Transport in India

Walking was a major transport form in ancient times. People used to cover long distances on foot or bull carts. For instance, Adi Sankaracharya travelled all over India from Kalady near Kochi.{{Cite book |title=Sankara-Dig-Vijaya: The Traditional Life of Sri Sankaracharya by Madhava-Vidyaranya |last=Tapasyananda |first=Swami |publisher=Sri Ramakrishna Math |year=2002 |isbn=978-81-7120-434-2 |location=India}} Walking still constitutes an important mode of transport in rural areas.{{Cite web |url=http://www.urban-age.net/0_downloads/archive/_mumbai/Newspaper-essays_Tiwari.pdf |title=Urban Transport in Indian Cities |last=Tiwari |first=Geetam |publisher=London School of Economics |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100713060350/http://www.urban-age.net/0_downloads/archive/_mumbai/Newspaper-essays_Tiwari.pdf |archive-date=13 July 2010 |access-date=23 June 2009}} In the city of Mumbai, to further improve the transit conditions for pedestrians, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, has commenced the construction of more than 50 skywalks,{{Cite web |url=http://www.mmrdamumbai.org/skywalk.htm |title=MMRDA – Projects – Skywalk |publisher=MMRDA |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090314125705/http://mmrdamumbai.org/skywalk.htm |archive-date=14 March 2009 |access-date=24 March 2009 |df=dmy}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/iw/2008/11/23/stories/2008112350761700.htm |title=Mumbai pedestrians can walk safe in the sky|date=23 November 2008 |work=The Hindu Business Line |access-date=24 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210153810/http://thehindubusinessline.com/iw/2008/11/23/stories/2008112350761700.htm |archive-date=10 February 2009 |page=1}} as part of the Mumbai Skywalk project, which is very helpful as walk enthusiasts take part in reducing traffic. The Dakshineswar Skywalk has also come up in West Bengal.

{{Main|Litter (vehicle)#In Asia|l1 = Palanquin}}

File:Jodhpur-Mehrangarh Fort-20-PalKi khana-20131011.jpg

Palanquins, also known as palkis, were one of the luxurious methods used by the rich and noblemen for travelling and also to carry a deity (idol) of a god. Many temples have sculptures of a god being carried in palkis.{{cite EB1911|wstitle=Palanquin}} Modern use of the palanquin is limited to Indian weddings, pilgrimage and carrying idols of gods.{{Cite news |url=http://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/others/sunday-read/Pilgrim-nation-The-Goddess-Meenakshi-of-Madurai/articleshow/55639722.cms |title=Pilgrim nation: The Goddess Meenakshi of Madurai |last=Pattanaik |first=Devdutt |date=27 November 2016 |work=Mumbai Mirror |access-date=8 January 2017 |archive-date=9 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109021927/http://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/others/sunday-read/Pilgrim-nation-The-Goddess-Meenakshi-of-Madurai/articleshow/55639722.cms |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/Big-fat-weddings-getting-trim/article16662665.ece |title=Big, fat weddings getting trim |last=Anand |first=Jatin |date=21 November 2016 |work=The Hindu |access-date=8 January 2017 |archive-date=28 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128083730/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/Big-fat-weddings-getting-trim/article16662665.ece |url-status=live }}

File:Girl on bullock cart, Umaria district, MP, India.jpg

Bullock carts used to be a way of transportation in India, but it is seldom seen today due to the slow speed and advent of motorised vehicles. It is still prevalent in deep within the rural areas for the transport of goods.

{{main|Cycling in India}}

Bicycles or cycles, have ownership rates ranging from around 30% to 75% at the state level. Along with walking, cycling accounts for 50% to 80% of the commuter trips for those in the informal sector in urban areas. However, recent developments suggest that bicycle riding is quickly becoming popular in Indian cities. In smaller Indian cities, non-motorized transport, which includes cycling, accounts for close to 50% of the total trips by the working-class population. In larger cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi, non-motorized transport accounts for 35%-37% of the total trips.{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Swarna Dutt & Azra |date=2021-08-07 |title=Ranchi shows how India's biggest cycling lessons lie in its smaller cities |url=https://scroll.in/article/1001318/ranchi-shows-how-indias-biggest-cycling-lessons-lie-in-its-smaller-cities |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=Scroll.in |language=en-US |archive-date=15 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215103816/https://scroll.in/article/1001318/ranchi-shows-how-indias-biggest-cycling-lessons-lie-in-its-smaller-cities |url-status=live }} In recent years, government development authorities all over India have encouraged the setup and use of separate bicycle lanes alongside the roads to combat pollution and ease traffic congestion.{{Cite web |url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2010/jan/200110-cycle-lanes-Delhi-Cycling-Club.htm |title=Now, paddle your way across Delhi |last=Singh |first=Amit |date=20 January 2010 |publisher=Mid-day.com |access-date=5 April 2010 |archive-date=17 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617081642/http://www.mid-day.com/news/2010/jan/200110-cycle-lanes-Delhi-Cycling-Club.htm |url-status=live }}

File:Hand-pulled Rickshaw - Surya Sen Street - Kolkata 2014-01-01 1773.JPG

Human-pulled rickshaws are nowadays rarely available in various cities and villages in the country. Many local governments have proposed a ban on these rickshaws describing them as "inhuman". The Government of West Bengal proposed a ban on these rickshaws in 2005.{{Cite news |url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=52774 |title=Hand-pulled rickshaws to go off Kolkata roads |work=Online edition of The Indian Express, dated 2005-08-15 |access-date=23 April 2009 |archive-date=14 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014072754/http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=52774 |url-status=live }} Though a bill aiming to address this issue, termed as Calcutta Hackney Carriage Bill, was passed by the West Bengal Assembly in 2006, it has not yet been implemented.{{Cite news |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1081031/jsp/calcutta/story_10035108.jsp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090517040428/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1081031/jsp/calcutta/story_10035108.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 May 2009 |title=Rule review for rickshaw ban |date=31 October 2008 |work=Online edition of The Telegraph, dated 2008-10-31 |access-date=23 April 2009 |location=Calcutta, India }} The Government of West Bengal is working on an amendment to this bill to avoid the loopholes that were exposed when the Hand-pulled Rickshaw Owners' Association filed a petition against the bill.

Cycle rickshaws were introduced in India in the 1940s.{{Cite web |url=http://www1.american.edu/TED/taj.htm |title=The Taj Mahal: Pollution and Tourism |last=Farrell |first=Sean |publisher=Trade and Environment Database (TED)(American University) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090926060455/http://www1.american.edu/TED/taj.htm |archive-date=26 September 2009 |access-date=29 November 2009}} They are bigger than a tricycle where two people sit on an elevated seat at the back and a person pedals from the front. In the late 2000s, they were banned in several cities for causing traffic congestion.{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Rickshaw-ban-from-today/articleshow/2110773.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111105185410/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-06-09/delhi/27984451_1_cycle-rickshaws-chandni-chowk-church-mission-road |url-status=live |archive-date=5 November 2011 |title=Rickshaw ban from today |date=9 June 2007 |work=The Times of India |access-date=18 June 2009}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060930/asp/guwahati/story_6811101.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927064532/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060930/asp/guwahati/story_6811101.asp |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 September 2011 |title=Ban on slow vehicles in select areas likely |date=30 September 2006 |work=Online edition of The Telegraph, dated 2006-09-29 |access-date=18 June 2009 |location=Calcutta, India }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2002/10/16/stories/2002101609010300.htm |title=Ban on fish-carts extended |website=Online edition of The Hindu, dated 2002-10-15 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050306001710/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2002/10/16/stories/2002101609010300.htm |archive-date=6 March 2005 |access-date=18 June 2008}} The Delhi Police recently submitted an affidavit against plying of cycle rickshaws to ease traffic congestion in the city but it was dismissed by the Delhi High Court.{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/09/stories/2009120957670400.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091214110421/http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/09/stories/2009120957670400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 December 2009 |title=New Delhi News : Police opinion on plying of cycle-rickshaws irks Court |date=9 December 2009 |access-date=5 April 2010 |work=The Hindu |location=Chennai, India}} In addition, environmentalists have supported the retention of cycle rickshaws as a non-polluting mode of transport.{{Cite web |url=http://www.cseindia.org/campaign/apc/pdf/smog-2006-oct-3-rickshaw.pdf |title=Cycle rickshaws: Victims of car mania |publisher=Centre for Science and Environment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070717090721/http://www.cseindia.org/campaign/apc/pdf/smog-2006-oct-3-rickshaw.pdf |archive-date=17 July 2007 |access-date=18 June 2009}}

File:Public buses near Howrah Railway Station.jpg in Kolkata, West Bengal]]

File:Delhi–Meerut Expressway.jpg is India's widest expressway with 14 lanes.]]

{{Main|Roads in India}}

File:Kathipara.jpg, Chennai]]

File:Mumbai India Bridge.jpg

As per 2024 estimates, the total road length in India is {{convert|67,00,000|km|mi|abbr=on}}; making the Indian road network the largest road network in the world. At 0.66 km of highway per square kilometre of land the density of India's highway network is higher than that of the United States (0.65) and far higher than that of China's (0.16) or Brazil's (0.20).

India has a network of National Highways connecting all the major cities and state capitals, forming the economic backbone of the country. As of 2013, India has a total of {{convert|1,61,350|km|0|abbr=on}} of National Highways, of which {{convert|6,059|km|0|abbr=on}} are classified as expressways.{{Cite web |url=http://prakashdwivediofficial.com |title=Indian Road Network |publisher=National Highways Authority of India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162100/http://prakashdwivediofficial.com/ |archive-date=12 June 2018 |access-date=31 March 2009}} Although India has large network of four or more lane highways of international quality standards, but without access control (entry/exit control), they are not called as expressways but simply highways.

As per the National Highways Authority of India, about 66% of freight and 82% passenger traffic is carried by the roads. The National Highways carry about 40% of total road traffic, though only about 2% of the road network is covered by these roads. Average growth of the number of vehicles has been around 10.16% per annum over recent years.

India also has many bridges and flyovers in major cities to reduce traffic congestion. Some notable projects include Bandra - Worli Sea link in Mumbai and Kathipara Cloverleaf Interchange in Chennai. India's metropolitan intra-city average traffic vehicle speed in Delhi was {{convert|25|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, in Mumbai {{convert|20.7|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, in Chennai {{convert|18.9|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} and in Kolkata {{convert|19.2|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, as per a study by Ola Cabs in 2017.

Under National Highways Development Project (NHDP), work is under progress to equip national highways with at least four lanes; there is also a plan to convert some stretches of these roads to six lanes.{{Cite web |url=http://india.gov.in/sectors/transport/national_highway.php |title=National Highways |publisher=Portal of Government of India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090110090603/http://india.gov.in/sectors/transport/national_highway.php |archive-date=10 January 2009 |access-date=23 June 2009}} In recent years construction has commenced on a nationwide system of multi-lane highways, including the Golden Quadrilateral connecting four important metropolitan cities of India (Delhi-Kolkata-Chennai-Mumbai) and North-South and East-West Corridors which link the largest cities in India.

