Barot Deep Vimalbhai

UT4000

SURAT 2047: Integrated Mobility Vision

The Strategic Transportation Plan for Surat 2047 envisions a clean, efficient, and integrated urban mobility system. Anchored in demand analysis, land-use planning, and modeling, the plan proposes expanding rapid transit coverage from 24% to 71% and increasing public transport mode share to 25%. Key interventions include fare and institutional integration under SMTA, multimodal hubs, EV-based fleet expansion, and physical improvements across corridors. Emissions are projected to drop significantly under the LTI-47 scenario, supporting Surat’s net-zero ambition. The strategy aligns infrastructure, governance, and innovation to sustainably serve a growing population while enhancing accessibility, equity, and environmental resilience.  


Report Content

The studio focuses on urban mobility planning via literature review, data analysis, and scenario modeling. Orange-highlighted topics indicate the individual work done by the student.

Surat is introduced as a rapidly growing economic hub in Gujarat, famously known as the "Textile City of India." With a projected population of 83.45 lakhs by 2025, the city exhibits dense core development and peripheral economic nodes. Upcoming projects like HSR and Dream City are expected to further catalyze economic growth and urban sprawl.

The trip rate is projected at 1.57 per person, with walk trips having the highest mode share (38.89%) despite high reliance on private vehicles, especially two-wheelers. Most trips are work-related and occur during peak hours around 9 AM and 7 PM. The compact urban structure supports short-distance travel.

Despite public transport availability, intra-city travel is dominated by two-wheelers. Autos serve shorter distances, while PT is used mainly for longer trips. There is a radial pattern with the city center as the primary attractor. The mode division reflects the need for improved PT share and multimodal solutions.

The city faces challenges like infrastructure gaps and modal imbalances. Development is shaped by NH-48, DFC, and HSR, which simultaneously offer growth opportunities and pose barriers. Proposed solutions include transit-oriented development, EV promotion, feeder system upgrades, and enhanced tech for first/last-mile connectivity.

The travel demand model identifies Varachha and Udhna as high-interaction areas, marking them as critical hubs. Radial trips from areas like Kamrej and Pal indicate a strong dependence on the core for employment and education. Modeling helps identify priority corridors and supports rational infrastructure investments to manage future trip patterns efficiently and equitably.

The Surat Metropolitan Transport Authority (SMTA) is proposed under national frameworks like NUTP and the Metro Act to streamline transport governance. Fare integration currently exists for BRTS and city buses but not the upcoming metro system. The absence of unified fare systems poses a barrier to seamless travel. Enhancing Passenger Information Systems (PIS) at bus stops can improve transparency, reduce anxiety, and boost public confidence in the PT system.

Improving interchange facilities and relocating GSRTC through-traffic are proposed to reduce congestion. Around 254 of 573 originating buses can be shifted to the Antroli MMTH. With over 1100 buses interacting daily, the strategy aims to streamline operations and reduce urban congestion. Infrastructure enhancements for physical integration will enable smoother intermodal transfers and enhance commuter convenience across city and intercity networks.

Transport-related emissions are projected to nearly double under a Business-As-Usual (BAU) scenario by 2047. However, the LTI-47 scenario—with 25% PT share and integrated land use—can reduce per capita emissions by over 80%, from 19.63 to 2.67 Gm/persons. Comparatively, the Fuel Tech-47 scenario achieves moderate reductions. These findings underscore the effectiveness of integrated planning in achieving sustainability and net-zero goals.

Total road infrastructure cost is 6,268 Cr, while bridge costs are 165 Cr. Public transport fleet procurement, primarily electric, is estimated at 9,560 Cr. The studio concludes that with strategic interventions, rapid transit coverage will increase to 71%, PT share to 25%, and emissions will decline significantly. Key learnings include integrating governance, fare, and data systems to support a future-ready transport network aligned with Surat’s smart city and sustainability goals.