Reimagining Urban Mobility: Proposing Innovative Strategies for Transit-Oriented Development in Indore

Abstract

The thesis explores the concept of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in the city of Indore, India, with a specific focus on the role of urban design. TOD refers to a planning approach that emphasizes the development of compact, mixed-use communities centered around high-quality public transit systems. The thesis aims to assess the current transit infrastructure and urban development in Indore, identify opportunities and challenges for implementing TOD strategies, and explore how urban design can play a pivotal role in achieving these goals. The thesis begins by providing an overview of the TOD concept, emphasizing its potential to create sustainable and livable communities by integrating land use and transportation planning. It also examines the existing national and state-level TOD policies in India, analyzing their key features and discussing general guidelines for TOD implementation. Moving on to the specific case of Indore, the thesis analyzes the city's current transit infrastructure and urban development patterns. This analysis reveals that Indore has significant potential for TOD, particularly with the upcoming metro system in the Vijay Nagar Area. However, the implementation of TOD strategies faces challenges due to the competing interests of development pressures and the presence of informal settlements. To address these challenges and unlock the potential of TOD in Indore, the thesis proposes a series of urban design interventions. These interventions aim to transform the city into a more compact, coordinated, and connected urban environment that prioritizes sustainable and equitable development. By incorporating principles of urban design, such as walkability, mixed land uses, and quality public spaces, the thesis seeks to enhance the feasibility and desirability of TOD in Indore. The findings and recommendations from this study can be valuable not only for Indore but also for other Tier-2 Indian cities and beyond. The thesis emphasizes the critical role of urban design in realizing the potential of TOD, highlighting the need for coordinated planning efforts that integrate transportation, land use, and urban design principles to create vibrant and sustainable communities.