International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 12 | Dec 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Paratransit as a Public Transport in Indian Cities Ar. Mohd Arsh Khan1, Dr. Prabhat Kumr Rao2, Dr. Divya Pandey3 1,2nd Year, MURP, Faculty of Architecture & Planning, AKTU, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226007 (India) 2Assistant Professor, Faculty of Architecture & Planning, AKTU, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226007 (India) 3 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Architecture & Planning, AKTU, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226007 (India)
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Abstract - India's urban transportation systems are notable
research contends that official urban transport planning must incorporate paratransit.
for their heavy reliance on paratransit, or intermediate public transportation. Auto-rickshaws, shared cars, e-rickshaws, and other such para-transit vehicles that function in between official public transportation networks and private mobility are examples of these. Paratransit systems are still underappreciated in transportation planning and policy frameworks, despite their extensive use. This study looks at paratransit's function as a crucial part of urban mobility in Indian cities, emphasizing its institutional difficulties, operational features, and geographical importance. The study illustrates how paratransit makes up for shortcomings in official transportation systems, especially in terms of last-mile connection and access to peri-urban regions, using secondary data and policy literature. In order to improve sustainability, efficiency, and inclusion, the paper makes the case that paratransit should be explicitly incorporated into urban transportation planning.
2. Conceptual Paratransit
1. INTRODUCTION
Particularly in quickly growing cities where formal infrastructure construction lags behind urban expansion, these activities enable paratransit to address structural gaps within urban transport networks.
Urban transport infrastructure in Indian cities are under growing strain due to rapid urbanization and population increase. Even with expenditures in road infrastructure, bus rapid transit, and metro rail, a sizable amount of urban travel demand is still satisfied by informal and semi-formal transportation networks. Among these, paratransit is essential for offering flexible and reasonably priced mobility choices, although it is frequently disregarded.
2. OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PARATRANSITS 2.1 Service Flexibility
Auto-rickshaws, shared cars, e-rickshaws, and other smallcapacity vehicles that function between private and public transportation systems are examples of intermediate modes of transportation known as paratransit. These modes need very little capital investment, minimum scheduling, and flexible routing. In many Indian cities, paratransit serves as the main way for people with low and intermediate incomes to reach markets, jobs, healthcare, and education. Despite its importance, Para transit is often seen as a temporary or unofficial solution and left out of official transport planning frameworks. The operational features, geographical role, and governance issues of paratransit are highlighted in this paper's analysis of its functional significance in Indian cities. In order to achieve inclusive and sustainable mobility, the
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Impact Factor value: 8.315
Understanding
Between private automobiles and large public transportation, paratransit occupies a middle ground. Flexible routes, shared occupancy, and demand-responsive operations are its defining characteristics. In contrast to fixed-route systems, paratransit adjusts to changes in travel behavior over time, spatial limitations, and passenger demand. Paratransit serves three main purposes in the Indian context: 1. Connecting residential areas to bus terminals, metro stations, and activity centers is known as the "feeder role." 2. Primary transit Mode: The primary means of transportation in areas or cities without official public transit. 3. Adaptive Mobility Service: Adapting quickly to changes in travel demand throughout time and space.
Key Words: Paratransit, Urban Mobility, Last-Mile Connectivity, Informal Transport, Indian Cities
© 2025, IRJET
Framework:
Paratransit vehicles can react swiftly to passenger demand since they run on semi-fixed or flexible routes. This adaptability makes door-to-door movement easier and enables service coverage in places that are inaccessible to traditional buses.
2.2 Frequency and Utilization Paratransit systems are characterized by high service frequency and long operation hours. Vehicle utilization rates are high because vehicles frequently travel small distances during the day.
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