STRATEGIES FOR AN URBAN ACCESSIBILITY SYSTEM TOWARDS IMPROVING SUSTAINABILITY OF AN URBAN FORM

Abstract

Accessibility in the urban areas has emerged as a key ingredient in determining sustainable development of cities due to the rapid urbanization and growth in transport demand. The increasing reliance on cars has contributed to congestion, environmental degradation, which underscores the necessity of integrated accessibility-based planning. This paper tries to understand the linkage between urban accessibility systems and the sustainability of urban form by suggesting strategic interventions to integrate transport planning and land-use design.

It relies on a comprehensive literature review including global and Indian research, and statistical evaluation techniques, including Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), traffic optimization and GIS-based analysis. The existing literature underlines the importance of compact urban shapes, mixed spatial use, and transit-oriented development in improving accessibility and alleviating environmental impacts. However, limited studies integrate these factors into a unified framework.

The findings suggest that multimodal transport systems, high-density development, and availability of services are all significant factors contributing to sustainable urban form. Non-motorized transport promotion, enhancement of public transport, and land-use planning are some of the strategies that can contribute immensely to the sustainability results. The researchers conclude that a quality urban accessibility system, which is backed by policy and planning interventions, is the key to attaining the long-term urban sustainability.