Sustainable urban transportation

1. Feasibility of Sustainable Urban Transport
System for Pryagraj Smart City
SAM HIGGINBOTTOM UNIVERSITY OFAGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY &
SCIENCES,PRAYAGRAJ-211007 (U.P.) INDIA
Submitted To:-
Prof. (Dr.) Victoria A. Masih
Professor,
Department of Agricultural Economics
Submitted By:-
Aditya Singh
PID-22MBAAB012
MBA()

2. Introduction
In today's rapidly urbanizing world, sustainable urban transportation has become a critical concern
for cities aiming to improve the quality of life for their residents while mitigating environmental
impacts. Prayagraj, a historical and rapidly growing city, is no exception. This synopsis outlines a
comprehensive approach to study feasibility of a sustainable urban transport system for Prayagraj,
focusing on key strategies, policies, and initiatives that align with the city's development as a smart
city. One of the central challenges facing Prayagraj, and indeed many urban centers across the
globe, is the need to address the critical issues surrounding urban transportation. The traditional
model of urban mobility, characterized by heavy reliance on private vehicles, congested roadways,
and emissions contributing to environmental degradation, is increasingly unsustainable. The vision
of a Smart City is not merely about adopting cutting-edge technologies but also reimagining the
urban landscape. Sustainable urban transportation, rooted in innovative strategies, is a pivotal aspect
of this transformation. It seeks to reshape how people move within and around the city, with a dual
focus on environmental stewardship and enhancing the overall well-being of the population.

3. Background
Prayagraj, nestled along the banks of the Ganges River, is a city that resonates with history, culture, and the pulse of a rapidly
evolving urban landscape. As one of the oldest cities in India, Prayagraj has borne witness to centuries of political, cultural,
and religious dynamics, contributing significantly to the narrative of the subcontinent.
The population of Prayagraj, reflective of the city's historical importance and economic opportunities, has witnessed a steady
rise over the years. This diversity is a hallmark of Prayagraj's social fabric, creating a harmonious coexistence of various
communities, each contributing to the city's vibrant tapestry. The city's demographic composition, with its blend of traditions
and modernity, adds a unique flavor to its cultural milieu.
Transportation in Prayagraj plays a pivotal role in shaping the city's dynamics. The road infrastructure, woven into the
historical lanes and bustling contemporary avenues, facilitates the seamless movement of people and goods. Major arterial
roads connect the ancient ghats, where spiritual seekers perform rituals, to the burgeoning commercial districts and
educational precincts. The extensive road network not only serves the daily commuting needs of residents but also caters to
the influx of pilgrims and tourists, especially during the grand spectacle of the Kumbh Mela.
.

4. Prayagraj A Smart City
The subsequent selection of Prayagraj under the Government of India’s Smart City Mission in its third round in June 2017
further fueled the government’s ambition.The divine city of Prayagraj has witnessed the launch of projects worth over `4,000
crore, aimed at enhancing its attractiveness and modernity. In April 2017, the state government publicly presented its vision of
transforming Kumbh 2019 into ‘Divya Kumbh–Bhavya Kumbh’, marking the beginning of a significant transformation in
Prayagraj. The administration made the decision to prioritize permanent infrastructural development of the city and aimed to
meet all the Smart City parameters, in addition to quantum improvement in the Mela works. Among several other Smart City
initiatives considered was the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT)-based solutions. This included the
establishment of an Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) not only for managing the city operations but also for
the Kumbh Mela.
The scope of the ICCC included Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), communication systems at bus shelters,
environment sensors, Smart Parking systems and data centres, video analytics for crowd management and headcount mapping.
ICCC was developed in two phases. While Phase 1 was dedicated primarily to the Kumbh Mela and intended to provide better
surveillance and support, Phase 2 will cover a wide range of citizen services. Intelligent Traffic Signals, Variable Message
Signboards and an Adaptive Traffic Control System,deployed for effective traffic management, are some other support functions
that the ICCC provides.

