Integrating health benefits into transportation planning and policy in India

This issue brief aims to develop an appropriate
methodology for assessing the health impacts from urban
transportation projects, plans, and policies in the Indian
context. Through a review of the literature and expert
input from transportation planners and public health
professionals, we first identified the HIA typologies and
health impacts relevant to the transportation sector in
India. We then developed a methodology to conduct HIAs
focusing on modal shift and vehicle kilometers traveled
for Indian cities, where measurement of health outcomes
can be difficult and resource-intensive. We applied the
methodology and evidence gathered through the review
to the City of Indore, Madhya Pradesh to evaluate the
health impacts of the recently implemented BRT corridor
in the city. We estimate that about 19 lives can be saved
per year after 2014, accounting for the reduction fatalities
from reduction in private motorized VKT, reduction in air
pollution exposure, and health benefits from increased
physical activity. Finally, we present recommendations
and conclusions on the importance of integrating
health benefits into urban transportation planning and
policy in India.