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India
Delhi
UMR Index Rank
#55
(+3)
Score: 34%
Sustainable Mobility
#56
(+1)
Score: 35.9%
Public Transit
#51
(-8)
Score: 42.9%
Technology Adoption
#45
Score: 30.5%
Population | 32.5 million |
Surface area (km2) | 2,344 |
Population-density (people/km2) | 13,865 |
GDP per capita ($) | 9,143 |
UMR Index Rank
#55
(+3)
Score: 17%
Sustainable Mobility
#56
(+1)
Score: 35.9%
Public Transit
#51
(-8)
Score: 42.9%
Technology Adoption
#45
Score: 30.5%
What Delhi Does Well In Urban Mobility
Delhi is pursuing ambitious electrification goals and has electrified a higher percentage of its bus fleet than top index cities like Paris and Amsterdam. Delhi launched two projects in 2023 to increase electric vehicle (EV) adoption, including mandating that businesses with over 25 vehicles (including three- and two-wheelers) must electrify their fleets by 2030. Subsidy programs for e-cargo bikes, e-rickshaws, and e-carts have further encouraged adoption. Delhi is also a leader in automation, rolling out driverless trains for its metro, including the Magenta Line that operates 29 automated trains as of 2024.
Delhi’s investment in transport infrastructure as a percentage of GDP is high among its Asian peers and also exceeds that of Mumbai, with significant spending on road improvements. That includes work in 2021 and 2022 on more than 100 footbridges for pedestrians and cyclists. A ₹8,400 crore ($1 billion) budget was approved in 2024 to expand the metro, adding approximately 21 kilometers (13 miles) and 18 stations to the existing 391 kilometers (243 miles) and 286 stations.
Urban Mobility Readiness Index, Sustainable Mobility, Public Transit, and Technology Adoption scores
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley
Challenges And Opportunities For Delhi’s Transportation System
Growing personal car and motorbike use, subpar roads, and low-quality traffic management result in high levels of congestion. In late 2024, the city was considering a congestion tax for vehicles that enter certain areas during rush hours, with exemptions for EVs and two-wheelers. It plans to try automated tax collection at 13 locations to decrease traffic jams.
Like some of its Asian peers, Delhi lags in the quality of its walking and cycling infrastructure. A Public Works Department audit in 2024 found that over 40% of Delhi’s roads lack footpaths and just over 25% are deemed “fit for use.” The city is investing to improve both pedestrian walkways and cycling infrastructure. For example, the Delhi Development Authority is building 200 kilometers (124 miles) of pedestrian walkways and cycle lanes as part of a ₹550 crore ($65 million) investment.
Dimensions of the Urban Mobility Readiness Index score
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley
How Delhi Can Improve Its Urban Mobility Performance
Delhi struggles with low enforcement of safety rules and a poor perception of safety on public transit. Over three-quarters of women feel unsafe on transit after nightfall, citing lack of lighting, overcrowding, and infrequent bus schedules. The city has introduced more safety features in its public transport. For example, e-buses are equipped with dedicated seats for female passengers and have live video streaming for emergency situations. In the metro, the first coach is intended for women only, and more security cameras have been rolled out. The city can increase the presence of security guards at stations, including female personnel; run more education and awareness campaigns; and enforce penalties for abusers.
Delhi can improve its pedestrian and cycling infrastructure by constructing and maintaining pedestrian footpaths and cycling lanes, including adding safety features like concrete buffers to protect against motorized traffic. The city can also consider more subsidies for bike purchases to expand cycle access across socio- economic classes, building on subsidies that have been offered for e-cargo bikes and e-bikes.
Urban Mobility Readiness Index relative ranking evolution (2020-2024)
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley