The Hindu Business Line : Cabinet clears National Urban Transport Policy

The Union Cabinet has approved the National Urban Transport Policy that seeks to encourage integrated land use and transport planning in cities, and focuses on greater use of public transport and non-motorised modes by offering central financial assistance.

This was stated by the Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, after a meeting of the Union Cabinet here.

The policy incorporates urban transportation as an important parameter at the urban planning stage. It emphasises on integrated land use, transport planning to minimise travel distance, access to livelihood, education and other social needs, especially for the marginal segments of the urban population. The policy also looks to improve access of business to the markets and various factors of production.

The policy's objective is to ensure safe, affordable, reliable and sustainable access for a growing number of city residents to education and employment. In this regard, the policy brings about an equitable allocation of road space, with people, rather than vehicles, as its main focus.

It would also enable the establishment of quality-focused multi-modal public transport systems that are well integrated and providing seamless travel across modes.

Level playing field

The policy involves establishing effective regulatory and enforcement mechanisms that provide a level playing field for all operators of transport services and enhanced safety for the users of transport systems. It aims to introduce an intelligent transport system for traffic management.

Other thrust areas include establishing institutional mechanisms for enhanced co-ordination in the planning and management of transport systems, besides addressing concerns of road safety and trauma response. It also talks about raising finances through various mechanisms that tap land as a resource for investment in urban infrastructure, reducing pollution through changes in travelling practices, stricter norms and technological improvement.

Tapping private sector

It calls for roping in the private sector and tapping its strengthsThe policy also entails pilot projects that demonstrate the potential of possible best practices in sustainable urban transport.

The transport policy assumes significance given the projection that India's urban population would grow to about 473 million in 2021 and 820 million by 2051 from 285 million in 2001.