MAULANA AZAD NATIONAL INSTITUTEOF TECHNOLOGY, BHOPAL

INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING

UP-523

ASSIGNMENT 3

CHALLENGES AND LIMITATIONS

OF DIFFERENT TRANSPORT

INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM NETWORKS

SUBMITTED BY-

RAZIA AKHTAR
222109108
M.PLAN (URBAN PLANNING)
SEMESTER -2
2022-2024
Transport infrastructure systems are the backbone of modern societies and are essential for
the movement of people, goods, and services. These systems include a network of roads,
railways, airports, ports, and public transportation systems that enable efficient and effective
transportation. Planning is crucial in the development of transport infrastructure systems, as
it involves identifying the needs of a region or country, evaluating different options, and
determining the most suitable solutions. Transport infrastructure planning also takes into
consideration the economic, environmental, and social impacts of the proposed projects, with
the ultimate goal of improving accessibility and mobility while minimizing negative
externalities. As such, effective planning of transport infrastructure systems is vital for the
sustainable development and growth of societies.

There are many types of transportation infrastructure, some of which include:

ROADS TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM NETWORK PLANNING:

Roads are the most common type of transportation infrastructure and they are used by
vehicles like cars, buses, and trucks. Roads transport infrastructure systems and networks in
India play a critical role in supporting economic growth and social development by connecting
people and goods across the vast expanse of the country. The Indian Road network spans
over 5.5 million km, comprising national highways, state highways, district roads, and rural
roads. The national highway network, managed by the National Highways Authority of India
(NHAI), is the backbone of India's road transport system, connecting major cities and ports
across the country.
However, despite its extensive coverage, the Indian road network faces several challenges
and limitations that hinder its efficiency and effectiveness. One of the most significant
challenges is the issue of inadequate road infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, which
limits access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities for millions of people.
Additionally, the poor condition of many roads, coupled with high traffic volumes, contributes
to traffic congestion, accidents, and fatalities.
Another significant challenge facing the Indian road transport infrastructure is the lack of
adequate funding for maintenance and expansion projects. While the Indian government has
initiated several ambitious projects, such as the Bharatmala Pariyojana, to improve the quality
and coverage of road networks, funding constraints, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and
corruption have delayed their implementation and completion.
Moreover, the Indian road transport infrastructure faces environmental challenges, such as
air pollution, deforestation, and soil erosion, which result from the construction and
maintenance of roads. Additionally, the increasing use of fossil fuels in the transport sector
contributes to India's rising carbon emissions, exacerbating the effects of climate change.
In conclusion, while the Indian road transport infrastructure system and network have made
significant progress in connecting people and goods across the country, several challenges
and limitations need to be addressed to ensure its efficiency and sustainability. These include
adequate funding, better maintenance, and expansion strategies, improved road safety
measures, and sustainable and environmentally friendly transport options. Addressing these
challenges will require a concerted effort from the government, private sector, and civil
society to ensure that India's road transport infrastructure meets the evolving needs of its
citizens while minimizing its impact on the environment.

Figure 1 Fish bone diagram showing challenges, limitations & gaps of road transport infrastructure network planning

In India, there are several governing bodies responsible for the management and regulation
of road transportation infrastructure. Here are some examples:
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways: This is a government ministry responsible for the
development and maintenance of road networks in the country, including national highways
and state highways.
National Highways Authority of India: This is an autonomous agency under the Ministry of
Road Transport and Highways that is responsible for the development, maintenance, and
management of national highways in the country.

Policies & Programs: The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is a centrally
sponsored scheme that aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to all eligible
unconnected habitations in rural areas. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is also
implementing the Bharatmala Pariyojana, a mega-plan to develop 34,800 km of highways.

RAIL TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM NETWORK PLANNING:

