Analyzing the Effect of Covid-19 Pandemic on Tourists' Psyche and Effective Implications for the Public Transport System for Safe-Travel: A Case Study on India

In the process of unlocking India after the COVID-19 outbreak, the Indian tourism and transport industry is resuming to revive the economy. In this scenario, it is substantial to examine the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the travel pattern of the Indians. At the same time, making public transport safe to prevent mass transmission of the Coronavirus is equally important to ensure safe travel. The present study investigates the impact of COVID-19 on the travel behavior of the Indians, their readiness for availing of public transport, as well as their stand on the reoperation of public transport. A total of 212 responses are collected through the convenience sampling method for this purpose. The study reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has deeply affected the travel pattern of Indians. The transport sector has been considered one of the major causes of transmission of coronavirus whereas; the railway has been identified as the riskiest mode of transport. Though many Indians are ready to avail public transport, the majority still prefer private vehicles more than anything. The Indian respondents are also found doubtful regarding the effective implementation of rules and regulations, which is doubt crucial for safe traveling. This study will provide useful understanding to the Indian transportation authorities as well as to the Tour Operators regarding the Indian travelers’ concern for the transport sector amidCOVID-19.