Traffic congestion in Asia’s rapidly expanding cities reflects their booming economic growth, but it also results in severe greenhouse gas emissions and harmful pollutants that impact health and the environment.
To address these challenges, Asian governments are increasingly encouraging public transportation use over personal vehicles. According to an Asian Development Bank report, road congestion costs Asian economies 2 to 5 percent of GDP annually due to lost time and transportation expenses. With urban populations growing by about 44 million people each year, the issue is becoming critical.
In New Delhi, the world’s most polluted capital, authorities are tackling the problem by seizing and scrapping diesel vehicles older than ten years and petrol vehicles over 15 years old. This initiative has removed five million vehicles from Delhi’s roads in the past two years, resulting in a 35 percent reduction in vehicle numbers. The city is also transitioning to electric buses, with 800 out of 3,700 state-owned buses now electric. By the end of 2024, Delhi aims for at least 25 percent of new vehicles to be electric. Additionally, the Delhi Metro’s expanding network, with 288 stations and 392 kilometers of tracks, serves an average of 2.5 million passengers daily. Despite these efforts, a rising preference for personal vehicles continues to hinder progress.
In Bangkok, increased wealth has led to a shift from public transport to private cars. To address this, the city is enhancing bus fleets, extending the metro network, and integrating road and rail systems with ferries. Measures like higher parking fees are being introduced to promote public transport use, and flexible work arrangements are under consideration. Bangkok’s approach to parking management and inner-city tolls may serve as a model for other rapidly urbanizing Southeast Asian cities.
The Philippines is investing in transport infrastructure with support from the ADB, which has committed a $1 billion loan for the Metro Rail Transit Line 4, a 13.4-kilometer extension with ten stations. The country is also developing a $7 billion, 33-kilometer subway system in Metro Manila, expected to serve 800,000 passengers daily when completed in 2027. A bus rapid transit system is also being implemented to ease congestion.
Jakarta, Indonesia, is integrating rail and bus services with efficient interchange points and plans to electrify its transport fleet. While urbanization and economic development drive congestion, they also provide opportunities for funding improved public transport.
With over 2.2 billion people living in Asia’s urban areas, a figure expected to grow to 3.4 billion by 2050, leveraging sensor technologies and real-time traffic data is crucial. Tools like Google Maps provide real-time traffic information, helping to manage congestion and direct investments. App-based services like Uber and Grab offer affordable alternatives to car ownership.
Though solutions are complex, harnessing new technologies can enhance urban life, improve productivity, and address environmental issues.