Assessments of Health Impacts of Transportation Projects in an Urban Indian Context

The rapid motorization of Indian cities has led to a public health crisis with increased traffic injuries and fatalities, increased air pollution, and decreased physical activity. There is an urgent need to assess the health impacts of transportation to inform decision makers better about how to maximize the benefits and to minimize the negative impacts on health. Health impact assessment (HIA) methodologies and tools are used extensively in the developed world primarily to support broader environmental impact assessments of projects, programs, and policies, but only recently in the transportation sector. The concept of HIAs is gaining traction in the developing world. However, much of the methodology and many of the indicators are specific to the context of the developed world. Through a review of the literature and expert input from transportation planners and public health professionals in India, this study aims to develop the appropriate methodology for assessing the myriad health impacts from urban transportation projects, plans, and policies within the Indian context. The study develops a framework for conducting HIAs, as it focuses on modal shift and the number of kilometers traveled, to fit a city in which the measurement of health outcomes can be difficult and resource intensive. Future studies should look to expand the evidence base on health impacts and India-specific measurement tools, especially for physical activity, which will become an increasing health issue as incomes and consumption continue to grow in India.