The government has come out with a multi-modal transport policy aimed at addressing the growing vehicular traffic and revamping the public transportation system in the Union Territory.
According to a top government official, the policy would take care of the mobility needs of all sections of people by 2036.
The vision of the government is to “shape a modern, efficient, economical and safe transportation system that balances the needs of the economy, society and the environment and to meet the mobility needs of all sections of people.”
The new policy will take into account the growth of population, the number of tourists visiting the cities, the number of vehicles plying on the road and the rising pollution level while recommending steps for a smooth traffic flow. The transport system of the union territory will be designed, developed and managed accordingly.
The policy’s objective is to promote a shift of demand from road transport to public and rail transport for de-congesting the roads and boost economic growth.
A “safe transport system” as per the road safety policy of the government will be established and action taken to prevent accidents and minimise the number of potential victims.
The public transportation system, the policy says, will continue to play the role of main mass transport system provider for inter-State and intra-city routes.
While the number of vehicles grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of close to 35% in the union territory, the growth of public transport vehicles was a meagre 0.38% of the buses per 1,000 population.
The government will revamp the public transportation system to increase its share from the 20% of passenger traffic to 50% in 2036.
Investment will be encouraged in rail-based urban transport system in congested inter/intra city routes and introduce high-speed intercity passenger rail service and sub-urban rail system on main line routes.
Innovative methods
According to an official, “the government will provide more autonomy to the proposed Puducherry Urban Transport Agency and Puducherry Road Transport Corporation to enhance efficiency in operation, management of the system, passenger information system, rationalisation of routes and initiate innovative operational methods to improve its financial viability.”
According to the policy, the Transport Department will be restructured to make it more of a transport regulator than revenue collection and licence issuing agent. Refresher training will be made compulsory for drivers causing road accident. More facilities would be set up for training of drivers and mechanics to ensure availability of trained manpower.
