Comprehensive Mobility Plan for Pune

The Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) for Pune has been introduced to address the city’s growing transport challenges. With Pune ranked fourth globally for traffic congestion, the CMP aims to create an integrated transportation system. This plan will be executed in three phases over three decades, targeting a sustainable urban mobility framework.

What is the Comprehensive Mobility Plan?

The CMP is a long-term strategy for urban transport. It aims to coordinate various government entities to set clear mobility goals. The plan considers population growth, regional development, and employment trends. It includes cost estimates, land use proposals, and strategies for efficient transport.

Stakeholders Involved

The implementation involves 29 stakeholders. This includes municipal corporations, transport authorities, traffic divisions, and central agencies like Indian Railways. The study area covers 2,550 square kilometres, including the Pune Metropolitan Region and key development zones.

Reasons for the CMP

Pune faces severe traffic issues. The TomTom traffic index indicates an average travel time of 33 minutes for 10 km. Contributing factors include rising vehicle registrations, insufficient public transport, and poor road management. In the past year, Pune recorded over 300,000 new vehicle registrations.

Public Transport Infrastructure

The public transport system is inadequate for the growing population. The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) operates only 2,030 buses, far below the required 6,228. This shortfall is projected to grow, necessitating 11,600 buses by 2054.

Metro Network Expansion

The CMP includes extensive metro development. Currently, 33.1 km of lines are operational. An additional 148 km of metro lines and 128 km of metro-lite and metro-neo routes are planned. Metro-lite is designed for smaller cities, while metro-neo caters to moderate passenger densities.

Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS)

Four new BRTS corridors are proposed, covering 117 km. High-frequency bus corridors will span 46.3 km. These developments aim to enhance connectivity and reduce congestion.

PMPML Developments

Under the CMP, PMPML plans to introduce 18 new bus routes covering 641.90 km. This includes developing new terminals and depots to improve service capacity and efficiency.

Intercity Transport Improvements

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will upgrade seven intercity terminals and construct four new ones. This will enhance regional connectivity.

Railway and Airport Integration

The CMP includes improvements to railway connectivity. The Central Railway will implement traffic improvement schemes, and new railway stations are proposed for the Purandar Greenfield Airport project.

Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) Initiatives

The plan prioritises pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. Proposed developments include 341 km of footpaths and 229.8 km of bicycle tracks to promote sustainable transport options.

Mobility Management Measures

The CMP outlines measures to regulate transport. This includes constructing truck terminals, logistic parks, and multimodal integration hubs. Smart parking technologies will be employed for effective space management.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the implications of rising vehicle registrations on urban transport systems in India.
2. Critically discuss the role of public transport in reducing urban congestion, taking Pune as a case study.
3. Discuss in the light of sustainable development, the importance of non-motorized transport in urban planning.
4. Analyse the impact of integrated transport systems on economic growth in metropolitan regions.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the implications of rising vehicle registrations on urban transport systems in India.

1. Increased vehicle registrations lead to higher traffic congestion, impacting travel times and air quality.
2. Urban infrastructure often struggles to keep pace with rising vehicle numbers, resulting in inadequate road capacity.
3. Public transport systems may become overwhelmed, leading to a decline in service quality and accessibility.
4. Rising vehicle ownership can exacerbate inequality, as lower-income individuals may lack access to personal vehicles.
5. Policy measures are needed to promote sustainable transport alternatives and reduce dependency on personal vehicles.

2. Critically discuss the role of public transport in reducing urban congestion, taking Pune as a case study.

1. Public transport provides an efficient alternative to private vehicles, reducing the number of cars on the road.
2. Pune’s current public transport system, especially PMPML, is under-resourced, leading to congestion issues.
3. Investment in metro and BRT systems aims to enhance connectivity and encourage public transport usage.
4. Improved public transport can lead to reduced travel times and lower emissions, benefiting urban environments.
5. Effective public transport can promote economic activity by improving access to jobs and services.

3. Discuss in the light of sustainable development, the importance of non-motorized transport in urban planning.

1. Non-motorized transport (NMT) reduces reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to lower carbon emissions.
2. NMT promotes healthier lifestyles by encouraging walking and cycling, improving public health outcomes.
3. Incorporating NMT infrastructure into urban planning enhances accessibility and equity for all residents.
4. It can alleviate traffic congestion by providing alternatives to motorized transport, especially in dense urban areas.
5. Investment in NMT can enhance the livability of cities, making them more attractive for residents and businesses.

4. Analyse the impact of integrated transport systems on economic growth in metropolitan regions.

1. Integrated transport systems facilitate efficient movement of people and goods, boosting productivity.
2. Improved connectivity enhances access to markets, leading to increased business opportunities and investments.
3. Such systems can reduce transportation costs, benefiting both consumers and businesses.
4. Integrated transport promotes urban development and regeneration, attracting new residents and businesses.
5. Efficient transport networks contribute to regional competitiveness, making metropolitan areas more attractive for talent and investment.