International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Transportation For Transformation: A Case for Bus Rapid Transit for Smart Cities in India

The paper makes a detailed analysis of the Bus Rapid Transit System and its immense opportunity for India. BRTS is emerging as a preferred paradigm to plan cities, localities and urban extensions and renew old cities and derelict areas within cities in many countries. It is a cost effective transport infrastructure investment that can usher Transit-Oriented Development for sustainable urbanisation. The paper highlights successful case studies to draw lessons for India. We also outline the challenges faced due to disjoint land use planning and transportation planning in India. In this context, BRTS presents significant opportunities to make India’s urbanization process efficient, inclusive, sustainable and financially viable. In this line, the paper suggests a coordinated transport land-use integration framework for urban development, strategizing on the BRTS. Keywords: Bus Rapid Transit System, Transit-Oriented Development, land use planning, transportation planning, urbanisation. JEL Code: R42, R41, H54, R0