Nāgrika is developing a pathway for smaller cities to enable active involvement of citizens in making decisions related to transport and mobility through its Small City Mobility initiative. Very few initiatives are built on the knowledge and expectations of people who live in these cities. We are attempting to enable the citizens to have a voice in decision-making for their own cities.
 

IPT as a Critical Mode in Smaller Cities explores the role of Intermediate Public Transport (IPT), such as auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws, in addressing the mobility gaps in small and medium-sized cities. It highlights IPT's significance in providing affordable and flexible transport while supporting livelihoods. The discussion covers key challenges, including regulatory issues, safety concerns, and congestion, alongside opportunities for electrification, formalisation, and better integration with formal transport systems.
 

This research examines the critical role of Intermediate Public Transport (IPT) in small and medium-sized Indian cities, addressing the mobility void left by inadequate formal public transport (PT) systems. Building on our earlier discussions of how everyday mobility in smaller cities is shaped by compact urban forms, short trip lengths, and community-based patterns (Contextualising Mobility in Smaller Cities, 2025), it highlights IPT’s accessibility, affordability, and flexibility, which make it indispensable for daily commuting, particularly in underserved and peripheral areas. By extending the analysis of mobility gaps caused by metro-centric planning and the neglect of informal systems (Understanding Mobility Gaps in Smaller Cities,2025), this part foregrounds the socio-economic impact of IPT, from job creation to its role as a community-driven service.
 

Key challenges, such as regulatory gaps, safety issues, and environmental concerns, are analysed alongside emerging opportunities, such as electrification and the formalisation of the IPT sector. The study explores policy interventions and the integration of IPT into broader transport systems to enhance urban mobility while ensuring passenger safety. Although IPTs offer immense convenience, their unregulated nature also brings a flip side of overcrowding, illegal modifications, and travel stress to the commuters; therefore, any successful integration should actively allay these fears to build a secure transit network. By recognising IPT’s strengths and addressing its challenges, this research aims to inform sustainable and inclusive mobility solutions. It sets the stage for further exploration into citizen preferences, particularly in choosing e- rickshaws, to inform responsive, user-centric planning in smaller cities.