Enabling Transit-Oriented Development: A Path to Sustainable Urban Growth

Enabling Transit-Oriented Development: A Path to Sustainable Urban Growth

Sub :Geo

Sec: Eco geo

Why in News

India is undergoing a transportation revolution with massive investments in metro rail projects, leading to a renewed focus on Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). TOD has gained attention as a critical approach for integrating urban transport and land use, promoting sustainable economic growth, and addressing challenges such as traffic congestion and pollution in major cities like Bengaluru.

What is TOD?

Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is an innovative urban planning concept that focuses on optimizing land use around public transit infrastructure. It encourages mixed-use, compact development to reduce dependence on private vehicles and enhance accessibility to public transport. TOD aims to achieve sustainable mobility, enhance urban livability, and stimulate economic growth.

National Transit Policies and Investments

Investment in Urban Mobility: India has allocated ₹3 trillion (2022-2027) for metro rail projects across the country.

National TOD Policy (2017): The Indian government introduced the National Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Policy and Metro Rail Policy to integrate transit systems with urban planning.

The Union Budget 2024-25 has proposed the formulation of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) plans and strategies for 14 large cities with populations exceeding 30 lakhs.

Metro Expansion: Currently, 27 Indian cities are building metro rail systems, with others adopting bus-based and rail-based rapid transit systems.

Investment in public transportation can generate jobs and economic returns that are 5-7 times the initial outlay.

The focus on TOD aims to enhance productivity, reduce traffic congestion, and achieve low-carbon growth.

The World Bank’s 3V Framework guides the successful implementation of TOD by evaluating the following factors:

Node Value: The significance of a station in the transit network based on passenger traffic and connectivity with other transport modes.

Place Value: The quality and attractiveness of the area, including mixed land use and the availability of essential services like healthcare and education.

Market Potential Value: The unrealized economic potential measured by current and future job opportunities in the vicinity, alongside market vibrancy and demand.

Barriers for TOD Implementation

Property Constraints: Limited availability of large, compliant properties near metro stations and restrictive development regulations hinders business growth.

High Property Prices: Rising property costs near metro stations deter smaller businesses from locating in these areas.

Solutions for Optimizing TOD

Incentives for Businesses: Offering location-efficient incentives, such as tax subsidies or additional development rights, can encourage businesses to cluster near transit stations.

Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between government agencies and the private sector can fund TOD projects, particularly through mechanisms like value capture financing.

Nodal Agencies: A designated body can streamline TOD planning, ensuring effective coordination between stakeholders.

Examples – Global Cities

Hong Kong serves as a model TOD city, with 57% of jobs within 500 meters of a transit station, and 96% within 2 km. The city’s high transit usage (90% of motorized trips) and low car ownership have contributed to its 50% rise in Gross Value Added per capita over two decades.

Copenhagen, Denmark: The Finger Plan in Copenhagen incorporates TOD principles by ensuring suburban development aligns with rail lines, promoting compact growth and efficient use of public transport.

TOD in Bengaluru’s Future Master Plan

The revision of Bengaluru’s master plan presents an opportunity to prioritize job creation near transit hubs, connecting high-density job clusters and enhancing resource efficiency. This approach will balance economic development with environmental sustainability.