Exploring India's Intermediate Public Transport: A Comprehensive Overview

Intermediate or informal public transport (IPT), or paratransit as is commonly recognized worldwide, is a component of the transit system which provides mobility services to meet the demand gap between the private and the formal public transportation systems. This paper presents an overview of the IPT sector in the Indian context. IPT in Indian cities has become an indispensable part of the travel pattern in people's day-to-day lives. Census data on travel to work for the year 2011 reveal that 4.31% of the total work trips are done by IPT, which is more than the share of private car work trips. This review paper has made an effort to find answers to the research question: What is the current status and role of IPT in India? The thorough assessment procedure entailed reviewing all relevant research publications available until 2023. Statistical data of the number of registered vehicles and IPT work trips published in government records are studied to understand people’s reliance on IPT mode. An effort was made to reflect the shift in trends from traditional IPT vehicles to electric paratransit, namely e-rickshaws. In addition to this, documentation of policy briefs that govern the operation of IPT in India has been done. Authors have also attempted to chalk out multiple policy interventions undertaken abroad to formalize this informal sector of transportation. The examined international case studies consistently emphasize the necessity of establishing a dedicated advisory body for efficient IPT management. Such an entity would oversee paratransit operations in the urban areas, ensuring compliance with both quantity and quality standards. The present study sheds light on the potential and prospects offered by IPT mode and suggests requirements for efficient management of the IPT sector in India.