Narendra Modi Government Focuses on Establishment of Efficient and Equitable Urban Mobility Systems
In a recent announcement, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life through the development of efficient, sustainable, and equitable urban mobility systems. He stated that the expansion of the metro rail network in the country over the past decade has contributed significantly to this objective.
India’s Metro Network Poised to Become the Second Largest Globally
Speaking at the conclusion of the 17th Urban Mobility India Conference-cum-Exhibition in Gandhinagar, Manohar Lal highlighted that India’s operational metro network is currently the third largest globally, after China and the United States, and is poised to become the second largest soon. This expansion of the metro network reflects the government’s commitment to improving public transport infrastructure and providing efficient transportation solutions to its citizens.
Standardization in Public Transport: Key Takeaway from the Conference
During the conference, standardization in public transport, particularly in metro networks, emerged as a key takeaway. Minister Manohar Lal emphasized the importance of a holistic government approach and called on ministries, state authorities, urban local bodies, and industry stakeholders to collaborate on scalable and sustainable solutions. This collaborative effort is crucial in creating efficient and standardized urban mobility systems nationwide.
Purpose of Urban Mobility: Enhancing Quality of Life and Ensuring Environmental Sustainability
Minister Manohar Lal highlighted that urban mobility is not just about moving from one place to another; it is about creating systems that are sufficient, efficient, environmentally sustainable, and equitable. The objective is to enhance the quality of life for every citizen, regardless of their location, and to make cities more livable for future generations by reducing the carbon footprint. By focusing on sustainable transportation options and promoting the use of electric vehicles and non-motorized transport like cycling and walking, the government aims to create a cleaner and greener urban environment.
Government Initiatives in Urban Transport
The Minister also mentioned the government’s commitment to integrated transport systems through initiatives like the Smart City Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). These initiatives aim to develop infrastructure and enhance public transport services in cities across the country. Additionally, he highlighted the success of the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme in accelerating electric vehicle adoption and improving public transport networks.
Significant Growth in Metro Network and Future Expansion
Over the past decade, the operational metro network in India has witnessed significant growth, expanding from 248 kilometers across five cities in 2014 to 989 kilometers in 23 cities. This development has resulted in over one crore daily commuters benefiting from the efficient metro systems. Furthermore, with an additional 974 kilometers of metro lines currently under construction, the expansion of the metro network will continue to provide improved connectivity and transportation options.
Adapting to Increasing Demand and Embracing Technology and Innovation
Minister Manohar Lal emphasized the need for cities to adapt, connect, and build resilience in order to meet the ever-increasing demand for diverse urban transport solutions. He stated that embracing technology and innovation will be crucial in addressing the complexities of urban mobility and ensuring the efficient functioning of transport systems. Additionally, the Minister advocated for the evolution of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) models to effectively tackle urban mobility challenges in the years ahead.
In conclusion, the Narendra Modi government is placing great emphasis on the establishment of efficient, sustainable, and equitable urban mobility systems. The expansion of the metro network, along with initiatives to promote electric vehicles and non-motorized transport, reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for citizens and reducing the carbon footprint of cities. Collaboration between government bodies and industry stakeholders, along with the adoption of technology and innovation, will be crucial in achieving these goals and creating a better future for urban transportation in India.
