Lessons learned from the experience of Indian policies towards sustainable transport systems

Abstract

Indian transportation sector faces the severe challenges in the account of the limited expansion of relevant infrastructure, lack of integration among major transport systems like railways and roadways, and multiple institutions deal with these systems with different mandates. Thus the sector needs the multi-pronged approach to address the challenges in sustainable development. To derive such strategies, this paper assesses India’s evolution of transport policies, identifies the gap between demand and supply related infrastructure, and presents good governance framework to deliver, mainly at the national level. Based on secondary data sources, like census of India, relevant ministries documents, and existing policies and programs, this study reveals that Indian transport system is in the emerging state and it requires demand-based policies to improve overall transport quality in India. This paper concludes with policy recommendations for guiding sustainable transportation system in India.