Mobilities: Techno-Privatized Governance and the Precarity of Migrant Labour

Abstract

This chapter explores the intersection of geographical mobility and platform governance. It takes the Smart City Mission (2015) as a case through which the platformization of mobility and urban development is being pursued. This chapter addresses the imperative for cities to be inclusive, safe and sustainable, particularly in light of rapid urbanization, with projections indicating that 40% of India’s population will reside in urban areas in the coming decades. The analysis highlights the historical context of public transportation in Indian cities, the gradual withdrawal of state involvement in the mobility sector and the rise of private platforms in response to economic pressures. It critically examines how partnerships between mobility platforms and government initiatives blur the lines between private interests and public policy, emphasizing the techno-privatization dynamics inherent in contemporary urban planning. This chapter highlights the implications of platformized governance on accessibility and inclusivity, particularly for marginalized groups that lack digital access. It illuminates the challenges and opportunities in steering India’s urban landscapes towards sustainable, inclusive mobility infrastructure.