Developing a robust mass transit system in a developed city is a task. It not only disturbs day-to-day life, but also needs more efforts and planning to integrate it with public life and make people use it. Experts thus suggest transit-oriented development (TOD) — developing residential, commercial and recreational centres near mass transit systems. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has planned to build four TOD corridors in the Capital – Karkardooma being the first one. The area is expected to see some high-density mixed land use development soon. Apart from commercial properties, there is also a component of affordable housing in the project.

“The area will be developed like a small township, with affordable houses, shopping complexes, school, etc. The Karkardooma Metro station will be the main component of transport, apart from the proposed rapid rail system and BRT,” a DDA official said.

The policy is being prepared by the DDA and the Unified Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (Planning & Engineering) Centre (UTTIPEC). Once adopted, the TOD policy will be applicable to all Metro influence zones of the city, an area that amounts to about 19% of Delhi, including Phase III area. There are plans to involve the private sector in development of the influence zones.

While Delhi’s development has so far been on the ring and radial pattern with reliance on road-based public transport, under the transit-oriented development the commercial and residential complexes will come up within walking distance of mass rapid transit system (MRTS) network.

Curitiba in Brazil has already experienced some success with the policy. Even cities such as New York are working on this pattern.  Amanda M Burden, commissioner (city planning) of New York, who was in Delhi a few months ago, said New York also faced similar challenges of growth and congestion. “Our new development is taking place next to the subway (metro). There are better spaces for cyclists and pedestrians. Every facility is at a walking distance from Metro. This model can be tailored according to Delhi’s needs,” Burden had told HT.

Wayforward

Integration of transit systems is the key

Tokyo
The Tokyo subway has 14 Metro lines that run through the length and breadth of the city. With its 328.8- km network and 282 stations, it connects every corner of the city and caters to almost nine million riders every day. Apart from the subway, Tokyo has a very strong and dedicated system for pedestrians and cyclists.

Kuala Lumpur
Kula Lumpur’s transport system is a perfect example of integrated transport network. RapidKL Rail or the monorail runs over a stretch of 8.6km through the central part of the city and connects office areas as well important markets. It caters to almost 20 million commuters a year.

The monorail integrates with Kuala Lumpur’s light rail transit system at three stations. The two corridors of LRT system run within a range of 50km in the city. KL Sentral station is a transport hub where the monorail, light rail and the fast speed airport link train have integrated stations.
The monorail is a two-coach train available every 5 minutes during peak hours and 10 minutes during lean hours

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