Evaluating Health Impacts from a Bus Rapid Transit System Implementation in India: Case Study of Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

Sustainable transportation interventions affect public health in three ways: through ( a) reduced pollution emissions, ( b) increased physical activity, and ( c) reduced road accidents. The public health benefits that can be achieved through investment in sustainable transport thus are substantial. This study sought to estimate benefits from sustainable transport intervention in the city of Indore in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh through the construction of a bus rapid transit (BRT) system along a main traffic corridor. The benefits were estimated with a health impact assessment methodology developed on the basis of modal shift and vehicle kilometers traveled. With the introduction of a BRT system, the study found that about 14 lives could be saved per year as a result of an increase in walking or cycling, a decrease in private vehicle use, and a reduction in air pollution exposure. Also, more than 96 deaths could be prevented from 2013 to 2017 along the BRT corridor when compared with current trends in motorization with no BRT system investment. The reduction in emissions between a business-as-usual scenario and post-BRT scenario was 11%. The mortality risk from exposure to particulate matter of up to 2.5 mm in size could be reduced by 1.1%. Even given the limitations with respect to the data and the assumptions made in the study, the results were significant enough to recommend that public health aspects be considered in the formulation of transport policy and in the maximization of benefits.