Economic impact of non-motorized transportation in Indian cities

Lack of a clear understanding regarding the economic impacts of non-motorized modes is a major reason why they are excluded from the transportation development agenda of cities in India. Keeping this aspect in mind the present study has been divided in to two parts. The first part tries to understand the non-motorized traffic evolution in India. It focuses on the declination of non-motorized modes, necessity to revamp it, the favorable conditions to promote them in India and the relative problems associated with it. It is found here that there is a necessity for defining the role of non-motorized modes in India for the viable implementation of infrastructure and policies related with it. The second part consists of two case studies of Bangalore city where the economic benefits are worked out. The first case study provides a framework for monetizing the economic benefits of non-motorized modes. Here the economic benefits of congestion and air pollution reduction, accident and vehicle cost reduction are considered and total savings are worked out. A savings of Indian Rupees (Rs.) 250,000 was found for an assumed 1% shift of travelers to non-motorized mode in a single day. The second one enlists the expected economic benefits associated with pedestrianization of a major arterial called M.G road in Bangalore and estimates a savings of 1611.4 Rs./day due to air pollution and accident reduction. The economic benefits thus found could be used to convince the policy makers and also to form a framework within which decisions can be made regarding non-motorized modes.

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