Assessment of Infrastructure and Service Supply on Sustainable Urban Transport Systems in Delhi-NCR: Implications of Last-Mile Connectivity for Government Policies

Urban mobility plays a vital role in shaping sustainable cities, yet the effectiveness of public transportation is often undermined by poor last-mile connectivity (LMC). In the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi, despite the Delhi Metro Rail serving as a key transit system, limited integration with surrounding areas hinders accessibility, which particularly affects women, elderly adults, and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. This study evaluates LMC performance at two key metro stations, Nehru Place and Botanical Garden, using a mixed-methods approach that includes user surveys, spatial survey, thematic analysis, and infrastructure scoring across five critical pillars: accessibility, safety and comfort, intermodality, service availability, and inclusivity. The findings communicate notable contrasts. Botanical Garden exhibits strong intermodal linkages, pedestrian-friendly design, and supportive signage, while Nehru Place indicates a need for infrastructural improvements, safety advancement and upgrades, and strengthened universal design features. These disparities limit effective metro usage and discourage a shift from private to public transport. The study highlights the importance of user-centered, multimodal solutions and the need for cohesive urban governance to address LMC gaps. By identifying barriers and opportunities for improvement, this research paper contributes to the formulation of more inclusive and sustainable urban transport strategies in Indian metropolitan regions.