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.
