Evaluation of Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS): A Case Study of Delhi

Abstract

Urban population in India is increasing at a very rapid pace. The number of metropolitan cities with a population of one million and above steadily increased from 5 in 1951 to 35 in 2001 and 53 in 2011. The urban areas work as engines of growth that create skills and wealth for the nation and generate employment for the migrants from the rural areas. Mobility is a very crucial factor for the economic growth of urban areas. Although the cities are growing at a great pace, the carrying capacity of the roads is very limited. The number of vehicles in urban areas are increasing, resulting in the slowing down of vehicular speed, unbearable pollution (air and noise) and increase in the number of road accidents. This has resulted in immense suffering for the commuters who face an ordeal travelling to and from their workplace. So, there is an urgent need to focus on the issue of providing an adequate transport system. Keeping this in mind, this paper aims to assess the importance of the role of the urban rapid mass transit system in context of sustainable urban development by analyzing data from the Annual Report of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. The study also examines the performance of Delhi Metro and tries to explore its impact on the urban life of Delhi. Finally, the paper brings to the fore that Delhi Metro has a great impact in the reduction of road accidents, pollution level, vehicles taken out off-road and traffic congestion in Delhi.