Empowered Group of State Transport Ministers formed to advise on road policy issues 

Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Shri Nitin Gadkari has announced formation of an Empowered Group of State Transport Ministers to advise on policy issues to make the country’s transport sector modern, efficient and transparent. The Empowered Group will be headed by Shri Yunus Khan, the PWD and Transport Minister of Rajasthan. Shri Gadkari made this announcement while addressing the 16th meeting of the National Road Safety Council and 37th meeting of the Transport Development Council in New Delhi today. Speaking on the occasion he said that several state road transport corporations are incurring huge losses and the problem has to be addressed by developing an integrated approach for transport sector in the country. Shri Gadkari said that the centre does not want to encroach upon the rights of the states; it rather wants that the revenues of the states should increase.

Emphasizing on need to improve road safety in the country, Shri Gadkari said that 720 black spots have been identified on National Highways across the country and Rs. 11,000 crore have been earmarked to take remedial steps in this regard. He said that presently about 5 lakh accidents take place in the country in which about 1.5 lakh people die every year. The target is to reduce accidents by 50% in next five years. He said that to tackle the problem of traffic jams and accidents there is need for a Road Traffic Control system on the lines of Air Traffic Control and River Traffic Control which will use satellite based technology.

About strengthening the network of National Highways Shri Gadkari said that the total length of National Highways is planned to be increased to 2 lakh kms from the present 96000 kms. He added that a number of access controlled expressways are also coming up in the country.

On the issue of increasing pollution Shri Gadkari emphasized on promoting the use of environment friendly fuels such as electricity, Ethanol, bio-CNG and bio-diesel. He said that from1st April, 2020 Euro-VI emission norms will be made mandatory and states should prepare for the transition. He further announced that e-tolling will be introduced at all toll plazas across the country. With this, vehicles will not be required to stop at the toll plazas for payment of toll. This will cut down the huge pile up of vehicles at these plazas, which causes loss of about 1.5 % to 2 % to the GDP and also a lot of pollution.

Shri Gadkari further said that 1200 spots have been identified for developing as Highways Villages. These spots will have amenities like resting places, food plazas, refueling stations, shopping malls and helipads. This will help generate employment for neighbouring villages and also create a market for the produce from these villages.

The minister called upon the states to develop bus ports on the lines of airports. He said states may take these initiatives under PPP modes.

Speaking on the occasion Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Shri Pon. Radhakrishnan said that this joint meeting of the council is an opportunity for evolving policies in transport sector for efficient and modern transport system. Expressing concern over road accidents he said privilege to drive should not be taken for granted. He specifically called for curbing overloading of the vehicles.

Road Transport & Highways Secretary Shri Sanjay Mitra said that engineering solutions and awareness together can minimize the number of road accidents.