5. The Metamorphosis
In the course of planning, it was also felt that since hundreds of projects, worth thousands of crores and involving over 25
government departments, would have to be executed simultaneously, there was a need for an advanced, computerized Project
Monitoring and Information System (PMIS) to complete the work on time. An external agency was also required to perform
unbiased inspection to guarantee proper execution of projects and prevent time and cost overruns. Hence, both PMIS and
Third Party Inspection Agency (TPIA) were used in these projects.These were some basic strategies the government was
using. However, after the UNESCO recognized the Kumbh Mela as part of the ‘intangible cultural heritage of humanity’, the
perspective and confidence of everyone associated with the mega project changed. Enthusiasm grew palpably, but the
magnitude of the work also grew by leaps and bounds.Once the master plan was finalized, several mammoth projects were
launched and the city of Prayagraj began to witness a veritable metamorphosis. Substantial encroachments were removed,
road and traffic intersections were expanded, traffic bottlenecks eliminated, and the city was given a facelift following the
model of sustainable development. Nine flyovers and 6 underbridges were developed in a period of less than a year
(forwhich the usual time required is 3-4 years), including the broadening and beautification of all roads that led to the Sangam.
Undoubtedly, the administration faced serious space constraints while developing RoBs, but with each stakeholder
contributing in the best possible manner, most of the work was finished in less than a year. RuBs were developed within 1–3
months and in order to permanently solve traffic issues, most roads were broadened up to 30m.The estimated cost of 9 RoBs
was 501.89 crore, while nearly 298.35 crore were spent on strengthening and widening 34 roads and redesigning, refurbishing
and beautification work at over 60 traffic junctions. For this, the Prayagraj Development Authority took inputs from citizens
and consulted the Urban MassTransit Company (UMTC) report, a detailed document which defined the parameters around
which development work was required to be done for transforming this holy city into a Smart City. construction and
covering of drains,development of pathways and green belts, shifting of electric lines and services, installation of
dividers and electrification of roads with LED lights – all completed in record time. Special car ewas also taken while
constructing footpaths – these were made adequately broad, and attention was paid to every detail under the Smart Water
Drainage System. Areas with rainwater drainage problems were first identified, after which measures were taken to
permanently solve the concern. Capping of open drains was alsoMundertaken. All drainage lines were constructed at the ends
of roads, keeping in mind the possibility of future encroachment.

6. Importance of Sustainable Urban Transport
System
Environmental Benefits 🌍
Sustainable urban transport systems reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Social Benefits 👥
The promotion of walking, cycling, and public transport can help to improve public
health and quality of life.
Economic Benefits 💰
Investment in sustainable urban transport systems can stimulate economic growth
and job creation.

7. Challenges in Implementing Sustainable Urban
Transport System
1 Infrastructure Requirements
Developing infrastructure like dedicated lanes for public transportation and
cycle paths can be expensive and time-consuming.
2 Funding and Financial Considerations
Sustainable urban transport systems may require a significant amount of
investment and government funding.
3 Public Awareness and Acceptance
Developing an effective public transportation system requires a change in
behavior and attitude of commuters, which can be challenging.

8. Benefits of Sustainable Urban Transport System
Reduction in Traffic
Congestion and Air Pollution
Increase in public transportation
ridership and encouraging non-
motorized modes help reduce traffic
congestion and air pollution.
Improved Public Health and
Quality of Life
Sustainable transportation modes
have the potential to improve
public health and quality of life by
reducing traffic accidents and
providing exercise opportunities.
Economic Advantages
Investing in sustainable urban
transport systems can create jobs,
reduce oil imports, and boost the
local economy.

9. Proposed Strategies for Implementing Sustainable Urban Transport
System in Pryagraj
1.Integrated Public
Transportation
Network
A well-integrated public
transportation network can
make Pryagraj more
accessible and encourage
the use of sustainable
transport.
2.Promoting Non-
motorized Transport
Options
Providing safe and
accessible cycle paths,
footpaths, and pedestrian
zones can reduce the
reliance on motorized
transport and promote
sustainable options.
3.Encouraging Use of
Electric Vehicles
Supporting electric
vehicles can be a solution
to air pollution resulting
from fossil fuel-burning
vehicles.
A total of 5417 EV’s have
been registered till october
this year
4.Non-Motorized
Transportation
Encouraging walking,cycling and
the development of dedicated
lanes and can promote sustainable
transportation and improove the
quality of life like chandigarh.
Public bike sharing(PBS) system
has launched in Pryagraj and city
would have 32 docking
station,each having 10-14
bicycles.

