The number of vehicles commuting on city roads has surged to 10,000 per kilometer in 2024, a sharp rise from 6,500 in 2019. Of these, more than 7,000 are two-wheelers, highlighting a shift in the transport dynamics of the city. This dramatic increase in vehicle numbers has been attributed to a reduction in the fleet of RTC buses and the lack of expansion in the MMTS (Multi-Modal Transport System) services by the railways.
According to a recent study, the emission of micro-pollutants from the growing number of vehicles is estimated to exceed 35,000 tons per year, exacerbating the city’s pollution levels. The city’s transport system is facing increasing strain as public transport services fail to keep up with the rising demand.
The study points out that at least 250 MMTS services are needed to meet the city’s transport requirements, which cater to a population of 1.5 crore. However, the current situation paints a grim picture. The number of MMTS services has plummeted from 121 to just 80, resulting in a significant drop in daily commuters from 80 lakh to only 50,000. Many have been forced to rely on personal vehicles, contributing to the overcrowding of city roads.
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The delay in running MMTS trains and the cancellation of services have added to the woes. Experts suggest that expanding MMTS operations along key routes like Alwal, Ghatkesar, Tellapur, Hafizpet, and Hi-Tech City would greatly benefit commuters by providing a reliable alternative to personal transport.
Similarly, the RTC bus services, which once catered to about 20 lakh daily commuters with the introduction of the Mahalakshmi scheme during the previous government, are now struggling. The number of available buses has been reduced to 2,800, leaving many passengers overcrowded in the buses. To meet the growing demand, experts suggest that at least 7,500 city buses should be operated.
Meanwhile, the city’s pollution problem is compounded by the presence of over 3 lakh vehicles that are more than 15 years old. Pollution-control board officials have pointed to these outdated vehicles as a major contributor to the city’s rising pollution levels. In response, the government has launched a free pollution check initiative at seven locations across the city, but only 500 vehicles have availed of the service since its introduction two months ago.
The city faces a daunting challenge of addressing its transport and pollution issues, and experts stress that without significant investment in public transport and stricter regulations on outdated vehicles, the situation is unlikely to improve in the near future. Expanding MMTS services, increasing the number of city buses, and incentivizing the use of pollution-check services could be key steps toward alleviating the current crisis.
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