EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF NEIGHBORHOODS FOR METRO RAIL-BASED TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Transit-oriented development (TOD) has been recognized as an urban development and transportation planning strategy in both developed and developing nations. A TOD involves development of highly dense, vibrant land-uses, pedestrian-friendly streets, high accessibility to jobs or opportunities, and affordable housing options in neighborhoods closer to high-frequency transit systems. Numerous studies from developed countries indicate that TOD neighborhoods are capable in lowering travel distances and times, CO2 emissions, and traffic congestion, and enhancing transit usage and quality of life. With very little information known about the extent of TOD in rapidly-expanding cities of India, this research identifies many limitations associated with TOD planning processes, and fills the gaps, for exploring the suitability of Metro rail-based TOD planning at neighborhood level. With recent urban reformation policies, Indian cities have considered TOD as an escape plan to their urban problems. Government authorities of India are now drafting TOD policies in association with Metro rail transit. It is essential for planners, policymakers, and researchers to understand TOD essence i.e., to identify neighborhoods that have true potential for TOD planning in the present and future years. In the absence of suitable TOD case studies in India, there is a need for comprehensive investigation on several aspects of TOD to direct transit-supportive transportation planning and policies for sustainable TOD planning in Indian cities. At this moment, Delhi stands as an ideal case study, where Metro rail plays a decisive role in guiding mobility patterns. This research focuses on exploring the spatial and travel behavioral aspects of neighborhoods in Delhi (far and adjacent to Metro) to fulfil five main objectives: (i) to develop a neighborhood typology, (ii) to identify potential TOD type, (iii) to investigate determinants of transit ridership, (iv) to measure TOD-ness at neighborhood levels, and (v) to test the effectiveness of formulated TOD scenarios.