In a bid to revolutionize India’s road transport sector, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) organized a comprehensive two-day workshop on January 6-7, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event brought together key stakeholders, including Transport Secretaries, State Ministers, and representatives of transport organizations, to chart a progressive roadmap for the future of India’s transport ecosystem.
The workshop featured dynamic discussions across critical themes, including sustainable transport, enhanced road safety, and citizen-centric smart mobility solutions.
Day 1: Setting the Stage for Transformation
The first day of the workshop, chaired by Secretary RT&H V. Umashankar, engaged Transport Secretaries from all States and Union Territories. With a focus on brainstorming actionable solutions, Additional Secretary Transport Mahmood Ahmed highlighted key issues and objectives for deliberation. The sessions set the stage for deeper collaboration among government officials to align on transformative policies.
Day 2: Unified Vision and Collaboration
The second day saw Hon’ble Union Minister Nitin Gadkari chair discussions with State Transport Ministers. Building on insights from Day 1, this session culminated in the 42nd Transport Development Council (TDC) meeting. Contributions from leading transport organizations, such as AIMTC and BOCI, enriched the discussions, ensuring diverse perspectives were considered.
Key Initiatives and Outcomes
- Sustainable Transport:
- Vehicle Scrapping Policy: Streamlining operations of Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) and Automated Testing Stations (ATSs) to expedite the transition to cleaner, sustainable transport.
- PUCC 2.0 and BS-VII Norms: States pledged swift adoption of enhanced Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) standards and deliberated timelines for BS-VII emission norms.
- Road Safety Enhancements:
- Driver Training Institutes (DTIs): A nationwide initiative to establish DTIs with incentives for integrating testing and training infrastructure.
- Innovative Technology for Safety: Launch of “Naksha,” a data-driven road safety stack featuring applications like Sanjaya Portal and Madras Matrix for black spot identification.
- E-Rickshaw and Vehicle Safety: Tailored regulations to improve safety in burgeoning e-rickshaw segments and advancements like ADAS for heavy vehicles.
- Smart Mobility for Citizens:
- Faceless Services: A push for nationwide adoption of digital platforms like Vahan and Sarathi by March 2025 to enhance convenience for citizens.
- Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS): Integration of advanced technologies such as Automatic Vehicle Location Systems (AVLS) with emergency response mechanisms.
- Standardized Vehicle Services: Comprehensive adoption of AITP, BH Series, and HSRP services to streamline registration and licensing.
A Vision for the Future
Concluding the workshop, Hon’ble Minister Nitin Gadkari underscored the importance of collaborative efforts, stating, “This workshop represents a significant milestone in creating a transport system that aligns with our vision of sustainability, safety, and smart mobility. Together, we will pave the way for a brighter future, ensuring every citizen’s needs are met.”
The workshop’s recommendations are poised to transform India’s road transport landscape, driving it toward a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future.
