Rapid Transit Systems Such As Metros Are The Next Frontiers Towards Solving India's Mobility Challenges
Kumar Keshav, CEO, DB RRTS Operations India, 0
1. What are your thoughts on the current rapid
transit sector in India?
India’s rapid transit sector has experienced remarkable growth over the last four decades. Today, the country has developed over 800 km of operational conventional metro and has over 1000 km of metro and RRTS projects under construction in various cities. In the past six years alone, over 450 km of metro networks have become operational, showcasing the country’s commitment to mass rapid transit systems. The Metro Rail Policy 2017 has been instrumental in fostering the expansion of metro rail projects across various cities. Government initiatives like Atma-Nirbhar Bharat and Make in India have played a pivotal role in supporting new Metro Rail Projects with a focus on indigenization.
With rapid urbanization in India, the demand for efficient transportation is growing. Lately, there has been an increase emphasis on Tier-2 cities, where new metro rail projects have commenced. Innovations like MetroLite and MetroNeo aim to provide cost effective metro rail networks in Tier-2 cities and the peripheral areas of Tier-1 cities. Major cities are likely to witness further expansion of existing metro networks and the establishment of new ones to address traffic congestion and connectivity challenges. Private players’ involvement in the sector will contribute to harnessing global expertise and technology transfer.
2.Briefly explain the impact of modern day technologies on the rapid transit space.
With the development of path breaking technologies, emerging innovation systems are set to revolutionize transportation by enhancing efficiency, safety, and accessibility in coming times. Autonomous vehicles, equipped with advanced sensors and AI are providing safer and efficient travel and optimizing traffic flow, leading to less congestion and quicker travel times. As regulatory approvals increase, we can expect widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles in ride sharing and public transit, offering commuters flexible and on-demand options. Also, the hyperloop technology is expected to drastically reduce travel times between cities, making regional and intercity commuting faster and more convenient. While these technologies hold great promise, challenges that come along will need collaborative efforts from governments, industries, and researchers to pave the way for a more efficient and sustainable future transportation.
3.Throw some light on the major challenges that companies face while implementing metro projects and how they can be overcome.
Acquiring land for the right of way(ROW) remains tedious, especially in densely populated areas, which were addressed through persistence, effective communication, and adherence to legal procedures. Also, operation & maintenance of technically complex metro systems is costly and comprises approximately 60 percent of the life-cycle cost of the project. To remain financially sustainable, metro companies need to optimize the operation & maintenance costs. Thus, planning the right strategy for long term operation &
maintenance and outsourcing operations and maintenance to an experienced operator brings in a lot of benefits and cost efficiency.
4.What is the role of smart transportation systems and electric mobility in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of transit projects?
Smart transportation systems integrate latest technologies like real time data, AI, and IoT to optimize transport management and improve commuter experience. Implementing smart traffic signals, intelligent routing, and dynamic traffic flow monitoring can reduce congestion and travel times, making transit more efficient and appealing to users. On the other hand, electric mobility as part of last mile connectivity for transit projects would play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability. Also, investing in smart ticketing and contactless payment systems simplifies the payment process and enhances passenger convenience. Data analytics and predictive maintenance can be employed to optimize transit operations and reduce downtime.
5. How can metro projects ensure the safety and security of passenger experiences, while simultaneously being sustainable?
Metro stations offer features like clear signage, emergency exits, well-lit areas, and surveillance cameras to deter and detect potential threats. The layout is designed in such a way that it is optimized for easy movement and crowd management, reducing the risk of congestion. Also, controlled access points and ticket barriers prevent unauthorized access. The stations also consider visibility and line of sight to enhance natural surveillance, making it easier for station staff and passengers to monitor activities.
The rapid transit system will play a pivotal role in achieving our country’s ambitious goal of carbon neutrality by 2070. By providing a convenient and efficient mode of travel, metros encourage a shift towards more sustainable transportation options. One significant aspect is the promotion of public transportation, which reduces the reliance on individual vehicles, curbing air pollution and traffic congestion. Regenerative braking systems in metro systems harness and reuse energy, decreasing overall electricity consumption. Also transit oriented development around stations discourages urban sprawl, promotes mixed land use, and reduces the need for long commutes. This minimizes carbon emissions and conserves green spaces.
Going forward, a shift towards greener practices is expected, including adopting electric or hybrid transit systems, using renewable energy sources such as green hydrogen and solar. Effortless integration of various modes of transport like buses, taxis, and last mile solutions will be a priority to ensure seamless movement of passengers and a well-connected transit network. Also, India’s exploration of highspeed rail corridors, including the Bullet train project and Vande Bharat express trains, will offer faster connectivity between major cities and foster regional development.
Kumar Keshav, CEO, DB RRTS Operations India
Having completed his M.Tech degree in Geotechnical Engineering from IIT Kanpur, Kumar is an ex-employee of the prestigious Indian Railways and possesses extensive experience in rapid transit systems space. Prior to joining DB RRTS in 2022, he has successfully handled key roles across diverse companies and government entities such as Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Hancock Coal, and Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation.
4.What is the role of smart transportation systems and electric mobility in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of transit projects?
Smart transportation systems integrate latest technologies like real time data, AI, and IoT to optimize transport management and improve commuter experience. Implementing smart traffic signals, intelligent routing, and dynamic traffic flow monitoring can reduce congestion and travel times, making transit more efficient and appealing to users. On the other hand, electric mobility as part of last mile connectivity for transit projects would play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability. Also, investing in smart ticketing and contactless payment systems simplifies the payment process and enhances passenger convenience. Data analytics and predictive maintenance can be employed to optimize transit operations and reduce downtime.
By providing a convenient and efficient mode of travel, metros encourage a shift towards more sustainable transportation option
5. How can metro projects ensure the safety and security of passenger experiences, while simultaneously being sustainable?
Metro stations offer features like clear signage, emergency exits, well-lit areas, and surveillance cameras to deter and detect potential threats. The layout is designed in such a way that it is optimized for easy movement and crowd management, reducing the risk of congestion. Also, controlled access points and ticket barriers prevent unauthorized access. The stations also consider visibility and line of sight to enhance natural surveillance, making it easier for station staff and passengers to monitor activities.
The rapid transit system will play a pivotal role in achieving our country’s ambitious goal of carbon neutrality by 2070. By providing a convenient and efficient mode of travel, metros encourage a shift towards more sustainable transportation options. One significant aspect is the promotion of public transportation, which reduces the reliance on individual vehicles, curbing air pollution and traffic congestion. Regenerative braking systems in metro systems harness and reuse energy, decreasing overall electricity consumption. Also transit oriented development around stations discourages urban sprawl, promotes mixed land use, and reduces the need for long commutes. This minimizes carbon emissions and conserves green spaces.
Going forward, a shift towards greener practices is expected, including adopting electric or hybrid transit systems, using renewable energy sources such as green hydrogen and solar. Effortless integration of various modes of transport like buses, taxis, and last mile solutions will be a priority to ensure seamless movement of passengers and a well-connected transit network. Also, India’s exploration of highspeed rail corridors, including the Bullet train project and Vande Bharat express trains, will offer faster connectivity between major cities and foster regional development.
Kumar Keshav, CEO, DB RRTS Operations India
Having completed his M.Tech degree in Geotechnical Engineering from IIT Kanpur, Kumar is an ex-employee of the prestigious Indian Railways and possesses extensive experience in rapid transit systems space. Prior to joining DB RRTS in 2022, he has successfully handled key roles across diverse companies and government entities such as Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Hancock Coal, and Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation.