Smart non-motorized transportation is crucial for the sustainable development of urban areas. An astronomical rise in the number of motorized vehicles, particularly in metropolitan cities, has compromised air quality and traffic conditions. NMT, as an effective mode of transport, is often neglected due to a lack of understanding of the long-term negative consequences of internal combustion engines (ICE) by policymakers and transport planners. The rising fuel costs and demand have inflated India’s import bills and are expected to surge further until corrective measures are taken. NMT is a low-hanging fruit that can be implemented in urban hotspots at a relatively lower capital expenditure. It can help reduce the demand for fossil fuels and save the state enormous sums that would otherwise have been spent on capital-intensive carbon sequestration technologies. This study aims to highlight the significant economic benefits of NMT, based on data collected from 599 respondents in New Delhi and Chandigarh. The analysis reveals that, in addition to establishing the complex infrastructure of NMT, transport planners and policymakers must foster attitudinal change among citizens, i.e., the soft infrastructure.