In 2000, around 40% of villages in India lacked access to all-weather roads and remained isolated during the monsoon season.{{Cite web |url=http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/SOUTHASIAEXT/EXTSARREGTOPTRANSPORT/0,,contentMDK:21755700~pagePK:34004173~piPK:34003707~theSitePK:579598,00.html |title=Rural Roads: A Lifeline for Villages in India |publisher=World Bank |page=3 |format=PDF |access-date=3 June 2009 |archive-date=6 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106050627/http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/SOUTHASIAEXT/EXTSARREGTOPTRANSPORT/0,,contentMDK:21755700~pagePK:34004173~piPK:34003707~theSitePK:579598,00.html |url-status=dead }} To improve rural connectivity, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (Prime Minister's Rural Road Program), a project funded by the Central Government with the help of the World Bank, was launched in 2000 to build all-weather roads to connect all habitations with a population of 500 or above (250 or above for hilly areas).{{Cite web |url=http://www.pmgsy.nic.in/pmg31.asp |title=Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PGMSY) |date=2 November 2004 |publisher=Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090619065218/http://pmgsy.nic.in/pmg31.asp |archive-date=19 June 2009 |access-date=3 June 2009}}

The Trans Harbour bridge is the longest sea bridge in India. It was inaugurated on 12 January 2024, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It connects Mumbai with Navi Mumbai. {{cite web | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/mumbai-trans-harbour-link-photos-videos-cost-mthl-traffic-rules-mumbai-police-2487221-2024-01-11 | title=Speed limit 100 km/Hr, no bikes and autos: All about India's longest sea bridge | access-date=12 January 2024 | archive-date=12 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112071751/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/mumbai-trans-harbour-link-photos-videos-cost-mthl-traffic-rules-mumbai-police-2487221-2024-01-11 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/atal-setu-indias-longest-bridge-news-pm-modi-inaugurate-mumbai-trans-harbour-link-mthl-today-11705023137497.html | title=Atal Setu news: PM Modi to inaugurate Mumbai Trans Harbour Link today | date=12 January 2024 | access-date=12 January 2024 | archive-date=12 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112071719/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/atal-setu-indias-longest-bridge-news-pm-modi-inaugurate-mumbai-trans-harbour-link-mthl-today-11705023137497.html | url-status=live }}

File:BEST-limited-bus.jpg

Buses are an important means of public transport in India. Due to this social significance, urban bus transport is often owned and operated by public agencies, and most state governments operate bus services through a state road transport corporation.{{Cite web |first=C. |last=Gopalakrishnan |title=Pricing of urban public bus transport in India : a study based on select undertakings |url=http://www.library.iitb.ac.in/~mnj/gsdl/cgi-bin/library?e=d-00000-00---0PHD--00-1--0-10-0---0---0prompt-10---4-------0-1l--11-en-50---20-help---00-3-1-00-0011-1-0utfZz-8-10&cl=CL2&d=HASH012216c37d526395151af609&x=1 |access-date=1 June 2009 |website=Official webpage of the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay }}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} These corporations have proven extremely useful in connecting villages and towns across the country.{{Cite journal |first=Sanjay K. |last=Singh |date=2005 |title=Review of Urban Transportation in India |url=http://www.nctr.usf.edu/jpt/pdf/JPT%208-1%20Singh.pdf |url-status=dead |journal=Journal of Public Transportation |volume=8 |issue=1 |pages=79–97 |doi=10.5038/2375-0901.8.1.5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100615101216/http://www.nctr.usf.edu/jpt/pdf/JPT%208-1%20Singh.pdf |archive-date=15 June 2010 |access-date=23 June 2009}} Alongside the public companies there are many private bus fleets: As of 2012, there were 131,800 publicly owned buses in India, but 1,544,700 buses owned by private companies.{{Cite web |url=https://data.gov.in/catalog/number-buses-owned-public-and-private-sectors-india |title=Number of Buses Owned by the Public and Private Sectors in India |year=2012 |publisher=Open Government Data Platform India |access-date=29 November 2017 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033028/https://data.gov.in/catalog/number-buses-owned-public-and-private-sectors-india |url-status=live }}

However, the share of buses is negligible in most Indian cities as compared to personalised vehicles, and two-wheelers and cars account for more than 80 percent of the vehicle population in most large cities.

{{Main|Bus rapid transit in India}}

File:Ahmedabad BRTS.jpg

File:Raipur-Naya Raipur BRTS.png]]

File:Kerala State Road Transport Volvo 8400 operating Route 610.jpg

Bus rapid transit systems (BRTS), exist in several cities.{{Cite web |url=http://www.unep.org/transport/lowcarbon/StakeHolders_2011_NewDehli/Oct%2020/Session%20V/BRT%20Projects%20in%20Indian%20Cities%20as%20Inclusive%20Transport%20Systems_Darshini_Joshi.pdf |title=BRT projects in Indian cities as inclusive transport systems? |website=CEPT University |access-date=28 November 2015 |archive-date=8 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208074428/http://www.unep.org/transport/lowcarbon/StakeHolders_2011_NewDehli/Oct%2020/Session%20V/BRT%20Projects%20in%20Indian%20Cities%20as%20Inclusive%20Transport%20Systems_Darshini_Joshi.pdf |url-status=dead }} Buses take up over 90% of public transport in Indian cities,{{Cite web |url=http://policy.rutgers.edu/faculty/pucher/FINALarticleTransportPolicy.pdf |title=Urban transport crisis in India |first1=John |last1=Pucher |first2=Nisha |last2=Korattyswaropam |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070314205253/http://www.policy.rutgers.edu/faculty/pucher/FINALarticleTransportPolicy.pdf |archive-date=14 March 2007 |first3=Neha |last3=Mittal |first4=Neenu |last4=Ittyerah}} and serve as an important mode of transport. Services are mostly run by state government owned transport corporations. In 1990s, all government state transport corporations have introduced various facilities like low-floor buses for the disabled and air-conditioned buses to attract private car owners to help decongest roads.{{Cite web |url=http://bestundertaking.com/trans_land.asp |title=Landmarks in Transport |publisher=Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090329223824/http://www.bestundertaking.com/trans_land.asp |archive-date=29 March 2009 |access-date=18 April 2009 |df=dmy}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.bmtcinfo.com/english/atpresent.htm |title=BMTC The Present |publisher=Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517075730/http://www.bmtcinfo.com/english/atpresent.htm |archive-date=17 May 2008 |access-date=18 April 2009}}

In 2010, the Ahmedabad Bus Rapid Transit System won the prestigious Sustainable Transport Award from the Transportation Research Board in Washington.{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20100906-ahmedabad-brts-corridor-a-rare-success-story-743917-2010-08-28 |title=Ahmedabad BRTS Corridor: A Rare Success Story |date=28 August 2010 |website=India Today |language=en-US |access-date=2018-02-25 |archive-date=25 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225205638/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20100906-ahmedabad-brts-corridor-a-rare-success-story-743917-2010-08-28 |url-status=live }} Rainbow BRTS in Pune is the first BRTS system in the country. Mumbai introduced air conditioned buses in 1998.{{Cite news |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-a-timeline-of-best-buses-in-mumbai-1854866 |title=A timeline of BEST buses in Mumbai |date=29 June 2013 |work=Daily News and Analysis |access-date=11 March 2015 |location=Mumbai |archive-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402111419/http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-a-timeline-of-best-buses-in-mumbai-1854866 |url-status=live }} Bangalore was the first city in India to introduce Volvo B7RLE intra-city buses in India in January 2005.{{Cite web |url=http://www.volvo.com/bus/india/en-in/news_and_events/press+releases/NewsItemPage.htm?channelId=1700&ItemID=1387&sl=en-gb |title=Volvo's first city buses in India operating |date=25 January 2006 |publisher=Volvo Buses |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090809174716/http://www.volvo.com/bus/india/en-in/news_and_events/press%2Breleases/NewsItemPage.htm?channelId=1700&ItemID=1387&sl=en-gb |archive-date=9 August 2009 |access-date=23 June 2009}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blnus/02091502.htm |title=Volvo to foray into city bus segment in India |date=9 August 2005 |access-date=23 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060525183807/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blnus/02091502.htm |archive-date=25 May 2006 |publisher=The Hindu Businessline}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Volvo-intra-city-buses-to-hit-B%27lore-roads-on-Jan-17/152460/ |title=Volvo intra-city buses to hit B'lore roads on Jan 17 |date=11 January 2005 |access-date=23 June 2009 |publisher=The Financial Express |archive-date=15 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615051707/http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Volvo-intra-city-buses-to-hit-B%27lore-roads-on-Jan-17/152460 |url-status=live }} Bangalore is the first Indian city to have an air-conditioned bus stop, located near Cubbon Park. It was built by Airtel.{{Cite web |url=http://www.efytimes.com/efytimes/30756/news.htm |title=India Gets First AC Bus Stop! |date=15 December 2008 |publisher=EfyTimes |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502165034/http://www.efytimes.com/efytimes/30756/news.htm |archive-date=2 May 2009 |access-date=5 April 2009}} The city of Chennai houses one of Asia's largest bus terminus, the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus.{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/12/28/stories/2005122816740400.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060705012703/http://www.hindu.com/2005/12/28/stories/2005122816740400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 July 2006 |title=Koyambedu bus terminus gets ISO certification |first=S. |last=Dorairaj |date=28 December 2005 |work=The Hindu |access-date=25 April 2009 |location=Chennai, India}}

Motorised two-wheeler vehicles like scooters, motorcycles and mopeds are very popular due to their fuel efficiency and ease of use in congested roads or streets. The number of two-wheelers sold is several times to that of cars. There were 47.5 million powered two-wheelers in India in 2003 compared with just 8.6 million cars.{{Cite web |url=http://www.iraptranstats.net/in |title=Transport in India |website=International Transport Statistics Database |publisher=iRAP |access-date=17 February 2009 |archive-date=7 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307013828/http://www.iraptranstats.net/in |url-status=live }}

Manufacture of motorcycles in India started when Royal Enfield began assembly in its plant in Chennai in 1948. Royal Enfield, an iconic brand name in the country, manufactures different variants of the British Bullet motorcycle which is a classic motorcycle that is still in production.{{Cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/4751939/The-star-of-India.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/4751939/The-star-of-India.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=The star of India |last=Woods |first=Phil |date=28 July 2001 |work=Online edition of the Telegraph, dated 2001-07-28 |access-date=19 June 2009 |location=London}}{{cbignore}} Hero MotoCorp (formerly Hero Honda), Honda, Bajaj Auto, Yamaha, TVS Motors and Mahindra 2 Wheelers are the largest two-wheeler companies in terms of market-share.{{Cite web |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/02/03/stories/2009020350970200.htm |title=Honda tightens two-wheeler grip in India |website=Online edition of The Hindu Business Line, dated 2009-02-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206105329/http://thehindubusinessline.com/2009/02/03/stories/2009020350970200.htm |archive-date=6 February 2009 |access-date=19 June 2009}}

Manufacture of scooters in India started when Automobile Products of India (API) set up at Mumbai and incorporated in 1949. They began assembling Innocenti-built Lambretta scooters in India.{{Cite web |url=http://www.lambrettascooter.org.uk/ |title=Lambretta Scooter |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923170021/http://lambrettascooter.org.uk/ |archive-date=23 September 2017}} They eventually acquired a licence for the Li150 series model, of which they began full-fledged production from the early 1960s onwards.{{citation needed|date=July 2012}} In 1972, Scooters India Limited (SIL), a state-run enterprise based in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, bought the entire manufacturing rights of the last Innocenti Lambretta model. API has infrastructural facilities at Mumbai, Aurangabad, and Chennai, but has been non-operational since 2002. {{citation needed|date=July 2012}} SIL stopped producing scooters in 1998.{{Cite web |title=Cambridge Lambretta Workshops |url=https://www.lambretta.co.uk/clw_history.php |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=www.lambretta.co.uk}}

Motorcycles and scooters can be rented in many cities, Wicked Ride, Metro Bikes and many other companies are working with state governments to solve last-mile connectivity problems with mass-transit.{{Cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/Now-hire-bikes-from-Metro-stations-in-Bengaluru/articleshow/52380702.cms |title=Now hire bikes from Metro stations in Bengaluru – Times of India |work=The Times of India |access-date=13 February 2017 |archive-date=13 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813170915/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/Now-hire-bikes-from-Metro-stations-in-Bengaluru/articleshow/52380702.cms |url-status=live }} Wearing protective headgear is mandatory for both the rider and the pillion-rider in most cities.{{Cite journal |last1=Swaroop |first1=Mamta |last2=Siddiqui |first2=Selma Marie |last3=Sagar |first3=Sushma |last4=Crandall |first4=Marie L. |year=2014 |title=The problem of the pillion rider: India's helmet law and New Delhi's exemption |journal=Journal of Surgical Research |volume=188 |issue=1 |pages=64–68 |doi=10.1016/j.jss.2014.01.003|pmid=24529884 |doi-access=free }}

Private automobiles account for 30% of the total transport demand in urban areas of India. An average of 963 new private vehicles are registered every day in Delhi alone.{{Cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A04EED9173DF934A35752C1A9619C8B63 |title=New Delhi Air Quality Is Worsening, Group Says |last=Gentleman |first=Amelia |date=7 November 2007 |work=The New York Times |access-date=5 April 2010 |archive-date=11 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111115400/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A04EED9173DF934A35752C1A9619C8B63 |url-status=live }} The number of automobiles produced in India rose from 6.3 million in 2002–2003 to 11 million (11.2 million) in 2008–2009.{{Cite web |url=http://www.siamindia.com/scripts/production-trend.aspx |title=Production Trend |website=Official webpage of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409000230/http://www.siamindia.com/scripts/production-trend.aspx |archive-date=9 April 2009 |access-date=13 April 2009}} There is substantial variation among cities and states in terms of dependence on private cars: Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Kolkata have 185, 127, 157 and 140 cars per 1,000 people respectively, which is much lower compared to developed countries.{{Cite journal |last1=Ghate |first1=AT |last2=Sunder |first2=S |date=2014 |title=Proliferation of Cars in Indian Cities: Let Us Not Ape the West |journal=Energy Research Institute Policy |volume=Brief 12}} This reflects different levels of urban density and varied qualities of public transport infrastructure. Nationwide, India still has a very low rate of car ownership. When comparing car ownership between BRICS developing countries, it is on a par with China, and exceeded by Brazil and Russia.{{Cite web |url=http://www.iraptranstats.net/bz |title=Transport in Brazil |website=International Transport Statistics Database |publisher=iRAP |access-date=17 February 2009 |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405075612/http://www.iraptranstats.net/bz/ |url-status=live }}

File:HyundaiChennai.JPG manufacturing plant at Sriperumbudur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu]]

Compact cars, especially hatchbacks predominate due to affordability, fuel efficiency, congestion, and lack of parking space in most cities. Chennai is known as the "Detroit of India" for its automobile industry.{{Cite web |url=http://archive.financialexpress.com/news/why-chennai-turned-into-detroit-of-india/1233254 |title=Why Chennai turned into 'Detroit of India' |first=Car |last=Dekho |website=The Financial Express |access-date=26 November 2014 |archive-date=13 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113081659/http://archive.financialexpress.com/news/why-chennai-turned-into-detroit-of-india/1233254 |url-status=dead }}

Maruti, Hyundai, Mahindra and Tata Motors are the most popular brands in the order of their market share. The Ambassador once had a monopoly, but is now an icon of pre-liberalisation India. The Maruti 800 launched in 1984, created the first revolution in the Indian auto sector because of its low price and high quality. It had the highest market share until 2004, when it was overtaken by other low-cost models from Maruti such as the Alto and the Wagon R, the Indica from Tata Motors and the Santro from Hyundai. Over the 20 years since its introduction, about 2.4 million Maruti 800s were sold.{{Cite web |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/iw/2005/02/13/stories/2005021300431500.htm |title=New face to good old Maruti 800 |first=S. |last=Muralidhar |date=13 February 2005 |website=Business Line |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219014552/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/iw/2005/02/13/stories/2005021300431500.htm |archive-date=19 December 2008 |access-date=13 April 2009}} However, with the launch of the Tata Nano, the least expensive production car in the world, the Maruti 800 lost its popularity.{{Cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/article3164205.ece |title=Tata Nano – world's cheapest new car is unveiled in India |last=O'Connor |first=Ashling |date=11 January 2008 |work=The Times |access-date=21 January 2008 |location=London |archive-date=30 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830073930/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/article3164205.ece |url-status=dead }}{{citation needed|date=July 2012|reason=Proof needed, when Maruti looses its popularity? Nano is least expensive, but still a flop in selling.}} India is also known for a variety of indigenous vehicles made in villages out of simple motors and vehicle spare parts. A few of these innovations are the jugaad, maruta, chhakda, and the peter rehra.{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-toi/special-report/Homemade-Nano/articleshow/4328878.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811084555/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-03-29/special-report/28026171_1_jugaad-chhakda-innovators |url-status=live |archive-date=11 August 2011 |title=Homemade Nano |last=Kurup |first=Saira |date=29 March 2009 |work=The Times of India |access-date=10 April 2009}}

In the city of Bangalore, Radio One and the Bangalore Traffic Police, launched a carpooling drive which has involved celebrities such as Robin Uthappa, and Rahul Dravid encouraging the public to carpool.{{Cite news |url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/bangalores-car-pooling-venture-ropes-in-celebrities_100128752.html |title=Bangalore's car pooling venture ropes in celebrities |access-date=28 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100614064044/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/bangalores-car-pooling-venture-ropes-in-celebrities_100128752.html |archive-date=14 June 2010 |publisher=IANS}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.exchange4media.com/e4m/radio/radionews.asp?section_id=7&news_id=33267&tag=28213 |title=Radio One, CommuteEasy partner to promote car pooling in Bangalore |access-date=28 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720205258/http://www.exchange4media.com/e4m/radio/radionews.asp?section_id=7&news_id=33267&tag=28213 |archive-date=20 July 2011}}{{Cite web |url=http://bangaloretrafficpolice.gov.in/pressroom/pdf/pdf52.pdf |title=Car pooling kicks off in City |publisher=Bangalore Traffic Police |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721155418/http://bangaloretrafficpolice.gov.in/pressroom/pdf/pdf52.pdf |archive-date=21 July 2011 |access-date=28 May 2009}} The initiative got a good response, and by the end of May 2009, 10,000 people are said to have carpooled in the city.{{Cite news |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1257983 |title=10,000 plunge into car pool |last=Shwetha S. |access-date=28 May 2009 |publisher=Online edition of DNA, dated 22 May 2009}} There have been efforts to improve the energy efficiency of transport systems in Indian cities, including by introducing performance standards for private automobiles or by banning particularly polluting older cars. The city of Kolkata, for example, passed a law in 2009/10 phasing out vehicles over 15 years old with the purpose of reducing air pollution.{{Cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/kolkata-breathes-easy-sans-its-old-vehicles/articleshow/4981790.cms |title=Kolkata breathes easy sans its old vehicles |last=Sengupta |first=Atmadip Ray & Tamal |date=7 September 2009 |work=The Economic Times |access-date=2018-04-10 |archive-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411031159/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/kolkata-breathes-easy-sans-its-old-vehicles/articleshow/4981790.cms |url-status=live }} However, the effects were mixed. On the one hand, poorer urban residents are more likely to see public health improvements from better air quality, since they are more likely to live in polluted areas and work outdoors than richer urban residents.{{Cite journal |vauthors=Colenbrander S, Gouldson A, Roy J, Kerr N, Sarkar S, Hall S, Sudmant A, Ghatak A, Chakravarty D, Ganguly D, Mcanulla F |date=2017 |title=Can low-carbon urban development be pro-poor? The case of Kolkata, India |url=http://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/105982/8/0956247816677775.pdf |journal=Environment & Urbanization |volume=29 |issue=1 |pages=139–158 |doi=10.1177/0956247816677775 |s2cid=62880332 |doi-access=free |access-date=23 September 2019 |archive-date=25 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725074641/http://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/105982/8/0956247816677775.pdf |url-status=live }} On the other hand, drivers of such vehicles suffered from losing their livelihoods as a result of this environmental regulation.{{Cite journal |last1=Ghosh |first1=P |last2=Somanathan |first2=R|author2-link=Rohini Somanathan |date=2013 |title=Improving Urban Air Quality in India: Lessons from the Kolkata Clean Air Regulations of 2009 |url=http://www.theigc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Ghosh-Somanathan-2013-Working-Paper1.pdf |journal=International Growth Centre |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-date=10 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810005919/http://www.theigc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Ghosh-Somanathan-2013-Working-Paper1.pdf |url-status=live }}

The first utility vehicle in India was manufactured by Mahindra. It was a copy of the original Willys Jeep and was manufactured under licence.{{Cite web |url=http://www.film.queensu.ca/Cj3b/World/India.html |title=Mahindra Jeeps on The CJ3B Page |date=31 January 2007 |publisher=Film.queensu.ca |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990421062345/http://www.film.queensu.ca/CJ3B/World/India.html |archive-date=21 April 1999 |access-date=5 April 2010}} The vehicle was an instant hit and made Mahindra one of the top companies in India. The Indian Army and police extensively use Mahindra vehicles along with Maruti Gypsys for transporting personnel and equipment. Tata Motors, the automobile manufacturing arm of the Tata Group, launched its first utility vehicle, the Tata Sumo, in 1994.{{Cite web |url=http://www.tata.com/company/profile.aspx?sectid=a4Nd8IHyrqI=#ab |title=Company Profile: Tata Motors |website=Official webpage of the Tata Group |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123025134/http://tata.com/company/profile.aspx?sectid=a4Nd8IHyrqI=#ab |archive-date=23 January 2009 |access-date=23 June 2009}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/money/2009/mar/20slde7-from-trucks-to-nano-the-tata-motors-journey.htm |title=The historic Tata Motors journey |date=20 March 2009 |publisher=Rediff News |access-date=23 June 2009 |archive-date=26 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026064846/http://www.rediff.com/money/2009/mar/20slde7-from-trucks-to-nano-the-tata-motors-journey.htm |url-status=live }} The Sumo, owing to its then-modern design, captured a 31% share of the market within two years.{{Cite web |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/old/fe/daily/19970528/14855013.html |title=Telco net spurts 44%, to pay Rs 8 a share |website=Online edition of The Financial Express, dated 1997-05-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515022208/http://www.financialexpress.com/old/fe/daily/19970528/14855013.html |archive-date=15 May 2013 |access-date=23 June 2009}} The Tempo Trax from Force Motors until recently was ruling the rural areas. Sports utility vehicles now form a sizeable part of the passenger vehicle market.{{Cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/SUVs_still_ruling_the_roads_in_India/rssarticleshow/3561336.cms |title=SUVs still ruling the roads in India |last=Sarkar |first=John |work=Online edition of the Economic Times, dated 2008-10-05 |access-date=7 June 2009 |archive-date=9 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081109115559/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/SUVs_still_ruling_the_roads_in_India/rssarticleshow/3561336.cms |url-status=live }} Models from Tata, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota and other brands are available.{{Cite web |url=http://www.blonnet.com/bline/2003/03/13/stories/2003031302520100.htm |title=SUVs set to blaze new trail |first=N. |last=Ramakrishnan |website=Online edition of The Hindu Business Line, dated 2003-03-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040708091901/http://www.blonnet.com/bline/2003/03/13/stories/2003031302520100.htm |archive-date=8 July 2004 |access-date=7 June 2009}}

{{Main|Taxis in India}}

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| caption1 = An old Hindustan Ambassador taxi in Kolkata

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| caption2 = An old Premier Padmini taxi in Mumbai

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Taxicabs in Mumbai and Kolkata were traditionally either Premier Padmini or Hindustan Ambassador cars.{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/motoring/features/indias-amby-notches-up-half-century-411855.html |title=India's 'Amby' notches up half century |last=Duggan |first=Chris |date=15 August 2006 |work=The Independent |access-date=23 June 2009 |location=London, UK |archive-date=24 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124074804/http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/motoring/features/indias-amby-notches-up-half-century-411855.html |url-status=live }} Currently, taxi fleets comprise of more modern cars like the Suzuki Dzire and Suzuki Ertiga. The arrival of app-based taxi services like Uber, Ola, Rapido, and BluSmart have made taxi fleets more diverse, and taxicabs now include sedans,{{Cite news |url=https://www.uber.com/en-IN/blog/chennai/your-premier-ride-is-arriving-now-2/ |title=Your Premier ride is arriving now |date=5 February 2018 |work=Uber Blog |access-date=2018-02-25 |language=en-US |archive-date=25 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225205435/https://www.uber.com/en-IN/blog/chennai/your-premier-ride-is-arriving-now-2/ |url-status=live }} SUVs {{Cite news |url=https://www.uber.com/en-IN/blog/uberxl/ |title=uberXL: more room with more seats |date=27 December 2016 |work=Uber Blog |access-date=2018-02-25 |language=en-US |archive-date=25 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225205413/https://www.uber.com/en-IN/blog/uberxl/ |url-status=live }} and even motorcycle taxis.{{Cite news |url=https://www.uber.com/en-IN/blog/new-delhi/noida-hop-onto-a-moto-during-early-morning-and-late-night-hours/ |title=Hop onto a MOTO during early morning and late night hours {{!}} Uber Blog |date=19 February 2018 |work=Uber Blog |access-date=2018-02-25 |language=en-US |archive-date=31 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031173808/https://www.uber.com/en-IN/blog/new-delhi/noida-hop-onto-a-moto-during-early-morning-and-late-night-hours/ |url-status=live }} Depending on the city/state, taxis can either be hailed or hired from taxi-stands. In cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, taxis need to be hired over phone,{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2006/04/12/stories/2006041200610100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060920104604/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2006/04/12/stories/2006041200610100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 September 2006 |title=When did you last call a taxi? |last=Sankar |first=Anand |date=12 April 2006 |access-date=23 June 2009 |work=The Hindu |location=Chennai, India}} whereas in cities like Kolkata and Mumbai, taxis can also be hailed on the street. According to Government of India regulations, all taxis are required to have a fare-meter installed.Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 : s. 74(2)(viii) There are additional surcharges for luggage, late-night rides and toll taxes are to be paid by the passenger. Since year 2006, radio taxis have become increasingly popular with the public due to reasons of safety and convenience.{{Cite web |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/radio-taxis-in-india-to-go-up-to-174-000/233342/ |title=Radio Taxis in India to go up to 174,000 |website=Online edition of The Financial Express, dated 2007-10-28 |date=28 October 2007 |access-date=24 June 2009 |archive-date=14 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090714153945/http://www.financialexpress.com/news/radio-taxis-in-india-to-go-up-to-174-000/233342 |url-status=live }}

In cities and localities where taxis are expensive or do not charge as per the government or municipal regulated fares, people use share taxis. These are normal taxis which carry one or more passengers travelling to destinations either on one route to the final destination, or near the final destination. {{citation needed|date=July 2012}} The passengers are charged according to the number of people with different destinations. {{citation needed|date=July 2012}} The city of Mumbai became the first city in India to have an "in-taxi" magazine, titled MumBaee, which was issued to taxis which are part of the Mumbai Taximen's Union. The magazine debuted on 13 July 2009.{{Cite news |url=http://news.chennaivision.com/index.php/2009/05/taxis-to-introduce-in-taxi-magazines-from-july/ |title=Taxis to introduce 'in-Taxi' magazines from July |access-date=21 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923231843/http://news.chennaivision.com/index.php/2009/05/taxis-to-introduce-in-taxi-magazines-from-july |archive-date=23 September 2009 |publisher=ChennaiVision |page=1}} In Kolkata, there are many no refusal taxis available with white and blue in colour.{{Cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Kolkata-gets-100-more-no-refusal-taxis/articleshow/27668358.cms |title=Kolkata gets 100 more no-refusal taxis – The Times of India |work=The Times of India |access-date=20 December 2013 |archive-date=22 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131222164758/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Kolkata-gets-100-more-no-refusal-taxis/articleshow/27668358.cms |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Auto rickshaw}}

File:Bajaj RE 4S CNG - Three-wheeler - New Delhi 2014-05-06 0889.JPG auto rickshaw in Delhi, India]]

An auto is a three-wheeler vehicle for hire that does not have doors and is generally characterised by a small cabin for the driver in the front and a seat for passengers in the rear.{{Cite web |url=http://www.encarta.es/dictionary_1861587891_1861695788/nextpage.html |title=Auto |publisher=MSN Encarta |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131010083256/http://www.encarta.es/dictionary_1861587891_1861695788/nextpage.html |archive-date=10 October 2013 |access-date=18 June 2009}} Generally it is painted in yellow, green or black and has a black, yellow or green canopy on the top, but designs vary considerably from place to place. The colour of the auto rickshaw is also determined by the fuel that it is powered by, for example Agartala, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune and Delhi have green or black autos indicating the use of compressed natural gas, whereas the autos of Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad have green autos indicating the use of LPG.{{citation needed|date=June 2019}}

In Mumbai and other metropolitan cities, 'autos' or 'rickshaws', as they are popularly known, usually have regulated metered fares. A recent law prohibits auto rickshaw drivers from charging more than the specified fare, or charging night-fare before midnight, and also prohibits the driver from refusing to go to a particular location. Mumbai and Kolkata are also the only two cities, which prohibit auto rickshaws from entering a certain part of the city, in these cases being South Mumbai and certain parts of Downtown Kolkata.{{Cite web |url=http://iguide.travel/Mumbai/Getting_Around/By_auto-rickshaw |title=Getting around Mumbai |publisher=iGuide |access-date=12 March 2009 |archive-date=11 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211063746/http://iguide.travel/Mumbai/Getting_Around/By_auto-rickshaw |url-status=live }} However, in cities like Chennai and other areas, some autorickshaw drivers demand more than the specified fare and refuse to use the fare meter.{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/11/stories/2006061115400300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060613165018/http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/11/stories/2006061115400300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 June 2006 |title=Auto fares must be based on meter readings |date=30 March 2007 |work=The Hindu |access-date=6 July 2009 |location=Chennai, India}}

Airports and railway stations at many cities such as Howrah, Chennai and Bengaluru provide a facility of prepaid auto booths, which requires a fixed payment, with a base fare of Rs. 30 and a rate of Rs.14.20 per kilometre after 1.5 kilometres of travel, set by the authorities as of May, 2022. On this basis, the fare is calculated and is to be paid by the passenger.{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Vroom-enjoy-a-pre-paid-auto-ride/articleshow/1775578.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811084549/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-03-18/bangalore/27874804_1_railway-station-auto-fares-autorickshaw |url-status=live |archive-date=11 August 2011 |title=Vroom... enjoy a pre-paid auto ride |date=18 March 2007 |work=The Times of India |access-date=10 April 2009}}

Electric rickshaw is a new popular means of transport, rapidly growing in number in India, due to low running and initial cost, other economic and environmental benefits, these vehicles are becoming popular in India.{{cite web |title=EV sales in India to breach the 9 mn mark by 2027: IVCA-EY-IndusLaw report |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/auto/story/ev-sales-in-india-to-breach-the-9-mn-mark-by-2027-ivca-ey-induslaw-report-342864-2022-07-27 |website=Business Today |language=en |date=27 July 2022 |access-date=3 August 2022 |archive-date=3 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803212928/https://www.businesstoday.in/auto/story/ev-sales-in-india-to-breach-the-9-mn-mark-by-2027-ivca-ey-induslaw-report-342864-2022-07-27 |url-status=live }} E-Rickshaws are made in fiberglass or metal body, powered by a BLDC Electric Motor with max power 2000W and speed 25 km/h. They are usually painted white and blue though some E-autos use the normal color scheme as well.

{{Main|Rail transport in India|Indian Railways}}

File:Facade of CST.jpg

File:Maharajas' Express - Mayur Mahal, dining (4809207224).jpg

File:Kolkata metro at Dakshineswar metro station.jpg is the only metro system in India to be controlled by Indian Railways.]]

Country-wide rail services in India are provided by the state-run Indian Railways (IR) under the supervision of the Ministry of Railways. IR is divided into eighteen zones including the Kolkata Metro Railway.{{Cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kolkata-Metro-is-now-the-17th-zone-of-Indian-Railways/articleshow/7186301.cms |title=Kolkata Metro is now the 17th zone of Indian Railways |website=The Times of India |date=29 December 2010 |access-date=8 June 2014 |archive-date=20 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620155254/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kolkata-Metro-is-now-the-17th-zone-of-Indian-Railways/articleshow/7186301.cms |url-status=live }} The IR are further sub-divided into sixty seven divisions, each having a divisional headquarters.{{Cite book |title=Indian Railways: Glorious 150 years |first=R.R. |last=Bhandari |publisher=Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India |year=2005 |isbn=978-81-230-1254-4 |pages=44–52}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-geog.html |title=Geography: Railway zones |publisher=Indian Railways Fan Club |access-date=23 December 2008 |archive-date=19 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070819043943/http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-geog.html |url-status=live }}

The railway network travels across the country, covering more than 7,325 stations over a total route length of more than {{convert|68080|km|mi|abbr=on}} and track length of about {{convert|132310|km|abbr=on}} as of March 2021.{{cite web|title=Indian Railways Year Book 2018-19|url=https://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/stat_econ/Year_Book/Year%20Book%202018-19-English.pdf|access-date=27 June 2020|archive-date=27 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127144409/https://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/stat_econ/Year_Book/Year%20Book%202018-19-English.pdf|url-status=live}} About {{convert|45000|km|abbr=on}} or 97% of the route-kilometre was electrified as of 2025.{{Cite web |title=Request Rejected |url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/stat_econ/2024/Year%20Book%202022-23%20English.pdf |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=indianrailways.gov.in}} IR provides an important mode of transport in India, transporting 23.1 million passengers and 3.3 million tons of freight daily as of March 2019. IR is the world's eighth-largest employer, it had 1.227 million employees as of March 2019. As to rolling stock, IR owns over 289,185 (freight) wagons, 74,003 coaches and 12,147 locomotives as of March 2019. It also owns locomotive and coach production facilities. It operates both long distance and suburban rail systems.

File:Nilgiri Mountain Railway on Bridge, May 2010.JPG between Coonoor and Ooty in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu.]]

The IR runs a number of special types of services which are given higher priority. The fastest train at present is the Vande Bharat Express with design speeds of up to 180 km/h, though the fastest service is Gatiman Express with an operational speed of {{convert|160|km/h|abbr=on}} and average speed of {{convert|100|km/h|abbr=on}}, since the Vande Bharat Express is capped at 130 km/h for safety reasons.{{Cite web|url=https://indiarailinfo.com/train/28626|title=12050/Gatiman Express - Hazrat Nizamuddin to Virangana Lakshmibai NR/Northern Zone - Railway Enquiry|access-date=27 June 2020|archive-date=22 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622085936/https://indiarailinfo.com/train/28626|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://indiarailinfo.com/train/timetable/gatimaan-express-12049-agc-to-nzm/28625/450/748 |title=Gatimaan Express/12049 Time Table/Schedule: Agra Cantt./AGC to Hazrat Nizamuddin/NZM NR/Northern Zone – Railways Enquiry |website=indiarailinfo.com |access-date=13 June 2017 |archive-date=20 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820193904/http://indiarailinfo.com/train/timetable/gatimaan-express-12049-agc-to-nzm/28625/450/748 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Indias-fastest-train-completes-final-test-run-in-record-time/articleshow/47534278.cms |title=India's fastest train completes final test run in record time – Times of India |newspaper=The Times of India |date=6 June 2015 |access-date=21 April 2024 |archive-date=12 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312120639/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indias-fastest-train-completes-final-test-run-in-record-time/articleshow/47534278.cms |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/india-launches-first-160-kmh-semi-high-speed-train.html |title=India launches first 160 km/h 'semi high speed' train |website=railwaygazette.com |access-date=13 June 2017 |archive-date=7 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507144248/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/india-launches-first-160-kmh-semi-high-speed-train.html |url-status=dead }} The Rajdhani trains introduced in 1969 provides connectivity between the national capital, Delhi and capitals of the states. On the other hand, Shatabdi Express provides connectivity between centres of tourism, pilgrimage or business. The Shatabdi Express trains run over short to medium distances and do not have sleepers while the Rajdhani Expresses run over longer distances and have only sleeping accommodation. Both series of trains have a maximum permissible speed of {{convert|110|to|140|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} but average speed of less than 100 km/h.{{citation needed|date=July 2012}}.The Duronto Express trains provide connectivity between large cities.

Besides, the IR also operates a number of luxury trains which cater to various tourist circuits. For instance, the Palace on Wheels serves the Rajasthan circuit and The Golden Chariot serves the Karnataka and Goa circuits.{{citation needed|date=July 2012}} There are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites on IR, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/945 |title=Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) |year=2004 |website=World Heritage List |publisher=World Heritage Committee |access-date=5 January 2009 |archive-date=27 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127020843/http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/945 |url-status=live }} and the Mountain railways of India.{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/944/ |title=Mountain Railways of India |year=1999 |website=World Heritage List |publisher=World Heritage Committee |access-date=5 January 2009 |archive-date=19 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219024051/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/944/ |url-status=live }} The latter consists of three separate railway lines located in different parts of India, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a {{RailGauge|610mm|lk=on}} narrow-gauge railway in Lesser Himalayas in West Bengal, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a {{RailGauge|1000mm|allk=on}} rack railway in the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu and the Kalka-Shimla Railway, a {{RailGauge|762mm|lk=on}} narrow-gauge railway in the Siwalik Hills in Himachal Pradesh.

In the freight segment, IR ferries various commodities and fuels in industrial, consumer, and agricultural segments across the length and breadth of India. IR has historically subsidised the passenger segment with income from the freight business. As a result, freight services are unable to compete with other modes of transport on both cost and speed of delivery, leading to continuous erosion of market share.{{Cite web|url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/stat_econ/IRSP_2016-17/Annual_Report_Accounts_Eng/2.pdf|title=Indian Railways White Paper 2016|date=25 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226032211/http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/stat_econ/IRSP_2016-17/Annual_Report_Accounts_Eng/2.pdf|archive-date=26 February 2018|url-status=live}} To counter this downward trend, IR has started new initiatives in freight segments including upgrading of existing goods sheds, attracting private capital to build multi-commodity multi-modal logistics terminals, changing container sizes, operating time-tabled freight trains, and tweaking with the freight pricing/product mix.{{Cite web|url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/Railways%20Presentation.pdf|title=INDIAN RAILWAYS 2017–2019 VISION & PLANS|date=25 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171118230400/http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/Railways%20Presentation.pdf|archive-date=18 November 2017|url-status=live}}

In 1999, the Konkan Railway Corporation introduced the Roll on Roll off (RORO) service, a unique road-rail synergy system, on the section between Kolad in Maharashtra and Verna in Goa,{{Cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/release/rel_print_page1.asp?relid=949 |title=Road-Rail Synergy System |website=Press release, Press Information Bureau, dated 2004-20-05 |access-date=22 December 2008 |archive-date=5 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605172834/http://pib.nic.in/release/rel_print_page1.asp?relid=949 |url-status=live }} which was extended up to Surathkal in Karnataka in 2004.{{Cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=186663 |title=New Konkan Rly service begins |newspaper=Business Standard India |access-date=22 December 2008 |archive-date=7 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607140440/http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=186663 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2004/06/12/stories/2004061200931900.htm |title=RORO service again on Konkan Railway |website=Online edition of The Hindu Business Line, dated 2004-06-11 |access-date=22 December 2008 |archive-date=10 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810204914/http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2004/06/12/stories/2004061200931900.htm |url-status=dead }} The RORO service, the first of its kind in India, allowed trucks to be transported on flatbed trailers. It was highly popular,{{Cite web |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/11/14/stories/2003111402032000.htm |title=Convergence on the Konkan Railway |first=S. |last=Vydhianathan |website=The Hindu |date=2003-11-14 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060627121821/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/11/14/stories/2003111402032000.htm |archive-date=27 June 2006 |access-date=22 December 2008}} carrying about {{formatnum:110000}} trucks and bringing in about {{INR}} 740 million worth of earnings to the corporation until 2007.{{Cite web |url=http://www.konkanrailway.com/website/tender/ro-ro.pdf |title=Roll On–Roll Off (Roro) Service on Konkan Railway |website=Konkan Railway Corporation |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20090304113259/http://www.konkanrailway.com/website/tender/ro-ro.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2009 |access-date=22 December 2008}}

Perhaps the game-changer for IR in the freight segment are the new dedicated freight corridors that are expected to be completed by 2020. When fully implemented, the new corridors, spanning around 3300 km, could support hauling of trains up to 1.5 km in length with 32.5-ton axle-load at speeds of {{convert|100|km/h}}. Also, they will free-up capacity on dense passenger routes and will allow IR to run more trains at higher speeds. Additional corridors are being planned to augment the freight infrastructure in the country.

In many Indian metropolitan regions, rail is the more efficient and affordable mode of public transport for daily commute. Examples of types of services include long-established local or suburban rail services in cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, the century-old tram service in Kolkata, the more recent metro service in Kolkata, Delhi and Chennai and Monorail feeder service in Mumbai.

File:AC-EMU-Mumbai.jpg

File:Velachery Railway station June 2010.jpg and Chennai Suburban, the first elevated railway in India.]]

{{Main|Urban rail transit in India}}

The Mumbai Suburban Railway was the first rail system in India, which began its services in Mumbai in 1853, transporting 6.3 million passengers daily and has the highest passenger density in the world.{{Cite web |url=http://www.mrvc.indianrail.gov.in/overview.htm |title=Overview of the existing Mumbai Suburban Railway |publisher=Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080620033027/http://www.mrvc.indianrail.gov.in/overview.htm |archive-date=20 June 2008 |access-date=31 March 2009}} The Kolkata Suburban Railway was established in 1854,{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/10/27/stories/2006102700310900.htm |title=Opening up new frontiers |date=27 October 2006 |work=The Hindu Business Line |access-date=5 April 2010}} and the Chennai Suburban Railway in 1931.{{cite web | title = Electric Traction – I | publisher = IRFCA.org | url = http://irfca.org/faq/faq-elec.html#vol | access-date = 17 November 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121105135017/http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-elec.html#vol | archive-date = 5 November 2012 | url-status = live}} The operational suburban rail systems in India are in Mumbai Suburban Railway, Kolkata Suburban Railway, Chennai Suburban Railway, Lucknow-Kanpur Suburban Railway, Delhi Suburban Railway, Pune Suburban Railway, Hyderabad Multi-Modal Transport System, Barabanki-Lucknow Suburban Railway and Karwar railway division. Other planned systems are Bengaluru Commuter Rail, Ahmedabad Suburban Railway and Coimbatore Suburban Railway.

The Chennai MRTS, which began services in 1995, remains the country's first and only mass rapid transit rail. Although distinct from the Chennai Suburban Railway, the MRTS remains integrated in a wider urban rail network.{{cite news|author=Ajai Sreevatsan|title=Evolution of Chennai's Public Transport System|url=http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/archive/00824/Evolution_of_Chenna_824269a.pdf|access-date=29 February 2012|newspaper=The Hindu|date=31 October 2011|location=Chennai, India|archive-date=5 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105193053/http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/archive/00824/Evolution_of_Chenna_824269a.pdf|url-status=live}}

File:Chennai Metro Rail at Koyambedu.JPG ]]

{{Main|Urban rail transit in India}}

The first modern rapid transit in India is the Kolkata Metro which started its operations in 1984 as the 17th Zone of the Indian Railways.{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kolkata-Metro-is-now-the-17th-zone-of-Indian-Railways/articleshow/7186301.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104080043/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-12-29/india/28264643_1_metro-railway-kolkata-metro-foundation-stone |url-status=live |archive-date=2012-11-04 |work=The Times of India |title=Kolkata Metro is now the 17th zone of Indian Railways }} The Delhi Metro in New Delhi is India's second conventional metro and began operations in 2002. The Namma Metro in Bengaluru is India's third operational rapid transit and began operations in 2011. {{Cite web |last=Aditi |first=Anwesha |date=August 2019 |title=Mass Transit in India: A Need for Change |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335004369 }}

The operational systems are Kolkata Metro, Delhi Metro, Bengaluru Metro, Gurgaon Metro, Mumbai Metro, Jaipur Metro, Chennai Metro, Kochi Metro, Lucknow Metro, Nagpur Metro, Noida Metro, Hyderabad Metro, Kanpur Metro, Ahmedabad Metro, Pune Metro, Navi Mumbai Metro, Agra Metro.{{Cite web |title=Indian Metro Rail Networks: Quick Guide, Routes Map, Start Date |url=https://www.fabhotels.com/blog/indian-metro-rail-networks/ |access-date=2023-06-27 |website=FabHotels Travel Blog |language=en-US |archive-date=27 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627130249/https://www.fabhotels.com/blog/indian-metro-rail-networks/ |url-status=live }}

The under implementation systems are Metro-Link Express for Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad, Varanasi Metro, Madurai Metro, Vijayawada Metro, Patna Metro, Meerut Metro, Guwahati Metro, Chandigarh Metro, Bhopal Metro, Kozhikode Light Metro, Indore Metro, Thiruvananthapuram Light Metro, Coimbatore Metro, Visakhapatnam Metro, Surat Metro, Jammu Metro, Srinagar Metro, Greater Gwalior Metro, Jabalpur Metro and Greater Nashik Metro.{{Cite web |title=Metro Rail Projects in India {{!}} Metro Rail Today |url=https://metrorailtoday.com/page/metro-rail-projects-in-india |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=Metro Rail Today: Gateway to Rail & Metro Industry}} Currently, 34 km of rapid transit system is operational and rest is under construction or in planning in several major cities of India and will be opened shortly.

