Driven to pollution

The energy, especially oil, consumed to transport goods and people is galloping. Almost uncontrollable urbanisation in India, especially in and around the larger cities, highlights the acute problems concerning urban movement: the increase in income levels and private vehicles, inadequate and risky public transport, and the centring of cities as the hubs of the nation is roundly to blame. It is likely that in most urban centres private vehicles will continue to dominate the transport system in future, with the consequent problems of congestion, the inefficient use of energy and severe atmospheric pollution.