Volume 9, Issue 3, March – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24MAR1483 IJISRT24MAR1483 www.ijisrt.com 1980 Social Impact Assessment of Urban Mass Transit: A Case Study of Metro Rail in India Dr. Sanjay K. Pradhan Metro Division, RITES Ltd, Gurugram, India Abstract:- The country's efforts to improve its infrastructure are important for promoting economic growth and alleviating poverty. However, these initiatives often result in negative consequences alongside their positive outcomes. These negative effects can manifest in various forms, including social, cultural, economic, and environmental impacts. As such, it is imperative to anticipate and prevent these undesirable outcomes to achieve inclusive and sustainable development. The importance of Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and meaningful public consultation in infrastructure projects has been recognized by social scientists, policymakers, international financial institutions, and development practitioners as effective measures to mitigate adverse social impacts of development projects. This is equally applicable to urban transportation projects, which also require a thorough evaluation of their social impacts. In this paper, we examine the SIA rules and regulations under the RFCTLARR Act 2013, assess the social impacts of the Ahmedabad metro rail project (Phase-I), and propose mitigation measures to minimize negative impacts and maximize positive ones for all stakeholders involved. It is argued that addressing social issues early in the project and integrating them into resettlement management can greatly increase the chances of project success. Keywords:- Social Impact Assessment, Metro Rail, Gender issue, Project Affected Persons, Stakeholder consultation, and Rehabilitation & Resettlement. I. INTRODUCTION In India, 461 million people are living in urban areas (Cities Alliance,2023). This number is growing by 2.3 percent each year (UN DESA,2018). In recent decades, there has been a sharp increase in urbanization. Vehicular traffic has increased alarmingly, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 94.40% over the years 2011–2016, because of unparalleled urbanization (MoRTH, GoI, 2016) and this has resulted in severe economic, environmental, and social consequences such as increased fuel consumption, reduced productivity, increased business cost, and increased emissions and stress. To develop more sustainable urban transportation networks, this scenario has led to increased expenditures in mass rapid transit systems. Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad, situated just 32 km apart, are closely linked by highways and are quickly developing into a continuous urban region. With its strategic geographic position, diverse cosmopolitan society, huge growth potential, and business-friendly policies, it is an attractive place for companies, entrepreneurs, academics, and families. The twin cities currently have a population of approximately 6.5 million and are projected to reach 9.3 million by 2025. This rapid growth is placing immense strain on the transportation system in the twin cities, necessitating the need for faster modes of transportation to prevent delays and alleviate congestion. In response, the Government of Gujarat has recognized the metro rail as a highly effective, financially feasible, and environmentally sustainable solution to meet the future transportation demands of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. In 2009, the Metro Link Express for Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad (MEGA), now known as Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Limited (GMRCL), was established as a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to oversee the development and operation of a Metro Rail system in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. MEGA prioritized the protection of the environment and the well-being of the public, and therefore aimed to construct the Metro Rail facility in compliance with strict environmental standards. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was responsible for preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Phase-I corridor, which was finally approved by the Union Cabinet of India in October 2014 (ToI,2014). According to the DPR (MEGA, 2015), the entire route spans 37.928 km and includes 31.593 km of elevated and 6.335 km of underground section with a total of 32 metro stations. The metro alignment provides north-south connectivity from APMC to Motera Stadium and east-to-west connectivity from Thaltej to Vastral. During the planning stage of the project, a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) study was carried out by RITES Ltd in 2014 (MEGA,2014). In this paper, an attempt has been made to describe the application of the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) study for the project under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act 2013, assess the potential social impacts of the project based on SIA study, and develop mitigation measures to minimise the negative impacts and maximising the positive impacts for all stakeholders of the project.