Road Mobility in India: Both Unsustainable and Unjust

India’s road infrastructure has expanded significantly however the unsustainable and inequitable nature of India's road mobility highlights the adverse effects of expanding road infrastructure without adequate planning. It addresses issues such as air pollution, traffic congestion, and the disproportionate impact on poorer communities.

Controversy Surrounding Road Infrastructure:

1. Introduction to the Issue: India has significantly expanded its road infrastructure, with a current road length of 5.13 km per 1,000 people, compared to 20 km in the US and 3.6 km in China. The budget for road transport and highways has increased, focusing more on new roads than maintaining existing ones.
2. Impact on Road Quality and Efficiency: Poor quality of existing roads leads to more accidents, lower fuel efficiency, and higher pollution. The average intra-city vehicle speed in major Indian cities is among the lowest in the world, contributing to increased fossil-fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Air Pollution and Health Hazards: The transport sector is a major contributor to urban air pollution and global greenhouse gas emissions. Pollution-related deaths in India were 1.67 million in 2019, with a significant fraction caused by vehicular emissions. India's commitment to reduce road-related accidents by 2030 faces challenges with the current strategy.

Global Environmental Concerns and Policy Implications:

1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Road transport accounts for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, with 14% of the total in 2018. Urban air pollution, exacerbated by vehicular emissions, poses severe health risks, particularly to poorer communities.
2. Congestion and Traffic Management: Expanding road infrastructure without proper planning results in shifting choke points and persistent congestion. Examples like the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway and Dwarka Expressway illustrate the inefficiencies and safety issues of current road projects.
3. Demand Management vs. Capacity Expansion: Capacity additions often fail to ease congestion due to rising demand. Strategies like odd-even schemes lead to higher vehicle ownership rather than effective demand management. Public and rail transportation modes should be prioritized for environmental and cost-effectiveness.

Challenges of Implementation and Ensuring Inclusivity:

1. Inadequate Planning and Design: Many road projects, such as the Delhi-Gurgaon and Dwarka expressways, cater primarily to fast-moving vehicles, neglecting the needs of pedestrians and users of smaller vehicles. This results in unsafe conditions and increased accidents.
2. Environmental and Social Impact: Expanding road infrastructure without addressing environmental concerns exacerbates pollution and resource depletion. The focus should shift towards sustainable mobility solutions that consider the broader environmental and social impacts.
3. Equity in Mobility Solutions: Current road infrastructure disproportionately benefits wealthier commuters while neglecting the needs of poorer communities. Effective demand management and inclusive planning are essential to ensure equitable access to mobility services.

UPSC Mains Questions

Q. Discuss the impact of road transport on urban air pollution and public health in India. What measures can be taken to mitigate these effects?