Sustainable Urban Mobility Transformation in Gwalior: Integrating Smart Infrastructure and Low-Emission Transport Systems

Transportation sector pollution is one of the most critical environmental challenges affecting urban sustainability, public health, and occupant comfort in rapidly growing cities. This paper analyses the factors of the urban mobility, using an in-depth evaluation of the urban traffic flow, modal share, vehicle composition, and the emission loads as a basis of proposing the innovative and data-driving approaches in accordance with the principles of sustainable transportation. The Traffic Volume Count survey for Gwalior, India shows that it has a large daily vehicular capacity of well more than 155,000 vehicles with two wheelers and intermediate public transport (IPT) as the major modes of transportation. The proportion of short-range (≤5 km) trips ( > 50 percent of daily trips) indicates a huge potential of the modal shift on active mobility and the integration of the public transit. Average journey speeds ranging between 22–27 km/h highlight systemic congestion and operational inefficiencies. Nevertheless, infrastructure fragmentation, poor pedestrian infrastructure, and the lack of transit-centered planning are the current limitations to the adoption of sustainable mobility.

The paper focuses on TOD and the corridor-based planning to reorganize the patterns of growth around high capacity public transport corridors. The introduction of electric intra-city buses and the electrification of IPT fleets facilitates the low-emission mobility transitions. It is suggested that smart infrastructure (e.g. ITS, digital fleet management systems, GPS-based tracking) can improve operational efficiency and minimize the emissions associated with the idling issue.

Promotion of active mobility is a key component of the strategy. The continuous footpath, cycle tracks, safe last-mile connectivity are geared towards promoting local walking and cycling to make short journeys. These solutions decrease vehicle kilometers traveled as well as enhancing accessibility, inclusivity, and population health.