India is embracing Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) to tackle the challenges of rapid urbanization and environmental degradation. TOD integrates transportation and urban planning to create high-density, walkable communities centered around public transit systems, promoting ESG principles and supporting a carbon-neutral strategy. 

As cities like Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Pune adopt TOD frameworks, they aim to reduce vehicle dependency, enhance urban accessibility, and foster sustainable growth. For instance, Delhi’s Development Authority has implemented TOD policies to establish mixed-use zones around metro stations, reducing traffic congestion and pollution. Similarly, Ahmedabad’s Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) showcases how TOD principles can drive public transit usage and minimize reliance on private vehicles. 

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs introduced the National Transit Oriented Development Policy in 2017, providing a blueprint for aligning urban growth with sustainable transport. The policy emphasizes mixed land use, higher densities, and equitable access to transit, aiming to integrate mobility and urban planning seamlessly. 

However, India’s TOD journey is not without challenges. Regulatory hurdles, such as fragmented zoning laws and land acquisition complexities, pose barriers. Limited funding and public awareness further complicate implementation, particularly in smaller cities. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) play a crucial role in overcoming these obstacles, enabling resource mobilization and innovative solutions, as seen with the Delhi Metro and Hyderabad Metro projects. 

Global examples, like Hong Kong’s “Rail plus Property” model and Tokyo’s high-density transit developments, offer valuable lessons. These cities demonstrate how TOD can transform urban landscapes, generating economic growth while supporting sustainability goals. As India’s urban population is projected to reach 600 million by 2030, TOD emerges as a critical strategy to ensure inclusive, sustainable, and efficient urban development, aligning with ESG objectives and advancing the nation’s carbon-neutral aspirations. 

Fuentes:  

https://www.propnewstime.com/getdetailsStories/MTM2MDk=/india-s-urban-future-embracing-tod-for-connectivity-and-sustainability 

https://itdp.in/what-we-do/transit-oriented-development/ 

https://www.outlookbusiness.com/planet/opinions/sustainable-real-estate-the-future-of-indias-urban-landscape 

https://www.ey.com/en_in/insights/climate-change-sustainability-services/how-india-s-sustainable-development-goals-are-powering-its-growth-while-striving-for-net-zero