One-Third of Mumbai Has Poor Access to Public Transport, Finds IIT Bombay Study
A recent study conducted by the civil engineering department of IIT Bombay has revealed that approximately one in three residents of Mumbai live in areas with inadequate access to public transport. This alarming statistic indicates that around 3.95 million individuals, or 31.8% of the city’s population, face significant challenges in accessing buses, metro lines, or suburban trains.
Key Findings of the Study
The research was led by Professor Gopal R. Patil, Dr. Rakhi Manohar Mepprambath from A*STAR in Singapore, and IIT-B research scholar Manish Yadav. The team employed a comprehensive mapping approach to assess the accessibility of public transport across various regions of the city.
Some of the critical findings from the study include:
- Approximately 6.5 million people, or 52.2%, reside in high transit-gap zones, where the demand for public transport significantly exceeds supply.
- Another 1.7 million people, or 13.6%, live in transit deserts, characterized by high demand but extremely low access to public transport services.
- Residents of slums are particularly affected, with only 17.3% having good access to transport, compared to 31.4% of the non-slum population.
- Overall, 31.8% of Mumbai’s population lacks adequate access to public transport.
Methodology
The researchers utilized three primary measures to evaluate public transport accessibility:
- Public Transport Accessibility Levels (PTAL): This measure assesses how well areas are connected based on factors such as distance to stations, service frequency, and reliability.
- Transit Gaps: This metric compares the number of people needing public transport with the availability of services.
- Social Vulnerability Index (SVI): This index helps identify groups facing greater social and economic challenges.
Social Vulnerability and Transport Access
One of the study’s significant revelations is the correlation between high social vulnerability and low access to public transport. The findings indicate that 32.5% of individuals categorized as extremely vulnerable live in areas characterized by high transit gaps and low PTAL scores. These individuals heavily rely on public transport yet have the least access to it.
Geographic Disparities
The research highlights a stark geographic divide within Mumbai’s transport network. Southern and western regions of the city boast dense networks of trains, buses, and metro lines, primarily serving more affluent neighborhoods. In contrast, the northern and eastern parts of Mumbai struggle with significant transit gaps and poor accessibility, housing large populations of industrial workers and slum dwellers.
Particularly low PTAL scores were noted in wards such as:
- M East (Govandi)
- P North (Malad)
- S (Bhandup)
- T (Mulund)
Challenges Faced by Residents
Individuals residing in these gap zones often encounter long walks to bus stops, irregular train frequencies, and overcrowding. The researchers emphasize that merely adding more routes or stations will not resolve the underlying issues. Instead, they advocate for targeted interventions in areas exhibiting the lowest PTAL and SVI scores.
Recommendations for Improvement
The study’s authors recommend several strategies to enhance public transport access in Mumbai:
- Prioritize improvements in wards with larger vulnerable populations.
- Enhance coordination between various agencies, including the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
- Ensure that new metro lines are effectively integrated with local transport networks to improve first- and last-mile connectivity.
Conclusion
The IIT Bombay study underscores a critical issue in Mumbai’s urban infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to improve public transport access for millions of residents. Addressing these challenges is essential for fostering social equity and enhancing the quality of life in one of India’s largest cities.
Note: This article summarizes findings from a study conducted by IIT Bombay and aims to shed light on the pressing issues of public transport accessibility in Mumbai.
