抄録
Primary focus of the paper remains land transport modes with a peripheral, though essential, reference to aviation. It profiles growth and development of passenger travel market in India. Along with a historical and evolutionary account of modal share underscoring the ecosystem in which the market has functioned, an imperative need for an optimal modal mix is suggested in the interest of the economy as well as environment. Pricing and cost matrix is an important element, so also the demand and supply analysis, particularly of rail services, for investment planning. Some essential features are catalogued by way of lessons learnt for an optimal modal share, which, in turn, implies judicious investments for capacity build-up and development.