Rapid Transit-Oriented Morphological Transformations in Indian Cities: A Case of Kolkata Metro

Abstract - TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) is a long-term development strategy to 
increase metropolitan regions' quality of life (QoL). The Metro Rail Transit System (MRTS) is 
an integral part of the TOD plan and significantly impacts contemporary urban development. 
It is a crucial transformation parameter that influences the overall urban structure. Kolkata 
was the first Indian city to undergo the TOD urban transformation. The paper examines the 
historical context of MRTS in the KMC region using conceptual, metric, and non-metric data 
analysis. This study aims to look at the altering urban morphology within a 400-800 m 
influence zone of two metro stations in Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). The first is an 
old metro precinct in Kalighat (operational since 1986), while the second is a new metro 
precinct in Kavi Nazrul (operational since 1986) that is a newly developed area. Under TOD 
rules, both station precincts are examined based on built-up area typologies, the ratio of 
green spaces, change in existing water bodies, typical traffic, and corresponding land 
values. Since 1991, the Kalighat metro station precinct has had a dense BUA with little change 
in the urban form, thereby abiding by the TOD policies. The Kavi Nazrul metro station 
precinct has seen a significant expansion in the BUA due to metro arrival and related services 
in 2009. Still, it is under development and has not reached the threshold set by TOD policies 
in the current scenario. Therefore, the study will be helpful for planners and policymakers to 
plan for a more efficient QoL.