PYQ Relevance:

[UPSC 2024] Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries.

Linkage: Increasing urbanisation and the consequent challenges in large cities, such as traffic congestion and strain on infrastructure, which active mobility can help alleviate by providing alternative modes of transport.

Mentor’s Comment: Active mobility is getting more attention in India because of growing traffic jams, pollution, health problems, and more deaths of people walking on the roads. The government is now focusing more on sustainable transport through policies like the National Transit Oriented Development (NTOD) policy and the Smart Cities Mission. At the same time, global efforts like the Paris Agreement are pushing countries to cut carbon emissions and support environment-friendly ways of travel.

Today’s editorial highlights why active mobility is important for India. This topic is useful for UPSC Mains preparation, especially for GS Paper 2 (governance, health, and urban planning) and GS Paper 3 (environment, infrastructure, and sustainable development).

Let’s learn!

Why in the News?

Accidental deaths and injuries of pedestrians, cyclists, street vendors, and others are increasing in metro cities of India.

What is Active Mobility?

Active mobility refers to human-powered transportation modes like walking, cycling, and skateboarding used for commuting, promoting sustainability, public health, and reduced pollution, without relying on motorised vehicles or fuel.

Why are accidental deaths and injuries of pedestrians, cyclists increasing in metro cities of India?

Encroachment of Dedicated Lanes: Even when cities build footpaths or cycling tracks, they are often occupied by motor vehicles, street vendors, or parked cars, making them unsafe. Eg: In Delhi and Bengaluru, two-wheelers and cars frequently use cycle lanes during traffic jams, forcing cyclists onto busy roads.
Lack of Proper Infrastructure and Road Design: Many urban roads lack continuous, well-marked, and safe pedestrian crossings or protected bike lanes, leading to risky road usage. Example: Mumbai’s arterial roads have few safe pedestrian crossings, leading to frequent jaywalking and accidents.
Poor Enforcement of Traffic Rules: Drivers often ignore speed limits, red lights, and pedestrian right-of-way due to weak law enforcement, increasing accident risks for non-motorised users. Example: In Chennai, despite designated zebra crossings, vehicles rarely stop for pedestrians, leading to unsafe road conditions.

Why is active mobility gaining attention in urban planning and national policies?

Rising Traffic Congestion and Air Pollution: Active mobility offers a sustainable solution to reduce vehicle load and emissions in crowded cities. Eg: Delhi’s EV Policy promotes cycling and walking infrastructure to curb air pollution and decongest roads.
Public Health and Lifestyle Benefits: Walking and cycling improve physical and mental health, reducing the burden on healthcare systems. Eg: WHO supports active transport to combat lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart ailments.
High Rates of Pedestrian and Cyclist Fatalities: Inadequate infrastructure has made Indian roads unsafe for non-motorised users, triggering urgent reforms. Eg: Karnataka Active Mobility Bill, 2022 was drafted after the state reported the highest pedestrian deaths in 2020 (13%).
Climate Change Commitments and Sustainable Goals: Active mobility helps reduce carbon emissions and supports international commitments like the Paris Agreement. Eg: The National Transit Oriented Development (NTOD) Policy integrates eco-friendly transport in urban planning.
Inclusion in Smart Cities and Urban Missions: Government schemes now prioritise walkable, cyclist-friendly cities for better liveability and accessibility. Eg: Pune developed over 300 km of dedicated cycle lanes under its Comprehensive Bicycle Plan.

What has WHO said about Active mobility?

Health Benefits: Active mobility helps combat physical inactivity, which leads to nearly 1 million deaths annually in the WHO European Region. Regular walking and cycling lower the chances of developing noncommunicable diseases such as cancer, type-2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Eg: Just 20 minutes of cycling or 30 minutes of walking a day can reduce the risk of death by over 10%.
Environmental Impact: Opting for active transport instead of motorised vehicles helps curb greenhouse gas emissions, cuts down air pollution—which is responsible for over 500,000 deaths in Europe each year—and reduces energy use and noise. Eg: Cities prioritising cycling and pedestrian zones experience cleaner air and quieter surroundings.
Economic and Social Benefits: Active mobility drives green job creation and lowers the economic burden of healthcare related to lifestyle diseases. It also improves inclusivity by offering affordable, accessible mobility options to people across income groups. Eg: Investment in pedestrian zones often boosts local economies and enhances community interaction.
Global Initiatives: WHO leads programs like the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity and regional collaborations such as THE PEP (Transport, Health and Environment Pan-European Programme). These aim to reduce global physical inactivity by 15% by 2030 through integrated, measurable efforts.

Where have Indian cities taken steps to improve infrastructure for active mobility?

Chennai’s Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) Policy: Chennai was the first Indian city to adopt a dedicated NMT policy in 2014, allocating 60% of its transport budget to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. The city has transformed over 100 km of streets with better footpaths, improved access to bus stops, and inaugurated the Pondy Bazaar Pedestrian Plaza, a model public space. with underground utilities and seating areas.
Coimbatore’s NMT Network Plan: Coimbatore developed a comprehensive NMT network plan focusing on creating 290 km of safe roads for walking and cycling. This initiative aims to improve safety, increase the share of non-motorized transport, and benefit approximately 1 million residents by 2035.
India Cycles4Change and Streets4People Challenges: Launched under the Smart Cities Mission, these initiatives have inspired 33 cities to implement over 570 km of walking and cycling projects, with an additional 1,400 km under development. These programs have encouraged cities to prioritize active mobility as part of their urban planning.
Surat and Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Active Mobility Efforts: Surat and Pimpri-Chinchwad have created dedicated public transport funds that support walking and cycling infrastructure. These cities are integrating active mobility into their broader urban development plans to make streets more people-centric.

How do other countries like the Netherlands and Germany promote active mobility successfully?

Key Factor	Description	Example
Extensive Dedicated Infrastructure	Safe, continuous networks of cycling and walking paths.	Netherlands – Over 35,000 km of cycling lanes for daily and commuter use.
Pro-Pedestrian and Cycling Laws	Legal systems prioritize non-motorised users with right of way and protection.	Germany – Berlin Mobility Act gives cyclists and pedestrians legal priority.
Speed Regulations & Traffic Calming	Low-speed zones in urban areas to reduce accidents and promote walking/cycling.	Germany – Urban areas enforce 30 km/h speed limits.
Integration with Public Transport	Active mobility combined with public transport through parking, rentals, and policies.	Netherlands – Railway stations offer bicycle parking and rental services.
Cultural Normalisation & Education	Awareness campaigns and education embed active mobility in daily life.	Netherlands – Children are taught cycling and road safety from an early age.

Way forward:

Institutional Integration and Funding: Mandate dedicated NMT (Non-Motorised Transport) cells and budget allocations in all urban local bodies to ensure planning, execution, and maintenance of active mobility infrastructure.
Behavioural Change and Awareness: Launch nationwide campaigns and school-based programs to promote cycling and walking as safe, healthy, and aspirational choices for daily commute.

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