In the heart of India’s Silicon Valley, Bengaluru, a pressing issue looms large: urban mobility. As the city grapples with rapid urbanization and a burgeoning population, the reliance on private vehicles has surged, leading to crippling traffic congestion, lengthy commutes, and deteriorating air quality. Enter Vishwa Udachan, a researcher from the SJB School of Architecture and Planning in Bengaluru, who has been delving into the potential of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) as a sustainable solution to these challenges.
Udachan’s study, published in the journal ‘Urban, Planning, and Transport Research’ (translated to English as ‘Urban Planning and Transport Research’), focuses on the North-South Hebbal-Silk Board corridor, a critical axis in Bengaluru with high transit demand and persistent congestion. The research leverages secondary data from government reports, transportation studies, and site analyses to evaluate existing infrastructure, pinpoint bottlenecks, and draw insights from successful TOD strategies implemented in global cities.
The findings are promising. TOD, which integrates land use and transportation planning, offers a pathway to reduce car dependency, promote compact development, and enhance accessibility. “Implementing TOD in Bengaluru can significantly reduce travel times, increase public transit ridership, and improve non-motorized transport infrastructure,” Udachan asserts. Moreover, it addresses environmental concerns by lowering emissions and curbing urban sprawl.
However, the journey is not without hurdles. Ensuring affordability, inclusivity, and effective inter-agency coordination remains a challenge. Udachan emphasizes the need for institutional integration, equity-oriented planning, and systematic monitoring to make TOD a transformative strategy for Bengaluru.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. As TOD reduces car dependency, the demand for fossil fuels decreases, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable urban landscape. This shift could catalyze investments in electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and renewable energy sources, creating new commercial opportunities.
Udachan’s research serves as a beacon for other Indian cities grappling with similar mobility issues. By scaling the application of TOD across other urban corridors, India can make strides towards sustainable and inclusive urban growth. As Bengaluru navigates its mobility challenges, Udachan’s insights offer a roadmap for a future where urban living is synonymous with quality of life.