New Delhi | The Government of India has reaffirmed its commitment to creating safer, greener, and more pedestrian-friendly cities by strengthening urban mobility infrastructure through various national policies and flagship schemes. In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Tokhan Sahu highlighted the progress made under initiatives such as AMRUT, AMRUT 2.0, the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SSASCI) Scheme, and the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) clarified that while the construction and maintenance of municipal roads, bridges, and pedestrian footpaths fall under the jurisdiction of State Governments, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), and Urban Development Authorities (UDAs), the Centre supports these efforts through policy frameworks, technical guidelines, and financial assistance. These include the National Urban Transport Policy (2006), Metro Rail Policy (2017), Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Policy (2017), and the Urban and Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) Guidelines, which emphasize integrated, multimodal, and people-centric urban transport systems.
Under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), the government has implemented 346 Green Mobility projects, resulting in the development of approximately 474.34 km of walkways and cycle tracks across participating cities. The initiative aims to promote non-motorized transport while improving urban accessibility and reducing environmental impacts.
The AMRUT 2.0 programme has also advanced urban greening through the AMRUT Mitra initiative, implemented in convergence with the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM). Women’s Self-Help Groups have participated in tree plantation and maintenance activities, with 2,958 projects approved and nearly 7.74 lakh trees planted, contributing to cleaner and healthier urban environments.
Further progress has been achieved under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SSASCI) Scheme (2023–26). According to the ministry, 22 streets spanning 63.73 km have been pedestrianised across 10 States, while 39 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) corridors have been notified across eight States. These measures are intended to encourage walkable neighbourhoods, improve last-mile connectivity, and support climate-resilient urban planning.
To strengthen public transport, the Centre has sanctioned 10,000 electric buses for deployment across more than 100 cities under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme. The initiative is expected to enhance city bus services, improve first- and last-mile connectivity, increase public transport usage, and reduce dependence on private vehicles while promoting clean and energy-efficient mobility.
The ministry reiterated that urban transport remains primarily a State subject, while the Central Government will continue providing policy guidance and financial support to help States and Union Territories develop integrated, sustainable, and efficient urban mobility systems.
Also Read: Supreme Court Declares Right to Walk a Fundamental Right, Recognises Right to Demarcated Footpaths
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