Revamping Tamil Nadu: A New Era of Public Transport by 2031

Tamil Nadu lags behind in public transport provision per its Urban Mobility Charter 2031. The charter highlights misallocated funds favor vehicle-centric projects, leading to public transport decline and increased fatalities. It proposes a strategy focusing 60% of transportation budgets on sustainable modes, embracing a 'Triple Zero' vision for future urban development.

A recent report has spotlighted glaring inadequacies in Tamil Nadu's public transport system, with major cities offering only 18 buses per lakh population against a recommended 60.

The 'Tamil Nadu Urban Mobility Charter 2031,' launched by the Sustainable Mobility Network, attributes this shortfall to predominant investment in vehicle-centric infrastructures, neglecting sustainable transport options.

The charter advocates a paradigm shift in planning, urging at least 60% budget allocation to sustainable solutions like public transport, walking, and cycling, thus aligning with a 'Triple Zero' vision: zero emissions, zero social exclusion, and zero road deaths by 2031.

(With inputs from agencies.)