Comprehensive Heat Risk Framework for Elderly Commuters in Jodhpur, India

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name:Comprehensive Heat Risk Framework for Elderly Commuters in Jodhpur in India

This project establishes HEAT SAFE, a comprehensive heat risk assessment framework for elderly commuters in Jodhpur.

By analyzing travel patterns, microclimatic conditions, infrastructure gaps, and heat-health vulnerabilities, it addresses the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and climate change.

The absence of heat-sensitive transit planning exacerbates health risks and restricts mobility. HEAT SAFE informs inclusive urban design and targeted interventions, fostering climate-resilient, age-friendly transportation systems in low- and middle-income urban settings.

Increase in heatwaves
in India over the past 30
years
0 %
Indian cities with climate-
informed transport or heat
action plans
0 %

Impact and Key Findings

1

This project develops HEAT SAFE, India’s first evidence-based framework integrating travel behavior, infrastructure, and microclimatic factors to assess and mitigate heat risks for elderly commuters in fast-urbanizing cities like Jodhpur, ensuring safer, climate-resilient mobility. 

2

This research develops localized heat risk management plans for elderly commuters in Jodhpur, equipping urban planners and policymakers with data-driven strategies to enhance mobility and health resilience, ensuring safer, adaptive infrastructure during extreme heat events. 

3

By identifying public transport gaps and exposure risks, the project recommends infrastructure upgrades—shaded walkways, cooling zones, and schedule adjustments—to minimize thermal stress for elderly commuters, enhancing urban resilience and climate-adaptive mobility strategies. 

Resources

Aishwarya Pillai

Lead Specialist

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes. 

Alpana Saha

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes.