ITDP began working in India in 1996 through its network partners with a programme to modernize cycle rickshaws. ITDP’s ergonomic, light-weight model is easier for pullers to operate and provides better comfort for passengers. Today, over 300,000 modern cycle rickshaws transport people across Agra, Delhi, and other cities.
ITDP went on to play a key role in the planning of Ahmedabad’s bus rapid transit (BRT) system. Known as Janmarg, or “people’s way,” the system is recognized as the first full BRT system in India. Since it opened in 2009, the system has set a new standard for high quality BRT in India and has garnered numerous international awards, including the 2010 Sustainable Transportation Award and the 2013 Best Design Award for BRTS at the UITP World Congress in Geneva.
ITDP worked closely with stakeholders in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad to implement an integrated BRT system, Rainbow, in 2015. Cities such as Chennai, Coimbatore, Nashik and Tiruchirapalli are exploring the feasibility of the same. ITDP is working closely with these cities to incorporate best practice BRT features that will ensure excellent service quality for passengers.
In Chennai, ITDP has been instrumental in transforming the city’s streetscape by supporting the Corporation of Chennai in building good quality pedestrian footpaths, protected cycle lanes, pedestrian plazas, and greenways. ITDP is also helping the city with the introduction of a public cycle sharing system.
Other cities such as Coimbatore, Gandhinagar, Pondicherry, and Tiruchirapalli have sought technical advice from ITDP to launch similar cycle sharing systems.
ITDP recently began working in Ranchi to achieve better public transport in the city. To create interest and garner support for this cause, ITDP conducted various awareness building programs and workshops with the civil society and local non-governmental organizations.
Currently with a programme presence in 10 cities—Ahmedabad, Chennai, Coimbatore, Gandhinagar, Nashik, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, Puducherry, Ranchi and Tiruchirapalli—ITDP, along with its Network Partner, Urban Works, is at the forefront of sustainable transport planning in India.
For more information, visit www.itdp.in.
