station have higher land value and thus have
higher costs of rent or purchase. A commuter can choose to live near or far according to
the last mile connection availability like by walking, a bicycle, or shuttle/ feeder bus, and
also the rent or purchase affordability in the vicinity of that particular transit station.
 Other cost advantages of multi-modal commuting include lower fuel and maintenance
costs; and increased automobile life. These cost benefits are balanced by costs of transit,
which can vary in different cases.
 The effectiveness of a multi-modal commute can be measured in many ways: speed to
destination, convenience, security, environmental impact, and proximity to mass transit.
Because multi-modal commutes rely on a certain degree of coordination, scheduling

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issues with mass transit can often be an issue. For example, a sometimes-late train can be
an annoyance, and an often-late train can make a commute impractical.
 Weather can also be a factor. Even when the use of an automobile is involved, the
transition from one mode of transportation to another, often exposes commuters to the
adverse weather. As a result, multi-mode commuters often travel prepared for extreme
weather conditions.
 In Indian context it is very important to integrate all various modes of transport like bus,
feeder services, bicycle, rickshaw, etc. with rapid transit system. It is equally important to
integrate non-motorized modes (pedestrian, cycles, rickshaws, etc.) to mass rapid transits.
 It is also important that utilisation of IMMTS to its maximum capacity, depends on
mobility of non-motorized vehicles and intermediate para transits.
 For IMMTS the interchanges and seamless travel are significant components of an
integrated transport strategy, as these are a part of infrastructure which involves multi-
modal activities.
 The biggest challenge for Indian cities would be to achieve the highest level of integration
of multiple modes to shift the captive ridership of personalized transport to at least partial
usage of public transport for mixed-mode travel.

6 CONCLUSION

In India, with increasing number of middle class, the personalized vehicles have also
increased in many folds in last decade, which further has causes deterioration in traffic and
environmental conditions. This has generated implacable need to shift mode of travel from
car to walk/cycle for short journey and to public transport for long journey. Integrated multi-
modal urban transportation is a step ahead to achieve this goal. IMMTS is a promising area of
research and development, for near future, as well as for scientific and practical
implementation of adequate infrastructure; as most of the Indian cities are pacing up for
improving the transport infrastructure by carrying out various transportation projects. The
case of Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System is the precursor to upcoming
developments for appropriate integration of various modes of transportation in highly dense
urban areas of India. The biggest challenge for Indian cities would be to achieve the highest
level of integration of multiple modes to shift the captive ridership of personalized transport
to at least partial usage of public transport for mixed-mode travel.

REFERENCES

Buchari, Erika et al. (2008). Enhancing Public Transport System in Developing Countries towards Multimodal
Public Transport System. Proceedings of the Conference on The Intelligent Public Transport System,
April 2-4, Netherland.
Hine, J. and Scott, J. (2000). Seamless, Accessible Travel: User’s Views of Public Transport Journey and
Interchange. Transport Policy 7, pp. 217-226.
Kumar, P. (2009). Design Approach for Multi Modal Transport System. Architecture - Time Space & People
Litman, T. (2012). Introduction to Multi-Modal Transportation Planning, Victoria Transport Policy Institute
Singhal, B. I. 2010. Towards Sustainable Urban Transport in India. 2010.
Verma, A., (VOL. 100, NO. 9, 2010). Achieving sustainable transportation system for Indian cities. CURRENT
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