Railways: Railways are used for transporting goods and passengers over long distances. They
are usually more efficient than roads and can carry larger loads. Rail transport infrastructure
systems and networks are critical components of modern societies, facilitating the movement
of people and goods across cities, countries, and continents. Effective planning and
management of rail transport infrastructure systems and networks are essential for
optimizing their performance, improving safety, reducing congestion, and ensuring
sustainability.
In India, the Ministry of Railways manages one of the largest rail networks in the world, with
over 67,000 km of tracks serving millions of passengers and goods each day. The Indian
government has initiated several ambitious projects, such as the Dedicated Freight Corridor
(DFC) and High-Speed Rail (HSR) projects, to expand and modernize India's rail network,
improve efficiency and safety, and reduce travel time.
However, several challenges and limitations hinder the effectiveness and efficiency of India's
rail transport infrastructure system and network. One of the most significant challenges is the
issue of capacity constraints, particularly in densely populated regions, leading to congestion
and delays. Additionally, the Indian Railways' aging infrastructure and rolling stock, coupled
with inadequate maintenance and investment, have resulted in poor safety records and
frequent accidents.
Another significant challenge facing the Indian rail transport infrastructure is the lack of
adequate funding for maintenance and expansion projects. The Indian Railways have been
heavily reliant on government subsidies, and the lack of private investment in the sector has
hindered its growth potential. Moreover, bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption have
delayed the implementation of several rail projects, resulting in cost overruns and project
delays.
The Indian rail transport infrastructure also faces environmental challenges, such as air
pollution, deforestation, and soil erosion, which result from the construction and
maintenance of railway lines. Additionally, the increasing use of fossil fuels in the transport
sector contributes to India's rising carbon emissions, exacerbating the effects of climate
change.
To address these challenges and limitations, the Indian government has taken several steps,
such as increasing investment in rail infrastructure, improving safety measures, and
promoting sustainable transport options. The government has also proposed several
measures to attract private investment in the sector, such as allowing private players to
operate passenger trains and freight trains on designated routes.
In conclusion, effective planning and management of rail transport infrastructure systems and
networks are essential for improving efficiency, safety, and sustainability. While India's rail
transport infrastructure system and network have made significant progress, several
challenges and limitations need to be addressed to ensure its efficiency and sustainability.
Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort from the government, private
sector, and civil society to ensure that India's rail transport infrastructure meets the evolving
needs of its citizens while minimizing its impact on the environment.
The Indian Railways is the country's largest transportation infrastructure provider, and the
government has undertaken several initiatives to modernize and upgrade the railway
network. Some of these include the dedicated freight corridors, high-speed rail projects, and
station modernization projects.
Indian Railways is the national railway system of India and is managed by the Ministry of
Railways. It is the fourth-largest railway network in the world and includes passenger and
freight trains.

Figure 2 Fish bone diagram showing challenges, limitations & gaps of rail transport infrastructure network planning

AIR TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM NETWORK PLANNING:

Air transport infrastructure systems and networks play a crucial role in connecting people and
goods across cities, countries, and continents. Effective planning and management of air
transport infrastructure systems and networks are essential for optimizing their performance,
improving safety, reducing congestion, and ensuring sustainability.
In India, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is responsible for managing the country's air transport
infrastructure, which includes over 130 airports and airfields, connecting hundreds of
domestic and international destinations. The Indian government has initiated several
ambitious projects, such as the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) and the UDAN scheme,
to expand and modernize India's air transport infrastructure, improve efficiency and safety,
and reduce travel time.
However, several challenges and limitations hinder the effectiveness and efficiency of India's
air transport infrastructure system and network. One of the most significant challenges is the
issue of capacity constraints, particularly in major metropolitan cities, leading to congestion
and delays. Moreover, the high cost of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) in India hampers the growth
of air transport and makes it less competitive with other modes of transport.
Another significant challenge facing the Indian air transport infrastructure is the lack of
adequate funding for maintenance and expansion projects. The Indian aviation sector has
been heavily reliant on private investment, and the lack of government support in the form
of subsidies and tax exemptions has hindered its growth potential. Additionally, bureaucratic
inefficiencies and corruption have delayed the implementation of several air projects,
resulting in cost overruns and project delays.
Various governing bodies and acts/policies are related to air transport infrastructure planning
in India. The Civil Aviation Policy (2016) emphasizes the need for regional connectivity and
the development of unserved and underserved airports. The National Civil Aviation Policy
(2016) aims to make air travel affordable and accessible to the common man and boost the
growth of the aviation sector. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) manages and operates
most of the airports in India, while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulates
civil aviation in India.
To address these challenges and limitations, the Indian government has taken several steps,
such as increasing investment in air transport infrastructure, improving safety measures, and
promoting sustainable transport options. The government has also proposed several
measures to attract private investment in the sector, such as allowing 100% foreign direct
investment (FDI) in domestic airlines and the development of greenfield airports.
In conclusion, effective planning and management of air transport infrastructure systems and
networks are essential for improving efficiency, safety, and sustainability. While India's air
transport infrastructure system and network have made significant progress, several
challenges and limitations need to be addressed to ensure its efficiency and sustainability.
Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort from the government, private
sector, and civil society to ensure that India's air transport infrastructure meets the evolving
needs of its citizens while minimizing its impact on the environment.

Figure 3 Fish bone diagram showing challenges, limitations & gaps of Air transport infrastructure network planning
WATER TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM NETWORK PLANNING:
Water transport infrastructure systems and networks play a significant role in connecting
cities and regions, transporting goods and people, and boosting economic growth. In India,
water transport infrastructure includes over 14,500 kilometers of navigable inland waterways
and over 200 operational ports. Effective planning and management of water transport
infrastructure systems and networks are essential for optimizing their performance,
improving safety, reducing congestion, and ensuring sustainability.
In India, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is responsible for managing the
country's water transport infrastructure. The government has launched several ambitious
projects, such as the Sagarmala Program, to develop India's water transport infrastructure,
improve efficiency and safety, and promote sustainable transportation options. The National
Waterways Act of 2016 also aims to facilitate the development and management of India's
inland waterways.
However, several challenges and limitations hinder the effectiveness and efficiency of India's
water transport infrastructure system and network. One of the most significant challenges is
the inadequate infrastructure, including poor connectivity to hinterland regions, lack of
intermodal connectivity, and insufficient investment in port and waterway development.
Additionally, the water transport sector faces competition from other modes of transport,
such as road and rail, which offer more reliable and faster transport options.
Another significant challenge facing the Indian water transport infrastructure is the lack of
coordination among different stakeholders involved in planning, implementation, and
maintenance. This results in inefficient use of resources, delayed projects, and cost overruns.
Moreover, the water transport sector in India is highly fragmented, with several government
agencies responsible for different aspects of water transport management, leading to
overlapping mandates and ineffective governance.
Various governing bodies and acts/policies are related to water transport infrastructure
planning in India. The National Waterways Act of 2016 provides the legal framework for the
development and management of inland waterways in India. The Inland Waterways Authority
of India (IWAI) is responsible for the development, maintenance, and regulation of India's
inland waterways. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways oversees the development
of India's ports and waterways.
To address these challenges and limitations, the Indian government has taken several steps,
such as increasing investment in water transport infrastructure, improving intermodal
connectivity, and promoting sustainable transport options. The government has also
proposed several measures to attract private investment in the sector, such as public-private
partnerships (PPPs) for port development and the development of a national policy for inland
water transport.
In conclusion, effective planning and management of water transport infrastructure systems
and networks are essential for improving efficiency, safety, and sustainability. While India's
water transport infrastructure system and network have made significant progress, several
challenges and limitations need to be addressed to ensure its efficiency and sustainability.
Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort from the government, private
sector, and civil society to ensure that India's water transport infrastructure meets the
evolving needs of its citizens while minimizing its impact on the environment.

Figure 4 Fish bone diagram showing challenges, limitations & gaps of Water transport infrastructure network planning

UNDERGROUND TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM NETWORK

PLANNING:
Underground transport infrastructure systems and networks are an essential component of
modern urban transportation systems. In India, underground transport infrastructure
includes subways, tunnels, and underground railways. The effective planning and
management of these systems are critical for optimizing their performance, improving safety,
reducing congestion, and ensuring sustainability.
In India, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is responsible for the development and
management of underground transport infrastructure systems and networks. The
government has launched several projects, such as the Delhi Metro and Mumbai Metro, to
develop underground transport infrastructure and improve urban mobility. The National
Urban Transport Policy also emphasizes the need for sustainable and integrated urban
transport systems, including underground transport infrastructure.
However, several challenges and limitations hinder the effectiveness and efficiency of India's
underground transport infrastructure system and network. One of the most significant
challenges is the high cost of construction and maintenance of underground transport
infrastructure, which requires significant investments of time, money, and resources.
Additionally, the lack of availability of suitable technology and skilled personnel poses
challenges for the design, construction, and maintenance of underground transport
infrastructure.
Another challenge facing underground transport infrastructure planning in India is the lack of
coordination among different stakeholders involved in planning, implementation, and
maintenance. This results in inefficient use of resources, delayed projects, and cost overruns.
Moreover, the underground transport sector in India is highly fragmented, with several
government agencies responsible for different aspects of underground transport
management, leading to overlapping mandates and ineffective governance.
Various governing bodies and acts/policies are related to underground transport
infrastructure planning in India. The Metro Railways Act of 1978 provides the legal framework
for the development and management of underground railways in India. The Delhi Metro Rail
Corporation (DMRC) and the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) are responsible for the
development, maintenance, and regulation of underground railways in Delhi and Mumbai,
respectively. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs oversees the development of
underground transport infrastructure in India.
To address these challenges and limitations, the Indian government has taken several steps,
such as increasing investment in underground transport infrastructure, improving intermodal
connectivity, and promoting sustainable transport options. The government has also
proposed several measures to attract private investment in the sector, such as public-private
partnerships (PPPs) for the development of underground transport infrastructure.
In conclusion, effective planning and management of underground transport infrastructure
systems and networks are essential for improving efficiency, safety, and sustainability. While
India's underground transport infrastructure system and network have made significant
progress, several challenges and limitations need to be addressed to ensure its efficiency and
sustainability. Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort from the
government, private sector, and civil society to ensure that India's underground transport
infrastructure meets the evolving needs of its citizens while minimizing its impact on the
environment.

Figure 5 Fish bone diagram showing challenges, limitations & gaps of Underground transport infrastructure network planning
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