TheQuint@10: How Indian Cities Failed Public Transport
Celebrating our most influential documentaries that have shaped conversations over the years.
Dear Reader,
In December 2024, we investigated India’s transport crisis in: How Indian Cities Failed Public Transport. While petrol prices climb and Bangalore metro fares rise, India’s public transport is becoming more expensive—without becoming more useful.
Metros get billions in funding, yet ridership struggles. Buses, which serve more people, are being ignored. Who is urban transport really built for?
Most Indian cities are investing in metro projects that few people actually use. "Metro fails where trip distances are small, which is much of India," says Shreya Gadepalli, an urban mobility expert. Over 90% of work commutes in Indian cities are under 10 km, making metro networks inefficient for daily use.
Buses, however, could bridge this gap—but funding isn’t going there.
"A kilometer of metro costs over ₹500 crore and serves 20,000 people per day. The same investment could provide 500 buses, serving four to five lakh people," says Gadepalli.
Metro expansion without a strong bus network only forces more people onto bikes, cabs, and personal cars—leading to even worse congestion. Public transport should be about access and affordability, but India's policies favor high-cost projects that benefit few.
Over the years, The Quint has challenged conventions and highlighted urgent matters with such documentaries. To explore more, CLICK HERE.
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Thanks,
ZIJAH SHERWANI
Creative Director
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