Perspectives

How will People and Goods move in future 

Rajeev Singh

The future of commuting and transportation is impersonal,
intelligent, and connected

The mobility landscape is undergoing a revolutionary transformation, driven by rapid innovations in the automotive industry. With advancements in technology, the future of mobility promises to be frictionless, and automated, with personalised travel experiences shaping an ecosystem that is both environmentally friendly and seamlessly integrated. It is imminent that with these changes, new business models will also emerge.

The rise of the 15-minute city: Six essential functions of health, education, work, living, commerce, and entertainment will be made available to customers within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their homes. Cost conscious GenZs and millennials don’t believe in spending time in long commutes. They are also more likely to opt for environment-friendly transport. Organisations will eventually need to factor in their choices in their business decisions, making the reality of the 15-minute city closer. 

No strings attached: This concept hinges on moving away from traditional ownership models to on-demand mobility solutions. This shift is fueled by the emergence of shared mobility services, such as ride-hailing and ridesharing, offering convenient and cost-effective alternatives to individual vehicle ownership.

The race for connected and autonomous vehicles: Vehicles are evolving into smart devices capable of providing connectivity, guidance, and even self-driving capabilities. The integration of advanced technologies is paving the way for safer, more efficient transportation systems and redefining the relationship between drivers and vehicles.

Embracing multimodal and shared mobility: The future of transportation lies in multimodal solutions, where the seamless integration of different modes of
transportation is enabled by digital platforms. This approach empowers users to navigate diverse travel options effortlessly, enhancing convenience and optimising their travel experiences. In India, a significant transformation is
expected in the mobility mix, with buses projected to become the leading mode of transportation by 2030, surpassing two-wheelers.

In terms of BPKM (billion passenger-kilometre) that represents the transport of people by a defined mode, the major contributor to India’s mobility segment in 2022 were two-wheelers (23%) followed by buses (22%). Whereas, by 2030, we expect a shift in this mix with the bus (26%) becoming the major contributor, surpassing two-wheelers, followed by cars (22%), according to an internal study.

India's shared mobility market is already experiencing exponential growth, outpacing the global trend. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 38% until 2030, fueled by increased investment, favourable policies, electrification initiatives, and strategic partnerships, the shared mobility segment in India presents a compelling market opportunity.

Innovative business models reshaping the industry: The automotive ecosystem is witnessing the emergence of novel business models that disrupt traditional paradigms. Vehicle subscription services, leasing options, and vehicle co-ownership arrangements are revolutionising how individuals access and utilise transportation, offering flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and reducing the burden of ownership. 

Advancement on the path to autonomous transportation: While the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles may have faced some delays, the progress of Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric (CASE) technologies continues. Autonomous taxis, shuttles, and the advent of advanced air mobility (AAM), including flying taxis and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, are no more a concept of the future. They will redefine the commuter experience of the future. The question for eVTOL is not an “if” but “when”.

Hyperloop and the future of high-speed transportation: Hyperloop technology holds tremendous potential for high-speed transportation, offering a mode of travel that combines the speed of aircraft, the capacity of rail, and the personalised experience of cars. Its deployment can revolutionise intercity and intracity transportation, creating a paradigm shift in how people and goods are transported.

Drones for the last mile delivery: Last mile delivery and intracity delivery are gaining prominence as they cater to the demands of tech-savvy consumers and online shoppers. As per internal analysis, In India, last-mile delivery is experiencing remarkable growth, with a rapid pace of approximately 27% CAGR compared to the global average of 10.5% CAGR. To achieve the vision of the 15-minute city, where goods are readily available to customers at their doorstep or nearby, innovative solutions like drone delivery are gaining traction. With over 2,000 commercial drone deliveries already taking place worldwide, drone delivery is rapidly becoming a reality. This development is both promising and exciting.

The journey ahead holds immense potential for reshaping the way we move and connect, opening new avenues for progress and enhancing our daily lives. Exciting times lie ahead as we embark on this transformative journey towards the future of mobility beyond roads.

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