NITI Aayog proposes ₹14,000 crore investment to improve Mumbai's Road and Water Transport

Mumbai, India (Urban Transport News): A recent report by NITI Aayog highlights a critical investment strategy for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), urging that 5-10% of the $17 billion allocated for Metro rail transportation corridors—equivalent to Rs 7,000-Rs 14,000 crore—be redirected to bolster non-Metro public transportation systems such as buses and water transport. The report, unveiled on Thursday in the presence of World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab, emphasizes that this allocation is crucial for improving last-mile connectivity for Metro commuters.

The NITI Aayog report advocates for an integrated approach that combines bus and water transportation, particularly along Mumbai’s coast. It notes that despite being labeled as ‘loss-making,’ well-planned bus and ferry networks are essential for reducing city congestion, lowering air pollution, and enhancing connectivity to emerging urban areas. The report argues that investing in and possibly cross-subsidizing these transport modes will significantly benefit Mumbai’s urban mobility landscape.

Furthermore, the report recommends that these non-Metro transport services be planned as sustainable electric vehicles. Electrifying buses and ferries would not only align with the region’s sustainability targets but also offer a more cost-effective operational model compared to traditional diesel-powered vehicles. The report suggests that specific investments in electric buses and coastal ferry services be made, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) managing these services in an integrated manner, potentially involving private sector participation and viability gap funding.

In response to the report, sources from BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking) indicate that the organization might seek government and MMRDA funding to procure new air-conditioned electric buses on a wet lease basis. This initiative could address current complaints from Metro commuters who face challenges with last-mile connectivity outside Metro stations on Lines 1, 2A, and 7. Many users have reported difficulties in accessing feeder bus or auto services to reach their final destinations.

Activists have called for improvements in how Metro stations manage last-mile connectivity. They propose that Metro stations should facilitate direct connections to nearby bus stops and provide real-time information on bus arrivals. They also suggest adopting models similar to SATIS (Station Area Traffic Improvement Scheme) outside railway stations like Thane, where multiple modes of transport are seamlessly accessible.

As Mumbai continues to expand its Metro rail network, the integration of robust non-Metro public transport options is essential to creating a cohesive and efficient urban transit system. The NITI Aayog report’s recommendations aim to guide policymakers and transportation authorities in developing a balanced and effective public transport infrastructure for the city.