Over the past few weeks, headlines have painted a grim picture of India’s public health future. Delhi, in particular, has recorded unprecedented levels of air pollution, with the city experiencing its worst air quality in a decade. Similar concerns are echoed across other major cities, including Bengaluru. Meanwhile, Bengaluru faces another pressing crisis — road accidents. On average, the city loses two lives daily to fatal road accidents.

The surge in traffic is not only a significant contributor to air and noise pollution but also adversely affects public health and quality of life. The growing number of private vehicles is overwhelming the city’s infrastructure, exacerbating environmental and social challenges. In response to these issues, urban planning has increasingly emphasised sustainable mobility as a potential solution.

Sustainable mobility offers a solution to enhance public health, reduce environmental pollution, and promote social equity. 

Understanding the importance of sustainable mobility

To aid the inclusion of sustainable mobility options in consideration with improving public health, Bengaluru Science and Technology Cluster (BeST), under the initiative of the Office to Principal Scientific Advisor (OPSA) to the Government of India (GOI), created a consortium and organised an expert panel led by Prabhdeep Kaur, Professor, Isaac Centre for Public Health, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and Ashish Verma, Professor, IISc Bengaluru, to formulate data-driven approaches to design more sustainable and health conscious transport options in the city.

In cities like Delhi and Bengaluru, the declining quality of life is becoming increasingly evident, notes Ashish Verma, Professor, IISc, Bengaluru. The unchecked horizontal expansion of these cities has led to a surge in private motorised vehicles. Vehicular emissions are a major contributor to air pollution, posing serious risks to public health. Another often-overlooked aspect of this crisis is the significant economic cost of traffic congestion.

Traffic congestion not only hampers mobility but also contributes to mental stress among commuters. Public transport systems, which should ideally serve as an affordable and efficient alternative, are often overcrowded and unreliable, leaving many without dependable transportation options. Bengaluru, grappling with rapid population growth, has seen its public transport infrastructure lag far behind its needs. Verma highlights that the current situation in Bengaluru is unsustainable and demands urgent attention.

Triumphs from the church street

There is growing recognition of the need for sustainable mobility solutions in Bengaluru. A notable example is a 2021 pilot study on Church Street, one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares. For four months, the street was transformed into a pedestrian-only zone on weekends. This initiative led to a remarkable 97% increase in pedestrian footfall and significant improvements in air quality. Verma, a co-author of the study, emphasised the critical role of prioritising green spaces and sustainable transport options to address Bengaluru’s escalating traffic challenges.

While the Church Street initiative set a precedent, the city has yet to see sustainable mobility solutions implemented on a larger scale. As Verma observes, the current government approach remains heavily focused on road infrastructure and highway development. Although road expansion might provide temporary relief from congestion, it ultimately fosters greater dependence on private vehicles. What Bengaluru truly needs is a paradigm shift in its approach to mobility.

The goal should be to create a more balanced transportation system that ultimately prioritises public transport, active usage of cycles and other non-motorised vehicles.

A glimpse into international cities like those in the Netherlands and Switzerland offers valuable lessons for Bengaluru. The panel emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach to sustainable mobility, suggesting the adoption of reforms inspired by these global examples.

Improvement in quality and quantity of public transport systems

Bengaluru’s public transport system remains insufficient to meet the demands of its growing population. The city faces a shortage of buses, and while the metro network is expanding, it still fails to serve many crucial areas. To address these challenges, the government must prioritize the expansion and improvement of public transportation. This includes increasing bus frequency, extending metro routes, and introducing local train services where feasible. Implementing dedicated bus lanes could also streamline mobility and ease congestion.

Furthermore, Bengaluru has already recognised the potential of electric vehicles (EVs) in reducing emissions and improving air quality. Encouraging the widespread adoption of EVs, alongside strengthening public transport, could significantly enhance the city’s sustainable mobility efforts.

Bengaluru’s current infrastructure does not support long-distance cycling. However, with proper planning, a resurgence in cycling as a viable mode of transport is possible. 

Dedicated cycling lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets can encourage more people to choose cycling and walking. Integrating green spaces into city planning not only enhances the city’s aesthetic appeal but also improves its livability. As part of the Smart City initiative, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has successfully begun transforming two major streets in Bengaluru— Planetarium Road and Race Course Road—by adding lanes focused on pedestrians and cyclists. 

Data-driven analysis and public awareness 

The age of technology is booming in the country, and the government must integrate data and technology into its decision-making processes. Verma and Kaur suggest implementing tools such as the Transportation and Health Tool (THT) and Integrated Sustainable Transport and Health Assessment Tool (iSThAT), which are already used in some developed countries, into our system.

A shift toward sustainable mobility will require behavioural changes from the public. Urban local bodies must actively engage citizens through public awareness campaigns that emphasise the health benefits of walking, cycling, and using public transport. Building a culture of sustainability in transportation requires collaboration between the government, civil society, and the private sector.

Verma emphasises that sustainable mobility is no longer a luxury or a peripheral concern; it is essential for improving public health and ensuring the livability of cities. With over 60% of the Indian population living in cities, it is crucial to prioritise urban improvements. Ultimately, integrating sustainable mobility into urban planning offers a win-win solution, enhancing both the quality of life and public health for urban residents, and paving the way for a more livable and sustainable future for all.