Timelines for implementing BS-VII emission norms and their anticipated pollution reduction benefits were also discussed.The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) held a two-day workshop on January 6th and 7th, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The goal was to discuss challenges and solutions for transforming India's road transport sector. The workshop involved transport secretaries and ministers from all states and union territories, along with industry organisations. Key topics included sustainable transport, safer movement, and smart mobility.
The first day focused on discussions with state and union territory transport secretaries, chaired by MoRTH Secretary V Umashankar. Additional Secretary Mahmood Ahmed initiated the session. The second day involved transport ministers, chaired by Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari. This day built upon the previous day's discussions and concluded with the 42nd Transport Development Council (TDC) meeting, incorporating input from organisations like AIMTC and BOCI.
Sustainable transport initiatives
Sustainable transport initiatives included accelerating the Vehicle Scrapping Policy, with discussions on expediting Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) and Automated Testing Stations (ATSs). Standardisation of audit requirements and ratings for scrapping centers were also discussed.
Nationwide adoption of the revised PUCC 2.0 guidelines was presented to ensure timely onboarding by all states. Timelines for implementing BS-VII emission norms and their anticipated pollution reduction benefits were also discussed.
Safety as a priority
Safer movement initiatives began with Minister Gadkari launching a scheme for pan-India Driver Training Institutes (DTIs). This scheme includes incentives for establishing DTIs and additional incentives for integrated ATS and DTI infrastructure.
Road safety improvements through technology were emphasised with the launch of Naksha (Data Driven Road Safety Stack). This includes the Sanjaya Portal, Field Perception Survey, and Madras matrix for road safety and black spot identification. Live demonstrations were given for all applications. States committed to using these tools for black spot reduction. Discussions also addressed a single nationwide emergency toll-free number.
States received briefings on the HumSafar policy and Wayside Amenities along National Highways to enhance driver convenience. Mandating reflective tapes to prevent night accidents and using ATMS for e-challan issuance for road safety violations were also discussed. Post-crash care initiatives included cashless treatment for road accident victims via the toll-free number 112 and compensation for hit-and-run victims.
E-rickshaw safety
Improving e-rickshaw safety was addressed, recognizing the need for specific regulations and guidelines due to their increasing prevalence. Other vehicle safety improvements included upgrading the bus body code for enhanced safety and accessibility. Scaling up BNCAP for all four-wheeler models for safety ratings was discussed, along with introducing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for trucks and enforcing retro-reflective tape usage for transport vehicle safety.
Implementing Integrated Command and Control Centers for women's safety in public service vehicles was discussed. This involved monitoring centers and vehicle location tracking devices (VLTDs). Linking transport vehicle permits to VLTD status and using geo-location linked to panic buttons for enforcement agencies were proposed actions.
Smart mobility initiatives
Smart mobility initiatives focused on the pan-India launch of faceless transport services (Vahan, Sarathi). States are expected to complete the launch and integration of all faceless services by the end of March 2025. A committee of secretaries from states, MoRTH, and NIC will work towards standardising faceless services modules and registration documents.
The adoption of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) was encouraged, with a focus on software and components rather than just hardware. Promoting open-loop smart card payments and integrating Automatic Vehicle Location Systems (AVLS) with ERSS for enforcement were also discussed.
AITP, BH Series, and HSRP in vehicles
Pan-India implementation of AITP, BH Series, and HSRP in vehicles was highlighted for ease of living and doing business. A committee will develop a detailed AITP policy incorporating state feedback. States will utilise all MoRTH-empaneled vendors for HSRP affixation to mitigate implementation delays due to litigation.
Minister Gadkari concluded the workshops by emphasising the need to integrate these themes into a cohesive vision. “Our collaborative efforts in this room will lay the foundation for a transport system that serves the needs of every citizen, contributes to our national development, and ensures a sustainable and safe future for all citizens.”
