Active Mobility in India: Status, Significance, and Challenges

Context

India’s rapidly urbanising landscape has led to rising traffic congestion, air pollution, sedentary lifestyles, and an alarming increase in pedestrian and cyclist fatalities. In response, there has been a renewed focus on active mobility—a sustainable, health-oriented, and inclusive mode of urban transport.

What is Active Mobility?

• Active mobility refers to human-powered modes of transport used for daily travel, rather than recreation.

• This includes walking, cycling, skateboarding, and other non-motorised forms of movement.

• These modes are increasingly recognised globally as sustainable, cost-effective, and beneficial for urban health and equity.

Current Trends and Data

• In 2020, Karnataka reported the highest number of pedestrian deaths in India, accounting for 13% of total pedestrian fatalities.

• In 2024, there was a notable improvement: Bengaluru reported 233 pedestrian fatalities, a decline due to targeted interventions.

• Across Indian cities, active mobility remains underutilised due to inadequate infrastructure and low policy prioritisation.

Initiatives by Indian States

• Karnataka:

  • Introduced the Active Mobility Bill, 2022 — the first of its kind in India.

  • Aims to legally safeguard the rights of pedestrians and cyclists, promote inclusive access to public spaces, and integrate active mobility in urban planning.

• Delhi:

  • As part of the Delhi EV Policy, the city is expanding cycling tracks and pedestrian zones to reduce car dependency.

• Pune:

  • Has implemented a Comprehensive Bicycle Plan with over 300 km of dedicated cycling lanes.

• Chennai:

  • Is redesigning urban roads under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) to enhance pedestrian safety and walkability.

• Kochi:

  • Launched a Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS) system to improve last-mile connectivity.

Global Best Practices

• The Netherlands:

  • Leads globally with over 35,000 km of cycling lanes, supported by strong urban design and policy frameworks.

• European Union (EU):

  • The Mobility and Transport Department promotes walking and cycling to foster low-emission, citizen-centric cities.

• Germany – Berlin Mobility Act:

  • Mandates wider sidewalks, cycling infrastructure, and reduced urban speed limits to protect non-motorised users.

• Vision Zero Network:

  • A global initiative aiming to eliminate traffic-related deaths and injuries, with a strong focus on pedestrian and cyclist safety.

Benefits of Active Mobility

• Environmental Benefits:

  • Walking and cycling produce negligible emissions, reducing India’s 12% share of carbon emissions from road transport.

  • Help improve air quality, lower noise pollution, and contribute to energy security.

• Economic Benefits:

  • Reduced expenditure on fuel, personal transport, and public healthcare.

  • Pedestrianised zones and cycling paths boost local business revenue by increasing footfall.

• Health Benefits:

  • Regular active commuting lowers the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and improves mental well-being.

  • Encourages physical activity across all age groups, especially in dense urban areas.

Challenges in Promoting Active Mobility

• Infrastructure Deficits:

  • Poor or non-existent sidewalks, cycling lanes, and crossings discourage safe walking or cycling.

• Social Barriers:

  • In many areas, private vehicles are linked with status and prestige, undermining efforts to promote non-motorised transport.

• Climatic and Geographical Constraints:

  • Extreme weather, long distances, and poor connectivity reduce the practicality of walking and cycling.

• Road Safety Concerns:

  • High traffic volumes, weak enforcement of traffic laws, and lack of dedicated safe zones pose severe risks to non-motorised road users.

Way Forward

• Policy Support:

  • Central and state governments must enact legal frameworks and integrate active mobility in urban planning and transport policies.

• Infrastructure Investment:

  • Build inclusive transport networks with wide footpaths, cycle tracks, resting areas, and safe street crossings.

• Awareness Campaigns:

  • Promote the economic, environmental, and health benefits of walking and cycling through mass outreach and school-level programmes.

• Integration with Public Transport:

  • Enhance last-mile connectivity by integrating active mobility with metro, bus, and rail networks.

UPSC Relevance

General Studies Paper II:

• Governance and Policy Initiatives for Public Health and Urban Development

• Citizen-centric and inclusive governance

General Studies Paper III:

• Infrastructure (Urban Mobility)

• Environmental sustainability and pollution control

• Science and Technology in service of society

• Disaster management and road safety