A YEAR ON THE MOVE
HERE'S TO 12 EXCITING MONTHS OF .BUILDING SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY
.IN INDIA
Dive in to discover the remarkable achievements and milestones of 2024 under each of the following verticals: Electric Mobility, Public Transport, Low Emission Zones and Healthy Streets!
FROM THE DESK OF
ASWATHY DILIP
2024 was a milestone year for sustainable mobility and I am elated with ITDP India’s contributions towards the same. Nationally, this was a landmark year, as we concluded three national challenges—India Cycles4Change, Streets4People, and Transport4All—with the Smart Cities Mission, explored carbon credits and ZEV mandates, and enhanced bus operations.
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At the state level, Tamil Nadu advanced its EV policy, while Maharashtra set benchmarks with a major e-bus procurement for rural areas. Cities led on-ground transformations: Chennai improved major streets and worked on a parking policy, while Pimpri Chinchwad advanced Low Emission Zones (LEZ) and initiated institutional street enhancements.
These achievements reflect the bold decisions by officials, agencies, and partners whom we work with and the dedication of our team. Looking ahead, we aim to expand EVs in Tamil Nadu, boost Maharashtra’s bus fleets, and enhance walking and cycling in our lighthouse cities.
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Thank you for shaping this journey with us, one street and route at a time.
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.GET SET. GO. 2024..
2024 was action packed! Scroll below to go through our entire journey or if you're interested in a specific vertical, click on it to go straight there -
02
BUILDING AN
ELECTRIC FUTURE
FOR INDIA
BRINGING TRANSFORMATION AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL
As we look back on the year, we’re excited about the progress made in accelerating the uptake of electric buses (e-buses) at scale through capacity building and exploring innovative financing tools such as Carbon Credits.
EMPOWERING OFFICIALS BY CAPACITY BUILDING
We focused on capacity building with the Association of State Road Transport Undertakings (ASRTU). Across three different workshops, over 150 senior officials across all 56 State Transport Undertakings (STUs) were trained in e-bus service planning and communication, laying the foundation for the future of e-bus adoption in India.
UNLOCKING E-BUS FINANCING SOLUTIONS
Addressing the challenge of financing e-buses, we studied innovative green financing models and created our flagship publication, the Carbon Credit Guidebook. This resource now guides STUs, Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to access new funding avenues for sustainable transport projects.
A FOCUS ON MAHARASHTRA
This year, we accelerated the e-bus adoption in Maharashtra by fostering long-term financial sustainability at the state level and developing regional roadmaps to achieve the e-bus goals.
ENABLING FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
In 2022, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) initiated the procurement of 5,150 e-buses but faced financial hurdles. To address this, we developed a proposal highlighting the socio-economic benefits, which secured in-principal approval for Viability Gap Funding (VGF) in 2024. This critical support strengthened the project’s financial feasibility, paving the way for large-scale e-bus adoption in Maharashtra.
ELECTRIFYING PMPML BY 2030
To help the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) achieve 30% electrification and reach 60 buses per lakh population by 2030, we created a detailed electrification roadmap under the TUMI E-bus Mission - which laid out clear goals, strategies, and budget guidelines. We also supported PMPML officials by building their capacity to manage tenders and incrementally procure buses, charting a clear path for achieving their targets in the Pune Metropolitan Region.
TAMIL NADU GOES ELECTRIC
In 2024, we advanced the EV adoption in Tamil Nadu through inclusive stakeholder engagement, transformative policy, and procurement support. With this foundation laid, it is exciting to see Tamil Nadu emerge as India’s EV Capital in 2025!
REVVING UP EV ADOPTION IN TN
In February, ITDP India signed a Letter of Intent with Guidance, Government of Tamil Nadu, to promote holistic EV adoption. This partnership was formalised in November with an MoU, integrating ITDP into the Clean Mobility Cell. Together, we have been driving several regulatory reforms like a vehicle scrapping scheme and a policy for circular economy, deploying charging infrastructure, and fostering industry collaboration to build a sustainable EV ecosystem in Tamil Nadu.
STRENGTHENING EV CHARGING
To address gaps in Tamil Nadu’s EV charging infrastructure, we supported Guidance in hosting a state-level roundtable with government stakeholders, private bus operators, and Charge Point Operators (CPO). The insights were captured in multiple key reports, scheduled to launch in 2025, which offer actionable solutions to streamline processes and attract investments.
