MoRTH Hosts Two-Day Workshop on Transforming India’s Road Transport Sector
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) hosted an impactful two-day workshop on January 6th and 7th, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, focusing on the transformation of India’s road transport sector. The workshop brought together transport secretaries, ministers from all states and union territories, and key industry organizations to discuss the future of road transport, with a strong emphasis on sustainable transport, road safety, and smart mobility.
The first day featured discussions with state and union territory transport secretaries and was chaired by MoRTH Secretary V Umashankar. The second day, which was focused on transport ministers, was chaired by Nitin Gadkari, India’s Minister for Road Transport & Highways. This day concluded with the 42nd Transport Development Council (TDC) meeting, which incorporated inputs from organizations like AIMTC and BOCI. One of the core focuses was accelerating the implementation of the Vehicle Scrapping Policy. Strategies to expedite the establishment of Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) and Automated Testing Stations (ATSs) were discussed, alongside standardizing audit requirements. The nationwide adoption of the revised Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) 2.0 guidelines was also a major agenda, ensuring all states align by the set timelines. Additionally, the anticipated benefits of BS-VII emission norms in reducing pollution were highlighted.
The safety of road users remained a key topic of discussion. Minister Nitin Gadkari launched a nationwide initiative for Driver Training Institutes (DTIs), offering incentives for establishing DTIs and integrating them with ATS infrastructure. Technological advancements in road safety, such as the Naksha (Data-Driven Road Safety Stack), were introduced, providing tools for black spot identification and safety improvements. Other important discussions included the creation of a nationwide emergency toll-free number and initiatives for post-crash care, such as cashless treatment for accident victims. The increasing presence of e-rickshaws on Indian roads necessitated the development of specific safety regulations. The government also explored safety upgrades for buses, trucks, and other vehicles, discussing the implementation of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for trucks, along with retro-reflective tape usage for vehicles. A key safety proposal involved the implementation of Integrated Command and Control Centers focused on women’s safety in public service vehicles, incorporating tracking systems and geo-location linked to panic buttons.
MoRTH also highlighted its push for smarter, more efficient mobility. A key initiative was the pan-India launch of faceless transport services (Vahan, Sarathi), with an integration deadline of March 2025. The promotion of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) was emphasized, moving beyond hardware to incorporate software solutions, including the integration of Automatic Vehicle Location Systems (AVLS). The discussion also included promoting open-loop smart card payments for easier travel experiences. The workshop covered the nationwide implementation of initiatives such as AITP, BH Series, and High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) to simplify vehicle registration and movement across states. MoRTH proposed measures to streamline these implementations, ensuring efficiency and reducing delays caused by litigation. Minister Gadkari wrapped up the workshop by emphasizing the importance of a cohesive approach to road transport development. He stated, “Our collaborative efforts will lay the foundation for a transport system that serves the needs of every citizen, contributes to national development, and ensures a sustainable and safe future for all.” The workshop set the stage for a transformed Indian road transport system, with a focus on sustainability, safety, and technological advancements.
