There is a fit case for speedy unrolling of mass rapid transit systems across the country. Consider the case of Tokyo and Bengaluru, both having an area of @ 2200 sq.km. While the former has a population exceeding twice that of the latter, the quality of life in Tokyo is far far better than in Bengaluru. Tokyo has a mass transit suburban rail and metro network spanning 4,700 kms while Bengaluru has a paltry 70 km of metro tracks in comparison.The daily rail ridership in Tokyo is @ 4 crore while Bengaluru only manages 6 lakh ; Tokyo has 30 lakh private vehicles owned by 8% of the population while Bengaluru has 1.1 crore 2 and 4 wheelers owned by 73% of it's people. Imagine the drastic reduction in pollution levels and urban congestion if the government puts its money on mass transport instead of encouraging private ownership of vehicles. All across the world, developed nations have invested heavily in mass transport systems and disincentivized private ownership of cars resulting in tangible benefits for it's citizens. India with it's population of 145 crores needs to catch up fast.