ENGAGING THE PRIVATE SECTOR
In 2024, we addressed the challenge of e-bus adoption in the private sector through a series of e-bus awareness and demand aggregation workshops with 150 private bus operators across five cities in Tamil Nadu. The result? About 60% of the operators are now willing to adopt an e-bus lease model. The success and learnings were shared at PRAWAAS 4.0.
WHAT'S UPCOMING
To boost the production of e-buses, we've initiated the development of a policy framework for implementing national Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandates, designed to accelerate the supply of e-buses across the country.
IMPROVING
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
IN INDIA
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BRINGING TRANSFORMATION AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL
In 2024, we tackled two pressing challenges in India’s public transport: poor user experience and lack of gender inclusivity. Through our Transport4All programme and partnership with ASRTU, we identified the key issues and co-created innovative solutions towards inclusive and attractive public transport for all.
INNOVATING DIGITAL SOLUTIONS FOR INDIA
The Transport4All Challenge, a nationwide initiative launched in 2021 with the Smart Cities Mission, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), addressed key public transport inefficiencies by initiating pilots of 17 groundbreaking digital solutions across eight cities. A standout achievement was PMPML’s "Apli Bus" app, transforming ticketing and bus tracking in Pune/Pimpri Chinchwad. As the challenge wraps up, we aim to launch a compendium capturing its success, setting a national precedent for digital advancements in India's public transport systems.
ENABLING GENDER INCLUSIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Addressing the lack of gender inclusivity in public transport, ITDP in partnership with ASRTU conducted in-depth focus group discussions with women bus drivers and conductors across four Indian cities. The interactions revealed critical challenges faced in a male-dominated field such as job insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, and systemic gender bias. Our report, due for launch in 2025, captures these insights and provides actionable recommendations to shape gender-equitable public transport.
MAHARASHTRA ON THE MOVE
Last year we focused on enhancing the user experience of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and metro network by providing recommendations and technical support for seamless integration and infrastructure improvement.
IMPROVING THE BRT STANDARDS
Our study of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s (PCMC) BRT system addressed existing operational inefficiencies and outdated infrastructure. We recommended upgrades like QR-based ticketing, station repairs, and installation of ANPR cameras to improve services and enforce lane discipline. With these changes in progress, the BRT system is moving from basic to bronze level, making it more reliable and an attractive choice for daily commute.
INTEGRATING PUBLIC TRANSPORT MODES
To integrate the Metro and the BRT system in Pimpri Chinchwad, we provided recommendations such as fare integration via the ‘Apli Bus’ mobile app, service alignment for smooth transfers, designated bus parking at metro terminals, and physical integration of BRT stops along the new metro lines, which are now being actively implemented by the city.
TRANSFORMING TAMIL NADU'S PUBLIC TRANSPORT
In 2024, we collaborated with authorities in Chennai and Erode to reimagine bus networks. Through surveys and assessments, we identified gaps and developed solutions, paving the way for transformative improvements in 2025.
SHIFTING GEARS IN CHENNAI
ITDP India signed an MoU with the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) and Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) to provide technical support, including audits and recommendations for 100+ bus stop which are in the process of implementation. ITDP India also supported the MTC Fellowship Programme that will focus on data-backed route optimisation for the bus service. Further, we also conceptualised a premium bus service towards improving user experience and making public transport attractive in Chennai.
MAKING ERODE'S BUS TERMINAL'S 'BUS'TLING!
To address the need for improved bus connectivity, we submitted a comprehensive route optimisation study for Erode's two new bus terminals. This included recommendations for re-routing bus routes in consultations with the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) and the Tamil Nadu Housing and Urban Development Minister.
PIONEERING
LOW EMISSION ZONES
IN INDIA
MAKING LOW EMISSION ZONES A REALITY IN INDIAN CITIES
In 2024, we made major breakthroughs in advancing Low Emission Zones (LEZ), strategically embedding them into existing legal frameworks and driving forward their implementation across Indian cities through stakeholder discussions and in-depth exploration of technology and monitoring systems.
LEVERAGING THE MAHARASHTRA EV POLICY
In 2024, ITDP India and International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) worked towards institutionalising LEZs in Pimpri Chinchwad. The city identified a transformative opportunity to embed LEZs into the city’s Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) under Maharashtra's EV Policy, which enabled LEZs to seamlessly integrate into their institutional framework! As we move forward, we aim to focus on deploying cutting-edge enforcement technologies and monitoring systems to implement LEZs on ground in PCMC.