File:Mumbai Monorail train at platform.jpg

{{main|Urban rail transit in India}}

Monorail is generally considered as a feeder system for metro trains in India. In 2004, monorail was first proposed for Kolkata. But, later the idea was put on hold due to lack of funds and infeasibility.{{Cite news|title=Light at end of tunnel for Kolkata's monorail project {{!}} Kolkata News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Light-at-end-of-tunnel-for-Kolkatas-monorail-project/articleshow/54575036.cms|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-05-05|date=29 September 2016|archive-date=3 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003005035/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Light-at-end-of-tunnel-for-Kolkatas-monorail-project/articleshow/54575036.cms|url-status=live}} The Mumbai Monorail, which started in 2014, is the first operational monorail network in India{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Mumbai-monorail-to-run-in-two-years/articleshow/2413046.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811120003/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-09-29/mumbai/27981519_1_mumbai-monorail-jacob-circle-mmrda-joint-commissioner |url-status=live |archive-date=11 August 2011 |title=Mumbai monorail to run in two years |date=27 September 2007 |work=The Times of India |access-date=19 March 2009}} (excluding the Skybus Metro) since the Patiala State Monorail Trainways closed in 1927.

Monorail systems were also planned in Chennai, Kolkata, Allahabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, Indore, Kanpur, Navi Mumbai, Patna, Pune, Ahmedabad, Aizawl, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Kota, Nagpur and Nashik.

File:Kolkata transport.jpg

{{Main|Trams in India}}

In addition to trains, trams were introduced in many cities in the late 19th century, though almost all of these have been phased out. The trams in Kolkata is currently the only tram system in the country.

Rail links between India and neighbouring countries are not well-developed.Bangladesh is connected by a biweekly train, the Maitree Express that runs from Kolkata to Dhaka and a weekly train, the Bandhan Express that runs from Kolkata to Khulna. Two rail links to Nepal exist—passenger services between Jaynagar and Bijalpura, and freight services between Raxaul and Birganj.{{Cite web |url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/DEPTTS/O&M/Annexture_1_1_1.pdf |title=Brief on the matter relating to Nepal |website=Official webpage of Indian Railways |access-date=1 June 2009}}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

No rail link exists with Myanmar but a railway line is to be built through from Jiribam (in Manipur) to Tamu through Imphal and Moreh.{{Cite news |url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/IA03Df01.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070104221436/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/IA03Df01.html |url-status=unfit |archive-date=4 January 2007 |title=India's rail-building challenge |first=Sudha |last=Ramachandran |date=3 January 2007 |work=Asia Times |access-date=16 April 2009 |page=2}} The construction of this missing link, as per the feasibility study conducted by the Ministry of External Affairs through RITES Ltd, is estimated to cost {{INRConvert|29.41|b}}.{{cn|date=May 2024}} An 18 km railway link with Bhutan is being constructed from Hashimara in West Bengal to Toribari in Bhutan. No rail link exists with either China or Sri Lanka.{{Cite web |url=http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-inter.html |title=IRFCA:Indian Railways FAQ:Geography:International |publisher=IRFCA, website of the Indian Railway Fan Club |access-date=24 June 2009 |archive-date=29 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150829015126/http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-inter.html |url-status=live }}

{{Main|High-speed rail in India}}

India does not have any railways classified as high-speed rail (HSR), which have operational speeds in excess of {{convert|200|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |url=http://www.uic.org/IMG/pdf/20140901_high_speed_lines_in_the_world.pdf |title=Archived copy |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6U8lfU2Gh?url=http://www.uic.org/IMG/pdf/20140901_high_speed_lines_in_the_world.pdf |archive-date=17 November 2014 |access-date=27 September 2014}}

Prior to the 2014 general election, the major national parties (Indian National Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party) pledged to introduce high-speed rail. The INC pledged to connect "all of India's million-plus cities by high-speed rail."[http://inc.in/manifesto/issues/infrastructure-11-54.aspx INC Manifesto – infrastructure] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140402185109/http://inc.in/manifesto/issues/infrastructure-11-54.aspx |date=2 April 2014}} Later, the BJP, which won the election, promised to build the Diamond Quadrilateral project, which would connect the cities of Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai via high-speed rail.{{Cite web |url=http://www.bjp.org/images/pdf_2014/full_manifesto_english_07.04.2014.pdf |title=BJP Manifesto 2014 |website=bjp.org |access-date=13 June 2017 |archive-date=4 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704041114/http://www.bjp.org/images/pdf_2014/full_manifesto_english_07.04.2014.pdf |url-status=dead }} This project was approved as a priority for the new government in the incoming prime minister's speech.{{Cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/diamond-quadrilateral-of-high-speed-trains/ |title=Diamond quadrilateral of high-speed trains |date=10 June 2014 |website=indianexpress.com |access-date=13 June 2017 |archive-date=13 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813222712/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/diamond-quadrilateral-of-high-speed-trains/ |url-status=live }} Construction of one kilometer of high speed railway track will cost {{INRConvert|1|b}} – {{INRConvert|1.4|b}}, which is 10–14 times higher than the construction of standard railway.{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/laying-high-speed-train-corridor-to-cost-rs-80000-crore/article6999196.ece?widget-art=four-rel |title=Laying high speed train corridor to cost Rs. 80,000 crore |website=The Hindu |date=16 March 2015 |access-date=13 June 2017 |archive-date=27 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127030619/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/laying-high-speed-train-corridor-to-cost-rs-80000-crore/article6999196.ece?widget-art=four-rel |url-status=live }}

Indian government approved the choice of Japan to build India's first high-speed railway. The planned rail would run some {{convert|500|km|abbr=on}} between Mumbai and the western city of Ahmedabad, at a top speed of {{convert|320|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-to-sign-deal-with-japan-to-get-first-bullet-train/article7961724.ece |title=India to sign deal with Japan to get first bullet train |website=The Hindu |date=8 December 2015 |access-date=13 June 2017 |archive-date=2 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802071232/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-to-sign-deal-with-japan-to-get-first-bullet-train/article7961724.ece |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://thediplomat.com/2015/12/japans-high-speed-rail-breakthrough/ |title=Japan's High-Speed Rail Breakthrough |first=Shang-su |last=Wu |website=thediplomat.com |access-date=12 February 2021 |archive-date=20 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151220034919/https://thediplomat.com/2015/12/japans-high-speed-rail-breakthrough/ |url-status=live }} Under the proposal, construction is expected to begin in 2017 and be completed in 2023. It would cost about {{INRConvert|980|b}} and be financed by a low-interest loan from Japan.{{Cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/indian-cabinet-agrees-to-pick-japan-for-high-speed-rail-project-1449744059 |title=India Said to Pick Japan for High-Speed Rail Project |last=Roy |first=Rajesh |date=10 December 2015 |via=www.wsj.com |access-date=13 June 2017 |archive-date=18 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518014556/https://www.wsj.com/articles/indian-cabinet-agrees-to-pick-japan-for-high-speed-rail-project-1449744059 |url-status=live }} India will use the wheel-based 300 km/h HSR technology, instead of new maglev 600 km/h technology of Japan used in Chūō Shinkansen. India is expected to have its first HSR line operational from 2026 onwards.{{Cite web |last=Thakur |first=Rajesh Kumar |date=2025-01-06 |title=India's first bullet train will be launched soon: PM Modi |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Jan/06/indias-first-bullet-train-will-be-launched-soon-pm-modi |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}

{{main|Urban rail transit in India}}

Like monorail, light rail is also considered as a feeder system for the metro systems. The planned systems are Kolkata Light Rail Transit and Delhi Light Rail Transit.

{{Main|Aviation in India}}

File:CIAL T.jpg is one of the busiest airport in India]]

Directorate General of Civil Aviation is the national regulatory body for the aviation industry. It is controlled by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The ministry also controls aviation related autonomous organisations like the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi and Public Sector Undertakings including Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.[http://www.civilaviation.gov.in/MocaEx/faces/orgsetup.jspx] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230141848/http://www.civilaviation.gov.in/MocaEx/faces/orgsetup.jspx|date=30 December 2012}}

Air India is India's national flag carrier, having merged with Indian Airlines in 2011[http://www.airindia.com/SBCMS/Webpages/Fleet-Details1.aspx?MID=196#] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120827002434/http://www.airindia.com/SBCMS/Webpages/Fleet-Details1.aspx?MID=196%23|date=27 August 2012}} and plays a major role in connecting India with the rest of the world.{{Cite web |url=http://home.airindia.in/SBCMS/Webpages/Fleet-Details1.aspx?MID=196 |title=Fleet Details |website=Official webpage of Air India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423061715/http://home.airindia.in/SBCMS/Webpages/Fleet-Details1.aspx?MID=196 |archive-date=23 April 2009 |access-date=11 June 2009 |df=dmy}} IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, Akasa and Spicejet are the major carriers in order of their market share.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-14 |title=IndiGo dominates market share in May, Akasa leads in punctuality: DGCA data - CNBC TV18 |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/business/aviation/indigo-market-share-indigo-dominates-market-share-in-may-akasa-leads-in-punctuality-dgca-data-19428690.htm |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=CNBCTV18 |language=en}} These airlines connect more than 80 cities across India and also operate overseas routes after the liberalisation of Indian aviation. Several other foreign airlines connect Indian cities with other major cities across the globe. However, a large section of country's air transport potential remains untapped, even though the Mumbai-Delhi air corridor was ranked the world's tenth busiest route by Amadeus in 2012.{{Cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Mumbai-Delhi-10th-busiest-air-route/articleshow/13102717.cms |title=Mumbai-Delhi 10th busiest air route |date=12 May 2012 |work=The Times of India |access-date=5 September 2012 |archive-date=23 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623150453/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Mumbai-Delhi-10th-busiest-air-route/articleshow/13102717.cms |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/mumbai-airports-traffic-control-tower-design-bags-award_100221024.html |title=Mumbai airport's traffic control tower design bags award |date=21 July 2009 |publisher=Thaindian.com |access-date=16 August 2010 |archive-date=3 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103162233/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/mumbai-airports-traffic-control-tower-design-bags-award_100221024.html |url-status=live }}

File:Mumbai Airport Terminal (21487573068).jpg

File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the inauguration of the Pakyong Airport, in Gangtok, Sikkim.JPG

{{Main|List of airports in India}}

While there are 346 civilian airfields in India – 253 with paved runways and 93 with unpaved runways, only 132 were classified as "airports" as of November 2014.India has a total of 34 operational International Airports.[http://civilaviation.gov.in/cs/groups/public/documents/newsandupdates/moca_003368.pdf] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227100618/http://civilaviation.gov.in/cs/groups/public/documents/newsandupdates/moca_003368.pdf|date=27 December 2014}} Of these, Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the busiest in the country.{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Delhi-beats-Mumbai-to-become-busiest-airport/articleshow/3216435.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811070307/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-07-10/india/27923943_1_flights-airport-load-factors |url-status=live |archive-date=11 August 2011 |title=Delhi beats Mumbai to become busiest airport |last=Sinha |first=Saurabh |date=10 July 2008 |work=The Times of India |access-date=5 June 2009}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.domain-b.com/aero/airports/20080901_csia.html |title=Delhi's IGIA edges ahead of Mumbai's CSIA as country's busiest airport |date=1 September 2008 |publisher=Domain-b.com |access-date=5 April 2010 |archive-date=5 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105040354/http://domain-b.com/aero/airports/20080901_csia.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?aid=1777&sid=18&sname=Coverstory |title=Mumbai airport gets ready for new innings |date=24 December 2007 |publisher=Travel Biz Monitor |access-date=5 April 2010 |archive-date=18 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018234628/http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?aid=1777&sid=18&sname=Coverstory |url-status=dead }} The operations of the major airports in India have been privatised over the past five years and this has resulted in better equipped and cleaner airports. The terminals have either been refurbished or expanded.

India also has 33 "ghost airports," which were built in an effort to make air travel more accessible for those in remote regions but are now non-operational due to a lack of demand. The Jaisalmer Airport in Rajasthan, for example, was completed in 2013 and was expected to host 300,000 passengers a year but has yet to see any commercial flights take off. Despite the number of non-operational airports, India is currently planning on constructing another 200 "low-cost" airports over the next 20 years.{{Cite news |url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2015/09/air-travel-india |title=Modi's bumbling aviation boom |date=21 September 2015 |newspaper=The Economist |access-date=13 July 2017 |archive-date=20 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620074110/http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2015/09/air-travel-india |url-status=live }}

File:Pawan Hans VT-PHA taking off.JPG

As of 2021, there are 45 heliports in India.{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/india/ |title=CIA —The World Factbook – India |year=2008 |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency |access-date=4 October 2022 |archive-date=18 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318202107/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/india |url-status=live }} India also has the world's highest helipad at the Siachen Glacier at a height of {{convert|6400|m|ft|abbr=on}} above mean sea level.{{Cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/asiapcf/south/05/20/siachen.kashmir/ |title=Siachen: The world's highest cold war |first=Nick |last=Easen |date=17 September 2003 |access-date=30 March 2009 |publisher=CNN |archive-date=23 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823055149/http://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/asiapcf/south/05/20/siachen.kashmir/ |url-status=live }} Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited is a public sector company that provides helicopter services to ONGC to its off-shore locations, and also to various State Governments in India, particularly in North-east India.{{Cite web |url=http://india.gov.in/sectors/transport/civil_aviation.php |title=Civil Aviation |publisher=Government of India Portal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508111216/http://www.india.gov.in/sectors/transport/civil_aviation.php |archive-date=8 May 2009 |access-date=3 June 2009 |df=dmy}}

{{Main|Water transport in India}}

India has a coastline of {{convert|7517|km|mi|0|abbr=on}},{{Cite journal |title=Manorama Yearbook 2006 (India – The Country) |journal=Manorama Year Book |publisher=Malayala Manorama |year=2006 |page=515 |issn=0542-5778}} and thus ports are the main centres of trade. India also has an extensive network of inland waterways.

File:Port of Chennai, India - panoramio.jpg.]]

{{Main|Shipping Corporation of India|Ports in India}}

File:Jawaharlal Nehru Trust Port.jpg in Navi Mumbai ranks 25th in the world as per container traffic.{{Cite web |url=http://aapa.files.cms-plus.com/Statistics/WORLDPORTRANKINGS2007.xls |title=World Port Rankings 2007 |date=22 April 2009 |publisher=American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) |format=XLS |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100407173222/http://aapa.files.cms-plus.com/Statistics/WORLDPORTRANKINGS2007.xls |archive-date=7 April 2010 |access-date=3 June 2009}}]]In India, about 96% of the foreign trade by quantity and 70% by value takes place through the ports.{{Cite web |url=http://www.ibef.org/download/Infra_Brochure_Spread.pdf |title=Discover Opportunity: Infrastructure in India |publisher=India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), An initiative of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India |page=6 |access-date=1 June 2009 |archive-date=1 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001080939/https://www.ibef.org/download/Infra_Brochure_Spread.pdf |url-status=live }} Mumbai Port & JNPT(Navi Mumbai) handles 70% of maritime trade in India.{{Cite web |url=http://business.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/aug/11/slide-show-1-worst-oil-spills-in-the-world.htm |title=10 worst oil spills that cost trillions in losses : Rediff.com Business |publisher=Business.rediff.com |access-date=16 August 2010 |archive-date=14 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100814232747/http://business.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/aug/11/slide-show-1-worst-oil-spills-in-the-world.htm |url-status=live }} There are twelve major ports: Navi Mumbai, Mumbai, Chennai, Ennore, Thoothukudi, Kochi, Kolkata (including Haldia), Paradip, Visakhapatnam, New Mangaluru, Mormugao and Kandla.{{Cite book |title=Manorama Yearbook 2009 |publisher=Malayala Manorama |isbn=978-81-89004-12-5 |editor-last=Mathew |editor-first=K. M. |page=606 |chapter=India: Transportation}} Other than these, there are 187 minor and intermediate ports, 43 of which handle cargo.

Maritime transportation in India is managed by the Shipping Corporation of India, a government-owned company that also manages offshore and other marine transport infrastructure in the country. It owns and operates about 35% of Indian tonnage and operates in practically all areas of shipping business servicing both national and international trades. The only Indian state with three ports is Tamil Nadu, they are Ennore, Chennai and Tuticorin.{{Cite web |url=http://www.shipindia.com/newsite/DisplayContent.asp?CategoryID=1&ContentID=1 |title=About Us |website=Official webpage of the Shipping Corporation of India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071106162636/http://www.shipindia.com/newsite/DisplayContent.asp?CategoryID=1&ContentID=1 |archive-date=6 November 2007 |access-date=3 June 2009}}

It has a fleet of 79 ships of 2,750,000 GT (4.8 million DWT) and also manages 53 research, survey and support vessels of 120,000 GT (060,000 DWT) on behalf of various government departments and other organisations.{{Cite web |url=http://india.gov.in/sectors/transport/shipping_corp.php?pg=1 |title=Shipping Corporation of India |website=National Portal of India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009121026/http://india.gov.in/sectors/transport/shipping_corp.php?pg=1 |archive-date=9 October 2012 |access-date=3 June 2009}} Personnel are trained at the Maritime Training Institute in Mumbai, a branch of the World Maritime University, which was set up in 1987.{{Cite web |url=http://www.shipindia.com/newsite/default.asp?CategoryID=7 |title=The Maritime Training Institute (MTI) |website=Official webpage of the Shipping Corporation of India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607135935/http://www.shipindia.com/newsite/default.asp?CategoryID=7 |archive-date=7 June 2008 |access-date=3 June 2009}} The corporation also operates in Malta and Iran through joint ventures.

The distinction between major and minor ports is not based on the amount of cargo handled. The major ports are managed by port trusts which are regulated by the central government.{{Cite web |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2002/07/29/stories/2002072900170900.htm |title=The Hindu Business Line : Minor ports, major trouble |access-date=15 September 2015 |archive-date=31 January 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030131120416/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2002/07/29/stories/2002072900170900.htm |url-status=live }} They come under the purview of the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963.Chandnani, Lajpat Ray. General Insurance, Reinsurance and Risk Management Glossary. Notion Press (2017).{{citation needed|date=July 2012}} The minor ports are regulated by the respective state governments and many of these ports are private ports or captive ports.{{citation needed|date=July 2012}} The total amount of traffic handled at the major ports in 2005–2006 was 382.33 Mt.

{{Main|Inland Waterways Authority of India}}

File:India Goa Chapora River Boat.jpg

File:Homeward bound.jpg]]

India has an extensive network of inland waterways in the form of rivers, canals, backwaters and creeks. The total navigable length is {{convert|14500|km|mi}}, out of which about {{convert|5200|km|0|abbr=on}} of river and {{convert|485|km|0|abbr=on}} of canals can be used by mechanised crafts.{{Cite web |url=http://iwai.gov.in/iwtpolicy.htm |title=Inland Water Transport Policy : Introduction |publisher=Inland Waterways Authority of India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121218215307/http://iwai.gov.in/iwtpolicy.htm |archive-date=18 December 2012 |access-date=20 June 2009}} Freight transport by waterways is highly underutilised in India compared to other large countries. The total cargo moved by inland waterways is just 0.15% of the total inland traffic in India, compared to the corresponding figures of 20% for Germany and 32% for Bangladesh.{{Cite web |url=http://www.adb.org/Documents/Papers/INRM-PolicyBriefs/inrm13.pdf |title=Viability of Inland Water Transport in India |first1=Narayan |last1=Rangaraj |first2=G. |last2= Raghuram |website=INRM Policy Brief No. 13 |publisher=Asian Development Bank |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111035631/http://www.adb.org/Documents/Papers/INRM-PolicyBriefs/inrm13.pdf |archive-date=11 January 2012 |access-date=20 June 2009}}

Cargo that is transported in an organised manner is confined to a few waterways in Goa, West Bengal, Assam and Kerala.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7KO3BQAAQBAJ&q=Cargo+that+is+transported+in+an+organised+manner+is+confined+to+a+few+waterways+in+Goa%2C+West+Bengal%2C+Assam+and+Kerala.%5B&pg=PA32 |title=Secured Techno- Economic Growth of India: Unleashing Hidden Growth Potential |last=Sekhar |first=P. |publisher=Micro Media Marketing Pvt. Ltd |isbn=9788192497853 |language=en}}{{citation needed|date=July 2012}} The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is the statutory authority in charge of the waterways in India. It does the function of building the necessary infrastructure in these waterways, surveying the economic feasibility of new projects and also administration and regulation.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7KO3BQAAQBAJ&q=The+Inland+Waterways+Authority+of+India+%28IWAI%29+is+the+statutory+authority+in+charge+of+the+waterways+in+India.+It+does+the+function+of+building+the+necessary+infrastructure+in+these+waterways%2C+surveying+the+economic+feasibility+of+new+projects+and+also+administration+and+regulation&pg=PA32 |title=Secured Techno- Economic Growth of India: Unleashing Hidden Growth Potential |last=Sekhar |first=P. |publisher=Micro Media Marketing Pvt. Ltd |isbn=9788192497853 |language=en}}{{citation needed|date=July 2012}} The following waterways have been declared as National Waterways:

• National Waterway 1: Prayagraj–Haldia stretch of the Ganga – Bhagirathi – Hooghly River system with a total length of {{convert|1620|km|mi}} on 27 October 1986.{{Cite web |url=http://www.iwai.gov.in/Waterways.htm |title=National Waterways |publisher=Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804150940/http://www.iwai.gov.in/Waterways.htm |archive-date=4 August 2012 |access-date=10 May 2009}}
• National Waterway 2: Saidiya–Dhubri stretch of the Brahmaputra River system with a total length of {{convert|891|km|mi}} in 26 Oct 1988.
• National Waterway 3: Kollam–Kottappuram stretch of the West Coast Canal along with Champakara and Udyogmandal canals, with a total length of {{convert|205|km|mi}} in 1 Feb 1991.
• National Waterway 4: Bhadrachalam–Rajahmundry and Wazirabad–Vijaywada stretch of the Krishna–Godavari river system along with the Kakinada–Puducherry canal network, with a total length of {{convert|1095|km|mi|abbr=on}} in 24 Nov 2008.{{Cite news |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/house-committee-nod-for-two-more-national-waterways/210979/ |title=House committee nod for two more national waterways |date=18 August 2007 |work=Indian Express |access-date=10 May 2009 |archive-date=26 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326041408/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/house-committee-nod-for-two-more-national-waterways/210979/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=http://iwai.gov.in/twonewwaterways.pdf |title=Two New National Waterways |publisher=Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419204220/http://iwai.gov.in/twonewwaterways.pdf |archive-date=19 April 2009 |access-date=3 June 2009}}
• National Waterway 5: Mangalgadi–Paradeep and Talcher–Dhamara stretch of the Mahanadi–Brahmani river system along with the East Coast Canal, with a total length of {{convert|623|km|mi|abbr=on}} in 24 Nov 2008.

Oil and gas industry in India imports 82% of its oil needs and aims to bring that down to 67% by 2022 by replacing it with local exploration, renewable energy and indigenous ethanol fuel (c. Jan 2018).[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/62557212.cms India launches first auction of exploration blocks under new licensing policy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512043834/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/62557212.cms |date=12 May 2018 }}, Economic Times, 18 January 2018.

• Length of pipelines for crude oil is {{convert|20000|km|0|abbr=on}}.
• Length of Petroleum products pipeline is {{convert|15000|km}}.

{{Further|Aerial lift in India}}

Cable transport, commonly known as Ropeways in India, are mostly located in mountainous areas such as in Kashmir. Some of them are also located in amusement parks such Nicco Park and Science City in Kolkata.

{{see also|Sagar_Mala_project#Coastal_Economic_Zones_(CEZ)_and_Coastal_Economic_Units_(CEU) | label 1 = Coastal Economic Zones (CEZ)}}

Logistics in India ranking moved up to 35th place in 2016 from 54th in 2014 on World Bank's Global Logistics Performance Index. Government strategy aims to raise the share of global trade in India's GDP (US$2.7 trillion in FY 2017–18)[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/62551522.cms If I were FM: Raamdeo proposes asset-light strategy for infra boost] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511221926/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/62551522.cms |date=11 May 2018 }}, Economic Times, 18 January 2018. to 40%, including half of it (20% of GDP) from exports (c. Jan 2019). Cost of logistics in India is 14% of GDP, which is higher than the developed nations, and government reforms aim to bring it down to 10% of GDP by 2022 (c. Jan 2018). Ministry of Commerce and Industry has created a new dedicated centralised Logistics division in collaboration with Singapore and Japan to handle the logistics which was earlier handled by several different ministries, such as railways, roads, shipping and aviation.[https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/shipping-/-transport/we-are-creating-a-digital-logistics-platform-suresh-prabhu/articleshow/62395534.cmsWe are creating a digital logistics platform: Suresh Prabhu]{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Economic Times, 6 January 2018. To boot exports, each state will have exports and logistic policy and Nodal officers will be appointed at district level (c. Jan 2018).[https://m.dailyhunt.in/news/india/english/investment+guru+india-epaper-invgur/districts+to+be+export+units+looking+at+logistics+ministry+suresh+prabhu-newsid-79500101 Districts to be export units, looking at logistics ministry: Suresh Prabhu ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118181652/https://m.dailyhunt.in/news/india/english/investment+guru+india-epaper-invgur/districts+to+be+export+units+looking+at+logistics+ministry+suresh+prabhu-newsid-79500101 |date=18 January 2018 }}, Daily Hunt, 8 January 2018. There are 64 transactions and 37 government agencies in the end-to-end production-to-export process. To further improve the ranking, improve speed of logistics, ease of doing business and reduce the cost of logistics, India is creating a "common online integrated logistics e-marketplace portal" that will cover all transactions in production and export, connect buyers with logistics service providers and government agencies such as the customs department Icegate system, Port Community Systems, Sea and Air Port terminals, Shipping lines, Railways, etc. (c. Jan 2018).[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/62530347.cms India plans common logistics portal to ease movement of goods, reduce logistics cost] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512113651/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/62530347.cms |date=12 May 2018 }}, Economic Times, 17 January 2018.

As part of the US$125 billion port-led development project Sagarmala, the government will define the regulatory framework for the Indian logistics operational standards by India's 300 dry ports logistics parks (inland container depots or ICDs) to the top 10 logistics international best practices nations to boost exports, remove supply chain bottlenecks, reduce transaction costs, optimise logistics mix, set up new hub-and-spoke dry ports (c. January 2018).[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/62435028.cms Government plans to overhaul 300 dry ports] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516104615/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/62435028.cms |date=16 May 2018 }}, Economic Times, 9 January 2018. To reduce the logistics costs by 10% and {{CO2}} emissions by 12%, the government is also developing 35 new "Multimodal Logistics Parks" (MMLPs) on 36 ring roads, which will facilitate 50% of the freight moved in India. Land has been earmarked and pre-feasibility studies are underway for six of these MMLPs (c. May 2017).[http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/government-to-construct-35-multimodal-logistics-parks-gadkari-117050300905_1.html Government to construct 35 multimodal logistics parks: Gadkari] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119001157/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/government-to-construct-35-multimodal-logistics-parks-gadkari-117050300905_1.html |date=19 January 2018 }}, Business Standards, 3 May 2017.

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and government will organise an annual national logistics convention. Major shippers include Container Corporation of India and Transport Corporation of India, and Logistics Management magazine is one of the industry publications.

In 1998, the Supreme Court of India published a directive that specified the date of April 2001 as deadline to replace or convert all buses, three-wheelers and taxis in Delhi to compressed natural gas.{{Cite web |url=http://www.product-life.org/en/archive/cng-delhi |title=CNG Delhi– the world's cleanest public bus system running on CNG |first=Anumita |last=Roychaudhary |year=1998 |publisher=Product-Life Institute |location=Geneva |access-date=23 November 2009 |archive-date=13 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213063235/http://www.product-life.org/en/archive/cng-delhi |url-status=live }}

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation was the first state transport undertaking in India to utilise bio-fuels and ethanol-blended fuels.{{Cite web |url=http://www.ksrtc.in/BestPractices.html |title=KSRTC: Best Practices |publisher=Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation |location=Karnataka, India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20091117194311/http://ksrtc.in/BestPractices.html |archive-date=17 November 2009 |access-date=23 November 2009 |df=dmy}} KSRTC took an initiative to do research in alternative fuel forms by experimenting with various alternatives — blending diesel with biofuels such as honge, palm, sunflower, groundnut, coconut and sesame.{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/31/stories/2007013117930300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110024824/http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/31/stories/2007013117930300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 November 2012 |title=KSRTC going that extra mile to conserve fuel |first=Anil Kumar |last=Sastry |date=31 January 2007 |access-date=23 November 2009 |work=The Hindu |location=Karnataka India}} In 2009, the corporation decided to promote the use of biofuel buses.{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/06/stories/2009060661240400.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110024844/http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/06/stories/2009060661240400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 November 2012 |title=State to promote biofuel buses |date=6 June 2009 |work=The Hindu |access-date=23 November 2009 |location=KAR, IND}}

In 2017, the government announced that by 2030, only electric vehicles would be sold in the country.{{Cite web |url=https://qz.com/1001518/indias-electric-vehicle-revolution-will-begin-with-auto-rickshaws-running-on-swappable-batteries/ |title=India's electric vehicle revolution will begin with auto-rickshaws running on swappable batteries |last=Ghoshal |first=Devjyot |website=qz.com |access-date=13 June 2017 |archive-date=10 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610035135/https://qz.com/1001518/indias-electric-vehicle-revolution-will-begin-with-auto-rickshaws-running-on-swappable-batteries/ |url-status=live }} It also announced that by 2022 all trains would be electric.{{Cite web |url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/0pohrH57gXWqdyJ1vdzmsL/Suresh-Prabhu-unveils-10year-energy-plan-for-Railways-to-sa.html |title=Prabhu unveils 10-year energy plan for Railways to save Rs 41,000 crore |last=Sood |first=Jyotika |date=18 January 2017 |website=livemint.com |access-date=13 June 2017 |archive-date=3 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603235625/http://www.livemint.com/Politics/0pohrH57gXWqdyJ1vdzmsL/Suresh-Prabhu-unveils-10year-energy-plan-for-Railways-to-sa.html |url-status=live }}

In March 2020, the Government of India temporarily suspended all passenger rail, metro and bus services due to COVID-19{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/coronavirus-impact-centre-suspends-train-metro-bus-services-till-31-march-11584875782117.html|title=Centre orders restrictions on public transport till 31 March|last1=Prasad|first1=Shreya Nandi|first2=Gireesh|last2=Chandra|date=2020-03-22|website=Livemint|language=en|access-date=2020-03-26|archive-date=26 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326201018/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/coronavirus-impact-centre-suspends-train-metro-bus-services-till-31-march-11584875782117.html|url-status=live}}

{{Portal|India|Transport|Roads|Railways}}

; Multimodel and international

• North-South Transport Corridor
• Ashgabat agreement, a multimodal transport agreement signed by India, Oman, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, for creating an international transport and transit corridor facilitating transportation of goods between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf.{{Cite web|title=Ashgabat Agreement|url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Hans-Classroom/2016-03-24/Ashgabat-Agreement/215932|website=The Hans India|access-date=17 April 2016|archive-date=3 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803005404/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Hans-Classroom/2016-03-24/Ashgabat-Agreement/215932|url-status=live}}

; Similar rail development

• Dedicated freight corridors in India
• Future of rail transport in India, rail development

; Similar roads development

• Bharatmala
• Diamond Quadrilateral, subsumed in Bharatmala
• Golden Quadrilateral, completed national road development connectivity older scheme
• India-China Border Roads, subsumed in Bharatmala
• Expressways of India
• Setu Bharatam, river road bridge development in India

; Similar ports and river transport development

• List of national waterways in India
• Sagar Mala project, national water port development connectivity scheme

; Similar air transport development

• Guided missiles of India
• List of ISRO missions
• Indian Human Spaceflight Programme
• UDAN, national airport development connectivity scheme
• List of ISRO missions

; General

• Traffic collisions in India
• Urban rail transit in India
• Aerial lift in India

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{CIA World Factbook}}

{{Commons category}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20140204015301/http://webdocs.dw.de/mumbai/english Follow a young commuter on her way through Mumbai, a web documentary by Deutsche Welle Global Ideas (www.dw.de/globalideas)]
• [http://morth.nic.in/ Ministry of Road Transport & Highways] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829054919/http://morth.nic.in/ |date=29 August 2019 }}
• [https://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/04/international/asia/04highway.html Mile by Mile, India Paves a Smoother Road to Its Future] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722150622/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/04/international/asia/04highway.html |date=22 July 2014 }}, The New York Times, 4 December 2005.
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20101124045948/http://hartrans.gov.in/docs/mva1988.pdf Motor Vehicles Act, 1988]

{{Transport in India}}

{{Bus rapid transit in India}}

{{State owned road transport companies in India}}

{{Urban rail transit in India}}

{{Social issues in India}}

{{India topics}}

{{Asia topic|Transport in}}