Is This Implementable?
Yes. The bill is designed for phased implementation with clear institutional responsibilities, realistic timelines, and proven cost-benefit ratios.
Phased Approach
Not a "big bang" implementation. The bill mandates priority-based rollout:
- Year 1-2: High-priority corridors (near schools, hospitals, transit hubs)
- Year 2-5: Arterial roads and major commercial areas
- Year 5-10: Complete city-wide network
- Annual Review: Progress assessment and budget adjustment
Cities can adapt timelines based on local capacity and funding.
Realistic Budgets
Based on Bogotá benchmark: $260K per km (₹2.16 Cr/km)
| City Size | Network (km) | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Small (500K pop) | 50 km | ₹108 Cr |
| Medium (2M pop) | 150 km | ₹324 Cr |
| Large (10M pop) | 500 km | ₹1,080 Cr |
238% annual ROI from health and travel time savings.
Institutional Framework
Clear division of responsibilities across governance levels
National Level
National Active Mobility Council
- Policy formulation and standards
- Funding allocation to states
- National monitoring and evaluation
- Research and capacity building
- International best practice adoption
Chair: Secretary, MoRTH
Members: MoUD, MoHFW, NITI Aayog, State representatives
State Level
State Active Mobility Authority
- State-level policy and targets
- Fund disbursement to cities
- Technical assistance to ULBs
- State-wide coordination
- Annual progress reporting
Chair: Transport Commissioner
Members: Urban Development, PWD, Health, Police
City Level
Urban Local Body (ULB)
- Design and construction oversight
- Maintenance and operations
- Enforcement and penalties
- Public engagement and outreach
- Quarterly reporting to State
Responsibility: Municipal Corporation / City Council
Supported by: City Traffic Police, PWD
Sample Implementation Timeline
Metro city with 5M population implementing 300km network over 7 years
| Phase | Timeline | Scope | Activities | Budget | Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Months 1-6 | Planning & Design |
|
₹5 Cr | DPRs for 100km |
| Phase 1 | Year 1-2 | High-priority corridors |
|
₹216 Cr | 100 km |
| Phase 2 | Year 3-5 | Arterial network expansion |
|
₹324 Cr | 150 km |
| Phase 3 | Year 6-7 | Network completion |
|
₹108 Cr | 50 km |
| TOTAL | ₹653 Cr | 300 km | |||
| Annual Economic Benefit (from Year 3) | ₹1,554 Cr/year | 238% ROI | |||
Funding Mechanisms
Multiple funding streams available for implementation
Central Grants
- AMRUT 2.0 allocation
- Smart Cities Mission
- Green Urban Mobility Scheme
- National Clean Air Programme
State Budget
- State urban development budget
- Road safety fund allocation
- Health budget (co-benefits)
- Environment/Climate funds
ULB Resources
- Property tax revenue
- Parking fee revenue
- Road user charges
- Municipal bonds
External Support
- World Bank urban mobility loans
- ADB green infrastructure
- GCF climate adaptation funds
- Bilateral development aid
Risk Assessment & Mitigation
| Risk | Likelihood | Impact | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget overruns | Medium | Medium | Phased implementation with annual budget reviews; contingency fund (10%); competitive tendering |
| Public resistance | Low | Medium | Extensive public consultation; pilot projects demonstrating benefits; media campaigns |
| Lack of coordination between departments | Medium | High | Formal inter-departmental committee with CM/Mayor oversight; quarterly coordination meetings |
| Inadequate maintenance post-construction | Medium | High | Dedicated maintenance budget (5% of capital cost annually); accountability framework; citizen reporting system |
| Insufficient technical capacity | Medium | Medium | National training program; technical assistance from NAMC; hiring of specialists; knowledge sharing platforms |
| Land acquisition delays | Low | Medium | Focus on road reallocation (no new land needed); clear RoW policies; fast-track approval for safety projects |
Implementation Checklist
Step-by-step guide for city administrators
- ☐ Establish City Active Mobility Committee (CAMC)
- ☐ Conduct baseline survey (current infrastructure, crash data, usage patterns)
- ☐ Identify priority corridors (near schools, hospitals, transit)
- ☐ Secure initial funding commitment
- ☐ Hire/designate project management unit
- ☐ Launch public awareness campaign
- ☐ Develop Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for Phase 1
- ☐ Conduct traffic impact assessments
- ☐ Design footpath and cycle lane layouts (follow standards)
- ☐ Plan signage, lighting, and drainage integration
- ☐ Environmental and social impact assessment
- ☐ Public consultation on draft designs
- ☐ Obtain necessary clearances and approvals
- ☐ Issue tenders with quality specifications
- ☐ Award contracts to qualified vendors
- ☐ Appoint third-party quality auditor
- ☐ Regular site inspections and progress monitoring
- ☐ Manage traffic during construction
- ☐ Quality assurance testing (surface quality, dimensions)
- ☐ Resolve snags before handover
- ☐ Establish maintenance schedule (weekly, monthly, annual)
- ☐ Set up citizen reporting system (app/helpline)
- ☐ Train traffic police on enforcement
- ☐ Monitor usage (footfall, cycling counts)
- ☐ Collect crash and safety data
- ☐ Quarterly reporting to State Authority
- ☐ Annual independent audit and review
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