Policy Interventions for COVID 19 and their Impact on Activity and Travel in India: Present Trends and Future Implications

Abstract

Several policy interventions have been adopted by the administrative authorities to restrict the spread and impact of the highly contagious Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in India. The social distancing norms and other restrictions on daily activities have substantially affected the mobility and perceptions on urban travel by the society. This study is aimed to bring out the evidences related to impacts of policy interventions and preventive measures on activity and travel characteristics of the urban Indian population. The findings clearly show differential impacts of the policy interventions on several types of activities as well as the rise in COVID-19 cases in the country. Analysis of mobility in two specific cities further highlight that it is necessary to consider local circumstances before rolling out policies regarding imposing or easing of transport and activity restrictions.

Keywords: COVID-19, activity, mobility, policy interventions, future mode use, urban India