Leaderspeak

WHEN MOBILITY MARRIES TECH

Cities can optimise urban mobility by integrating technology and artificial intelligence and making them more comfortable, convenient, and, of course, greener

Cities are continuously upgrading their systems to make transport systems sustainable and efficient. The answer does not just lie in opting for greener alternatives and expanding the network of public transportation; the integration of modern technology is as important as innovation, which holds the key to unlocking greener, more efficient modes of movement.

If you are a millennial, you may not remember that your parents had to go to railway stations and stand in long queues at reservation counters to book train tickets. And if you wanted to get a Tatkal ticket, you had to know someone who knew someone who could manage to get tickets. The situation has changed since Indian Railways launched its IRCTC website for ticket booking. Ticket booking has become super-easy. Indian Railways has adopted technology in its ticketing system, train tracking, and other operational areas that has made its operations more efficient.

These technological reforms took place almost two decades ago and have made the booking of tickets easier for millions of passengers. With advancement, many technology-based services have been introduced, ranging from complaining about faulty services while on board, tracking train status, requesting medical services, and ordering food in your coach. All these things are possible with a mobile phone.

Technology and urban mobility

Cities are often applauded or criticized based on their transport systems. If you are in Bengaluru, you would complain about its slow-moving traffic. In Mumbai, you would applaud its local trains but complain about jam-packed trains. If you are in Delhi, you will applaud the Metro network and its efficient operations. And if you were in any small town, you would complain about almost non-existent or unreliable public transport. Things are changing with the launch of metro services and the expansion of bus coverage. Another good thing is that new public transit systems are using advanced technological tools to make the commuting experience good for locals.

Urban mobility, especially in metropolises, has adopted technological tools, making urban commuting comfortable. Powered by artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and other modern advancements, transport authorities can provide real-time passenger information systems, integrate ticketing across various modes, and ensure passenger safety through surveillance. App-based taxi services have changed the experience of travelling within cities. Though these are run by private companies, these services have made urban mobility convenient.

Integrated Traffic Management Systems (ITMS) also enable authorities to leverage the power of data and optimise transportation networks, reduce road congestion, suggest alternate routes, and minimise environmental impact. Under the Smart Cities Mission, all 100 cities have built command and control centres for traffic management, ensuring smooth traffic operation and monitoring, with special arrangements for emergency vehicles. Additionally, special emphasis has been placed on road safety measures. ITMS includes the Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS), Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) System, Red Light Violation Detection (RLVD) System, and Speed Violation Detection.

Several applications are being used to make urban mobility more efficient, including Remix Data-Driven Transit, Via Eco-Ridesharing, and Citymapper Multimodal Navigation. Remix assists cities in the strategic planning and optimization of public transportation networks, empowering urban planners to make well-informed decisions. Via operates as a ridesharing platform, focusing on enhancing public transportation via efficient, on-demand services. Citymapper seamlessly integrates various transportation modes and provides real-time information, actively encouraging the adoption of more sustainable and efficient urban travel practices.

India, being the software capital of the world, can harness its skilled workforce to make mobility high-tech, energy-efficient, and cost-efficient. The country needs to invest in its future, with a focus on research and development.

Future-ready mobility

Advancements in technology have presented many options for fast, reliable transportation. Driverless cars, drones for delivering goods, flying pods, maglev trains, Hyperloop, and other alternatives are being tested in different countries for their scalability and viability.

Autonomous Aerial Vehicles (AAVs) are aircraft that function independently of human intervention. While akin to drones in their unmanned nature and airborne capabilities, AAVs are distinctively crafted for the purpose of transporting humans. Instead of relying on a pilot, these vehicles utilise a sophisticated system comprising GPS, inertial navigation, and an array of sensors to navigate and operate the aircraft seamlessly, gathering crucial data throughout the duration of flight. One Chinese company, Ehang, has already tested some of these vehicles, and many other countries are also working on this technology. Drone delivery The first commercial drone delivery to a residence in the United States took place in 2016 and included a chicken sandwich, donuts, coffee, candy, and frozen Slurpees, as reported by The Verge.

Hyperloop is another technology on which Indian governments are working. It is not a matured technology, but Indian Railways and the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, along with Arcelor Mittal, are working on the development of India’s and Asia’s inaugural Hyperloop test track. Nestled within the sprawling 163-acre Discovery Campus at Thaiyur, just beyond the bustling cityscape of Chennai, this ambitious project marks a significant leap forward in transportation innovation. If the efforts bring the desired result after successful testing of technology, Hyperloop technology for transportation would be rapid, affordable, reliable, and eco-friendly.

There is no doubt that technological advances will further propel changes and ease the transition to more sustainable and inclusive forms of transport. To make it a cakewalk, cities will also need to look out for the financial sustainability of this project. They must ensure conventional forms of active mobility are always prioritised and these fancy alternatives are chosen only when they have an edge over other
available alternatives.