10. Statement Of The Problem
The urban transportation system in Prayagraj is currently grappling with severe
challenges that demand immediate attention. The city's rapid urbanization has given rise
to problems like chronic traffic congestion and heightened levels of air pollution, which
directly impact the lives of its residents. In light of this challenge, it is crucial to assess
the current state of urban transportation in Prayagraj comprehensively. This assessment
will serve as the foundation for identifying and implementing sustainable transportation
strategies that can alleviate traffic woes, promote environmental sustainability.

11. Justification Of The Problem
The need to address Prayagraj's urban transportation challenges cannot be overstated. The
city's current transportation system is plagued by congestion, inadequate public transit,
and severe environmental consequences, all of which have far-reaching implications.
With increasing traffic and pollution levels, there are adverse health effects, economic
inefficiencies, and environmental degradation at stake. Solving this problem is not just an
aspiration for a more convenient commute but a necessity for public health, economic
well-being, and environmental sustainability. By pursuing this research and implementing
sustainable transportation strategies, Prayagraj can pave the way towards a more vibrant,
healthy, and efficient urban environment for its residents, ensuring its long-term
prosperity and livability.

12. Objectives Of The Study
The main aims and objectives include:
• To assess the current status of urban transportation in Prayagraj.
• To identify sustainable transportation strategies suitable for the city.
• To evaluate the feasibility and potential impacts of implementing proposed strategies.
• To identify challenges and constraints to sustainable transportation in the city.

13. Limitations Of The Study
Here are some potential limitations of the study:
• Scope and Generalizability: The research focuses on the specific context of Prayagraj,
which has unique geographical, cultural, and demographic characteristics. Therefore, the
findings and recommendations may not be directly applicable to other cities with different
contexts, challenges, and resources.
• Data Availability: The study heavily relies on data availability and quality. Limited or
outdated data may affect the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the analysis. In some
cases, data on specific aspects of sustainable transportation, such as active transportation
patterns or air quality, may be sparse or incomplete.
• Resource Limitations: The scope of the study is often constrained by available resources,
including time, budget, and personnel. A more comprehensive study with a larger budget
and a longer time frame could yield more extensive and detailed results.
Political and Institutional Factors: Implementing sustainable transportation initiatives often
involves navigating complex political and institutional landscapes. The study may not fully
capture the influence of political and bureaucratic factors on the feasibility and success of
sustainable transportation projects.

14. D
Review Of literature
Sustainable Urban Transportation
Sohail Ahmadet al. ( 2016) Studies that quantifies the influence of city features and socio-economic and socio-cultural
variables on mobility patterns to identify evidence-based policy interventions for promoting more inclusive and sustainable
transportation path.
Karjalainen et al. (2019)-Studies concluded about “Framework for Assessing Public Transportation Sustainability in Planning
and Policy-Making. Sustainability 2019”.
Palak Thakur et al. (2020)-Researched and introduced to the study of emerging role of bike motorcycle and taxis in urban
mobility.
Singh et al. (2020)-Researched on the transportation research procedia and projection of private vehicle stock in India.
Verma et al. (2021).-Introduced to review and analysis on evolution of urban transportation policies in India.
Dashkdvych et al. (2022)-He gave the study criteria for smart city identification. The study helps to identify a total of 48 SC
identification metrics, which are further split into three main categories—smart digital technology, living conditions, and
environmental (ecological) sustainability.

