India’s smaller cities are growing fast. As Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities evolve with new housing colonies, industrial estates, educational institutions, and healthcare centers on their expanding fringes, they are no longer the sleepy towns of the past. But one thing isn’t keeping pace: the local transport system.
The term “last-mile mobility” might sound technical, but its impact is deeply personal. It refers to the small but critical gap between people’s homes and major transport hubs, like bus stands, railway stations, or workplaces. And in these cities, that gap is often filled with uncertainty, inconvenience, or exclusion.
Why the Last Mile Is Harder in Smaller Cities
Public transport, where available, is usually limited and does not extend to newer or less populated areas. Informal options like autos and vans serve only high-demand routes, leaving many residents, especially those in newly developed zones, without reliable connectivity.
As a result, people are forced to walk long distances, rely on costly private transport, or remain disconnected from key services and opportunities. This disproportionately affects students, women, and the elderly. Despite the expansion of highways and intercity routes, last-mile access within smaller cities remains poor, highlighted by the fact that only 32 out of 1,000 Indians own a car, and over 60% rely on public or non-motorised transport for daily travel.
It’s a Social and Economic Issue beyond Convenience
Ignoring last-mile connectivity doesn’t just cause inconvenience; it can deepen social divides. If a woman doesn’t have a safe, affordable way to return home after evening work, she may not take that job. If an elderly person cannot access a nearby clinic because it’s a 20-minute walk from the main road, their health suffers. If a student must change two autos and walk a kilometre to reach a better school, they may drop out or settle for less.
Small retailers and delivery workers also face the brunt. High fuel and time costs for making short deliveries within city limits reduce margins and productivity. For small businesses trying to compete in the digital economy, last-mile delays become a serious disadvantage.
Growing Car Ownership Is Not the Solution
In the absence of dependable shared or public options, many families turn to two-wheelers or entry-level cars. On paper, this seems like progress. But in practice, it brings its own set of problems: traffic bottlenecks, lack of parking, high fuel expenditure, and growing air pollution.
In fact, a 2023 NITI Aayog study warned that rapid motorisation in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities could mirror the congestion and pollution patterns of metros unless sustainable mobility solutions are integrated early.
What the Future Demands
Urban planners and policymakers increasingly recognise that last-mile mobility is not a secondary concern, it is essential to a city’s economic growth, social equity, and overall livability. Cities that prioritise inclusive, reliable transport systems will be better equipped to serve their residents and attract long-term development.
The way forward lies in building micro-mobility networks that are local, affordable, and responsive to the realities of smaller cities. This includes safe walking and cycling infrastructure, electric mobility options for short trips, flexible shared transport for underserved areas, and digital tools for easy access. Crucially, these systems must consider the needs of women, the elderly, and low-income groups through thoughtful, people-first design.
A People-First Approach
The conversation around mobility often centres around the infrastructure, but at its core, it’s about people. A college student who saves an hour a day thanks to reliable last-mile transport has more time to learn. A working mother who finds a safe way to get home late at night feels empowered. A delivery worker who doesn’t need to spend half their income on fuel becomes more financially secure.
As India’s smaller cities grow, they offer a chance to rethink mobility from the ground up. Unlike metros that must retrofit solutions into complex urban landscapes, these cities can leapfrog into smarter, greener models if planning starts now.
Solving the last mile is not a luxury. It’s a necessity, one that connects not just places, but lives.
Sahil Uttekar is the Co-Founder of VIR Mobility. Views expressed are the author’s personal.