Development of Feeder Route System for Mumbai Metro Line 2A & 7 using QGIS

Abstract

Government of Maharashtra is pursuing to improve urban mobility in Mumbai through MMRDA, responsible for planning and implementation of Mumbai Metro Masterplan. To begin with, the GoM has approved 118 km metro corridors for implementation, out of total 275 km of metro corridor under consideration. Implementation is inclusive of multimodal integration initiatives to create ease of intermodal transfer between suburban railway-bus-IPT (Intermediate public transport) and metro. Multimodal integration is meant to provide safe, easy and affordable access to metro station leading to increase in metro ridership and an enhanced travel experience. one of the most efficient ways to facilitate multimodal integration is to strengthen a well-planned feeder bus system connecting the metro stations to the neighbourhoods and business areas which are key traffic generators in catchment areas of the metro stations. This paper provides a detailed overview on planning and design of feeder bus system for Mumbai Metro line 2A & 7. Understanding unique travel patterns in the areas around existing suburban stations of Mumbai, modal share of commuter accessibility, origin and destination patterns around the station areas, study and analysis of existing BEST (Bombay Electric Supply Transport) routes in station areas and projection of future demands forms the basis of the design. Demand for each bus stop is identified and priority is given to higher demand nodes by considering metro station as a potential demand node. Before finalizing feeder route system, the existing routes of BEST are also identified, and Demand Deviated Feeder routes are developed for BEST using QGIS.