15. Research Methodology
Stakeholder Analysis
 Research/Academic Institutions
 Local and regional administrations
 Financial suppliers/Investors
 Energy suppliers
 ICT sector representatives
 Citizens
Data Collection And Analysis:
The research will be carried out using secondary data. A comprehensive review of literature to determine a suitable sustainability framework
developed by UNSCAP has been chosen for the given study, comprising 10 sustainability indicators that have been duly recognise as relevant.
Due to data availability constraints, sustainability of the transport system of Allahabad has been assessed across each parameters to give a final
verdict and suggest policy recommendations based on the same. All data has been gathered from credible sources.
Framework
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, in order to assess sustainability of urban transport systems in cities
has developed a reliable indicator based framework to summarize, track and compare the performance of urban transport systems and how
sustainable they are. The 10 indicator based framework is called Sustainable Urban Transport Index or (SUTI).
TO BE CONTINUED
ON NEXT SLIDE

16. Showing 10 indicators measured on different scales :-
Shown above are the 10 indicators, measured on different scales with minimum and maximum values specified for each scale. Each
of the indicators in calculation of the final index score have been given equal weights of 0.1.

17. Calculation
Each of the indicators measured on different scales need to be normalized before calculation. The method of linear re-scaling for composite index
is used. Transforming all indicator values to a 1-100 scale. It uses the following formula:
· Where, Z - is normalised indicator for topic x, city c
· Xmin is the lowest value of the indicator,
· Xmax is the highest value of the indicator
Finally, before calculating the index score, it is important to assign weights to the indicators to be used. Since sustainability theory suggests that
each parameter has equal importance in sustainable decision-making, the framework assigns equal weight of 0.10 to all indicators, irrespective of
their domain.
Final index value can be calculated using two approaches, the arithmetic mean or geometric mean. Arithmetic mean involves addition of value of
each component divided by the total number of components ie: 10. However, geometric mean is the preferred approach and can be calculated
based on the following formula:
Based on the calculation, a spider-web diagram can be created as part of the framework, indicating city performance with respect to min and max
values of each of the indicators. It facilitates instant visual comprehension of the city’s urban transport systems’s performance in the context of
sustainable development.

18. Findings
Extent to which transport plans cover public transport, intermodal facilities and infrastructure for active modest - Based on a qualitative
review of the city’s transport plan, it is found that Prayagraj’s transport plan is extensive and covers wide range of places for commute. It is one of
the most extensive and well-connected transport networks in the country.
Modal share of active and public transport in commuting - The modal share of active and public transport in commuting shows the split
between private and public transport being used in the city. Although 60-70% of the population is dependent on public transport for commute, it
has been observed that the modal split for private transport has been increasing over the years perhaps due to dissatisfaction with public transport
services while the modal share of public transport has been consequently declining from 75% in 2015-2023.
Convenient access to public transport and service-Centre for Science and Environment’s survey reveals that 72% of Prayagraj’s population
does not have access to bus stops within 1km while 89% do not have access auto rickshaw within 1km.
Public Transport Quality and Reliability - Based on UPSRCTC survey it is found that 55% of passengers are highly satisfied with bus services.
However, since the bus services do not account for other modes of public transport and inadequacy of data available otherwise, the figure could
not be included for analysis.
Traffic fatalities per 100000 inhabitants - The road fatality rate in Prayagraj is seen as high compared to developed countries in the world and
even best performing city in India, where the numbers can be seen in even single or double digits. Not only this, but the fatality rate has been
constantly increasing over the past years, indicative of a congested transport system.
Affordability - Households spend about 19% of their monthly income on public transport in Prayagraj. The figure is not ideal and steps need to be
taken to make public transport in Prayagrajmore affordable to the public.
Operation costs of public transport system - Measured by the farebox recovery ratio that has shown a declining trend since 2011 and has
recently fallen to 50%. Compared to developed countries that manage to recover the whole or above the whole cost of operating transport
infrastructure Prayagraj seems to be far behind. As the Nations smart city, it is expected to take the lead in transport development and thus, must
look for ways to improve the recovery ratio paving way for a better transport system in India.

19. Thank You
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for
your support and involvement in my project. Your
contribution has been invaluable. Together, we
are making a positive impact on our community.
Thank you for being a part of my journey.