INTEGRATING LEZS WITH THE CLIMATE AGENDA
In collaboration with ICCT and Urban Research Foundation, ITDP India worked closely with Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to advance the LEZ agenda in 2024. Through strategic advocacy and stakeholder consultations, the city took a landmark step of integrating LEZs into its Climate Action Plan—establishing the initiative as a pivotal strategy to reduce vehicular emissions and mitigate climate change. This integration not only strengthens the city's climate goals but also helps to build citizen buy-in, catalysing effective LEZ implementation.
PAVING THE WAY TO SCALE LEZ IN INDIA
To scale up LEZs nationally, we distilled insights from our work in Pimpri Chinchwad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Pune into the LEZ Basics Guidebook—a concise, user-friendly resource enabling cities across the nation to understand and implement LEZs with ease. Further bolstering this momentum, Maharashtra’s Environment and Climate Change Department have endorsed the initiative, setting the stage for widespread adoption and cleaner, healthier air across the state.
SCALING
HEALTHY STREETS
ACROSS INDIA
MAKING A CASE AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL
Across India, cities have now started embracing the transformative vision of Healthy Streets! This year, we focused on capturing their journeys through our flagship publication, revealing on-ground impacts through situational analyses, and inspiring citizens to use them through powerful behaviour change campaigns.
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CELEBRATING AN ERA OF HEALTHY STREETS
As the grand finale of the India Cycles4Change and Streets4People Challenges, launched by the Smart Cities Mission (SCM), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), we hosted a landmark Healthy Streets Workshop in collaboration with the city of Pimpri Chinchwad, wherein 30+ cities shared insights, engaged with experts, and celebrated their achievements! Following the event, we launched the Streets4People Publication, showcasing 50 transformative projects and their key learnings—a flagship highlight of 2024.
CONDUCTING AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF STREETS
To assess the impact of healthy street, we conducted comprehensive situational analyses in Pimpri Chinchwad, Nagpur, and Chennai, examining pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure and its usage. The situational analysis reports, individually developed for each city, provide valuable insights into the real-world effectiveness of these streets, which will refine future developments.
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PROMOTING BEHAVIOUR CHANGE
To promote active mobility, we partnered with SCM, MoHUA, to launch a behaviour change campaign across 40+ cities in 2023–’24. Over 150 city officials participated by walking and cycling to better understand pedestrian and cyclist experiences. The gamified initiative tracked real-time progress and celebrated top performers, with key stories and learnings captured in the report - Promoting Behaviour Change Towards Walking and Cycling.
SCALING STREET TRANSFORMATION IN MAHARASHTRA
In 2024, we are thrilled to share that we made transformative progress to scale Healthy Streets in two cities in Maharashtra by providing technical support for on-ground implementation, pioneering budgetary solutions for sustainable mobility, and institutionalising the change.
TRANSFORMING STREETS IN PIMPRI CHINCHWAD
We strengthened collaboration with PCMC to scale and institutionalise street transformation last year. Key efforts included identifying gaps in the municipal budget for sustainable mobility, analysing over 15 streets, and providing advocacy and design support for the ‘Harit Setu’ street network. We also facilitated intercity workshops, supported the establishment of the Urban Mobility Department, and drove strategic communications to ensure these initiatives achieve lasting impact.
KICKSTARTING HEALTHY STREETS IN NAGPUR
Last year, we supported Nagpur Municipal Corporation and Nagpur Smart City in advancing their Healthy Streets Programme. With over 15 km of streets transformed and 12 km underway, impact assessments on seven key streets provided insights for future improvements. ITDP is also guiding the city in adopting an NMT Policy, launching a School Zone Improvement programme, and conducting capacity-building workshops to enable a citywide scale-up of Healthy Streets.
A FOCUS ON TAMIL NADU
Building on years of collaboration with Chennai’s public agencies, 2024 became a defining year as we worked towards citywide change—scaling non-motorised transport, revolutionising parking systems, and advancing road safety through technical guidance, capacity building, and hands-on support!
