09-August-2024-Special-Article

TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT (TOD) IN INDIA

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is an urban planning concept that seeks to align transportation systems with land use to create sustainable and efficient urban spaces.

This approach focuses on developing high-density, mixed-use neighborhoods around public transportation hubs, promoting reduced dependence on private vehicles, and fostering vibrant communities.

In light of increasing urbanization, traffic congestion, and environmental challenges, the Indian government has proposed a TOD plan for 14 large cities to promote orderly urban development and enhance economic growth.

  

What is Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)?

About TOD:

• Definition: TOD is a planning strategy designed to concentrate jobs, housing, and services near public transportation stations.
• Core Principles: Encourages walkable and bike-friendly environments with easy access to jobs, homes, and services close to transit options.
• Integrated Approach: TOD integrates economic growth, urban transport, and land use for efficient city planning.
• Global Examples: Cities like Stockholm, Copenhagen, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Singapore have successfully implemented TOD.

World Bank 3V Framework Guiding TOD Plans:

• Node Value: Represents the significance of a transit station in the network, considering factors like passenger traffic, connections with other transport modes, and centrality within the system.
• Place Value: Reflects the quality and appeal of the area surrounding a transit station, influenced by land use diversity, accessibility to essential services, and pedestrian-friendly design.
• Market Potential Value: Assesses the potential economic value of areas near transit stations, considering job density, housing availability, development land, and market dynamics.

Benefits of Transit-Oriented Development

Economic Competitiveness:

• Job Density and Productivity: TOD fosters higher job densities in smaller areas, enhancing city competitiveness. Research shows that doubling job density can boost productivity by 5-10%.

Vibrant and Livable Communities:

• Community Building: By placing jobs, housing, and amenities near transit stations, TOD creates lively communities with shorter commutes and more accessible public spaces, enhancing overall quality of life.

Synergy Between Urban Development and Transit:

• Mutual Reinforcement: High-density development near transit stations supports public transport systems, making them more efficient and financially viable. This symbiotic relationship fosters sustainable urban growth.

Increased Real Estate Value:

• Attractive Neighborhoods: Proximity to mass transit boosts the attractiveness of TOD neighborhoods, driving up real estate values. This increased value can be leveraged to fund transit upgrades, affordable housing, and sustainable development initiatives.

Inclusivity:

• Affordable Housing: While TOD can increase property prices, incorporating affordable housing ensures that benefits are accessible to people of all income levels, promoting inclusivity.

Environmental Benefits:

• Reduced Carbon Footprint: TOD reduces reliance on private vehicles, shortens commutes, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a healthier environment.

Disaster Resilience:

• High-Density Development: When TOD is implemented in areas less prone to natural hazards, it can enhance disaster resilience by concentrating development in safer zones.

Factors Driving Demand for TOD in India

Traffic Congestion:

• Increasing Congestion: Growing traffic congestion across Indian cities necessitates more efficient urban planning to alleviate pressure on existing infrastructure.

Urban Lifestyle Preferences:

• Desire for Walkability: There is a growing preference for walkable, traffic-free environments that offer convenience and safety.

Changing Family Structures:

• Shift in Housing Needs: The rise in single-person households and empty-nesters is influencing the demand for compact, urban living options.

Support for Smart Growth:

• Sustainable Development: National support for Smart Growth principles, which emphasize sustainable land use and efficient urban planning, is driving the demand for TOD.

Components of TOD

Walkable Design:

• Pedestrian Focus: TOD prioritizes pedestrian-friendly design, making walking the primary mode of transportation within communities.

Regional Node:

• Mixed-Use Development: TOD includes a mix of residential, commercial, and civic spaces within close proximity, fostering vibrant, multi-functional neighbourhoods.

Collector Transit Systems:

• Integrated Transport: TOD supports a range of transit options, including streetcars, light rail, and buses, and encourages the use of bicycles and scooters.

Managed Parking:

• Parking Regulation: TOD manages and reduces parking within the vicinity of transit hubs, promoting the use of public transport and reducing traffic congestion.

Challenges Associated with TOD

Lack of Regional Coordination:

• Fragmented Planning: India’s metropolitan areas often suffer from a lack of coordination among multiple municipal and state authorities, leading to disjointed TOD implementation.

Not Inclusive:

• Mismatched Goals: Separate planning processes for land use and transportation can result in inefficiencies and mismatches in TOD development goals.

High Population Density:

• Strain on Infrastructure: Inadequate regulations can lead to overconcentration of development in certain areas, straining infrastructure and leaving other areas underdeveloped.

Urban Design Deficiencies:

• Neglected Pedestrian Infrastructure: Many Indian cities lack well-designed sidewalks and pedestrian zones, making access to transit stations difficult and unsafe.

Limited Suitability for Indian Cities:

• Geographic Challenges: TOD may not be as effective in Indian cities with sprawling geographies like New Delhi or Bengaluru, as compared to compact island cities like Hong Kong or Singapore.

Behavioral Resistance:

• Reluctance to Change: Despite investments in public transit, TOD may not significantly alter people’s behavior toward private vehicle use.

National TOD Policy, 2017 Vision: Transformation: Shift focus from private vehicle dependence to public transport-oriented development. Accessibility: Promote the use of public transport, green mobility, and reduce pollution. Walkable Communities: Develop compact, affordable, and walkable neighborhoods. Inclusive Housing: Incorporate housing for economically weaker sections. Environmental Impact: Reduce carbon footprints through eco-friendly travel options.

Conclusion

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) offers a strategic pathway for India’s urban centers to grow sustainably. By integrating land use with transportation infrastructure, TOD can reduce vehicle dependence, enhance livability, and support economic growth.

While challenges remain, coordinated efforts and inclusive planning can make TOD a vital component of India’s urban development strategy.

Mains Question:

Q. “Discuss the potential of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) as a strategy for sustainable urban growth in India. Highlight the challenges and opportunities associated with its implementation in Indian cities.” (150 WORDS)