Issues, strategies, and challenges for sustainable urban transport: Modelling the impact on the local and global environment - Case of Delhi

Cities in the developing countries require new solutions to meet the transport needs of their inhabitants, while remaining within the constraints imposed by limited energy resources, a fragile environment, and a developing economy. The paper discusses the critical issues affecting sustainable development and addresses goals of sustainable mobility targeting urban areas and transport systems. To develop comprehensive policies and effective strategies to protect local and global environment, an analytical framework and a credible database are needed. A simple transport model in line with these objectives is presented and illustrated using the city of Delhi as a case study (though the model is flexible enough to be applied elsewhere). The results of the model and other case studies reveal that technology alone is not enough. Curtailing the growth in road traffic by better land-use planning, stricter demand management, and greater use of public transport are essential to achieve the goal of sustainable mobility for all. Regulatory and market instruments, both of which require reforms in policies and institutions with improved administrative capability, can support these measures.