How can startups help improve public transport in the metro cities
Even though nearly 70% of Indians inhabit the rural hinterlands, urbanization has been rapidly increasing. Metropolitan cities in India, and across the globe, are the engines of economic growth and development. However, a strong and sturdy engine would ultimately collapse, if not nurtured with the due care and support.
While urbanization has increased rapidly in the past few decades, urban infrastructure has not kept up the same speed. Besides, in the coming years, the undue stress via rapid urbanization is only going to increase. For instance, a survey by McKinsey and Co. cites that 60 per cent of the total population of the world will come to inhabit the cities. In India, the scenarios are further grim. By 2030, it is believed that there will be nearly 68 urban sprawls, each having to accommodate a sizeable population of over a million.
In order to best leverage the potential of a city life and utilize the same for economic growth and prosperity, India needs to supplement the growing urbanization with an enhanced quality of living. As of today, metropolitan cities in India have become synonymous with increasing pollution, traffic congestion, and a lack of infrastructure that is truly world class. At this point, it is important for India to best use technology in creating cities of tomorrow, ones that are truly safe, inclusive, and sustainable. The very same need is being fulfilled by the fast-growing, tech startups in India today.
A growing number of innovative ventures have warmed up to the big menace of urban mobility. Hence, we see a growing number of startups venturing into the field of urban transportation. While cab hailing, ride sharing, and carpooling apps have become a common sight, other IoT and logistics startups are easing out the mobility woes with their strong hold on technology. Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru – the ones that particular famous for notorious traffic congestions, are today home to a number startups aiming to solve the logistics, traffic, and transportation. By offering various solutions, such as corporate car pools, route optimization, e-vehicle fleets, IoT security and monitoring, and more.
In fact, managing corporate mobility is one of the most important tasks for ensuring a smooth urban traffic movement. While startups have come up with the right technology platform necessary for meeting the requirements, they are also increasingly engaging with the corporate organizations for creating more awareness regarding efficient mobility solutions. By offering both tech solutions and consulting services, the startups are aiming to disrupt and streamline the unorganized corporate mobility landscape in India.
Furthermore, implementing an on-ground strategy, along with managing vendors, devising corporate transport policy, and training drivers and staff is being undertaken by the fastidious startups of today. Startups are also venturing into the field of streamlined community commuting by analysing the available data regarding workforce’s commute from corporate business districts. This data analysis opens floodgates of opportunities for efficient route planning and optimum utilization of resources available at the disposable of corporate organizations.
And that’s not all! Other startups – especially in the field of machine intelligence etc are developing active night vision systems that will facilitate the vehicles in the high-volume segments. While one startup helps businesses locate trucks for easy fleet process, another is easing out the parking woes endured by urban commuters, helping them find suitable parking spots in the vicinity.
Together, these startups are bringing about a wave of change, providing solutions to daily commuters, small businesses and corporate organizations that were unimaginable not so long ago. By providing incentives to commuters for reducing traffic congestion during peak hours, associating with startups for smoother mobility and data-driven analytics, establishing an excellence centre meant at boosting innovation aimed at urban mobility are some of the ways by which government authorities can further help champion the cause of urban mobility.