SCALING STREET TRANSFORMATION IN CHENNAI
To scale Healthy Streets in Chennai, we guided the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to secure a landmark commitment in Tamil Nadu’s 2024 budget for 11 km of Healthy Streets with underground utilities under the World Bank partnership, with 5 km already inaugurated by the Chief Minister. Our efforts also spurred the creation of 30+ km of vibrant streets across the city. Alongside overseeing implementation and documenting the impact, we are now developing an Operations and Maintenance manual to ensure sustainable upkeep.
PARKING IT RIGHT IN CHENNAI AND COIMBATORE
Last year we continued our engagement with the cities of Chennai and Coimbatore to address their parking woes by supporting the adoption of respective parking policies and the development of area-level parking management plans towards implementation. These efforts aim to regulate on-street and off-street parking in both cities, with the long-term goal of reducing dependence on private vehicles.
PRIORITISING ROAD SAFETY IN CHENNAI
To enhance road safety in Chennai, especially for children, we guided GCC and Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) on the ‘Safe Routes to School’ project, redesigning 1.5 km of streets, which connect 11 schools, into child-friendly corridors. We also formalised our partnership with the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) to improve junctions and pedestrian access to bus terminals, creating safe and inclusive streets in Chennai.
SHARING THE
LEARNINGS
AND INSIGHTS
PEER LEARNING & CAPACITY BUILDING
At ITDP India, we believe collaboration and knowledge exchange are key to scaling sustainable mobility solutions. In 2024, we were instrumental in organising several impactful trainings and workshops, bringing together agencies, corporations, and stakeholders to share insights and build capacity through hands-on learning.
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FOSTERING PEER LEARNING SESSIONS FOR PARKING MANAGEMENT
We facilitated a site visit for Pimpri Chinchwad officials to the city of Coimbatore to observe the implemented parking management solutions and interact with key officials, enabling them to adapt proven strategies and drive progress in Pimpri Chinchwad.
TRAINING ENGINEERS TO BUILD HEALTHY STREETS
To build technical capacity for designing Healthy Streets right, we conducted a dynamic two-day multi-stakeholder workshop with the Bus Route Roads department of GCC. We combined hands-on exercises, expert-led sessions, and site visits aiming to empower key stakeholders to drive impactful street transformations.
BUILDING THE CAPACITY OF UNIFIED METROPOLITAN TRANSPORT AUTHORITIES
In 2024, we led two peer learning sessions with CUMTA. The first, with Pune Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (PUMTA), highlighted the role of independent UMTAs in driving complex urban mobility projects. The second, with Srinagar Smart City, showcased innovative parking management strategies and tendering best practices.
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SENSITING FUTURE LEADERS OF INDIA
In 2024, we trained India’s future leaders through two impactful sessions. At the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS), we led a workshop on placemaking, and at the National Institute for Urban Affairs (NIUA), we guided DANICS probationary officers on parking management. These sessions equipped IAS officers to champion progressive mobility solutions in their careers.
SHARING THE KNOWLEDGE
In 2024, armed with insights from the field, we actively shared our learnings across 20+ platforms, fostering knowledge exchange and gaining valuable perspectives from diverse contexts. Here are some key highlights from the year -
ITDP INDIA AT THE URBAN MOBILITY CONFERENCE & EXPO 2024, GANDHINAGAR
In 2024, in partnership with Arcadis, we sparked an engaging round table on 15-minute cities, igniting thought-provoking discussions on its relevance for India’s rapidly urbanising landscape.
ITDP INDIA AT WALK21, PORTUGAL
At the 24th International Walk21 Conference in Portugal, we showcased findings from our latest publication, Steps to Sustainability, highlighting how improved footpaths in Chennai are a cost-effective solution for reducing emissions and enhancing public health.
RE-IGNITING THE URBANLOGUE PLATFORM
In 2024, we revitalised our knowledge-sharing platform with an insightful series on Low Emission Zones, in partnership with ICCT, featuring industry leaders and city experts. Stay tuned for more fresh perspectives and engaging discussions in 2025!
FEATURED PUBLICATIONS FROM 2024
STREETS4PEOPLE - PATHWAYS OF CHANGE FROM INDIA'S SMART CITIES
HEALTHY STREETS DESIGN WORKBOOK
PCMC TRANSPORT BUDGET ANALYSIS 2024-2025
PROMOTING BEHAVIOUR CHANGE FOR WALKING AND CYCLING
CARBON CREDITS: UNLOCKING REVENUE FOR A CLEANER TOMORROW
LOW EMISSION ZONE BASICS
