State govt is working on a transport policy that is more in tune with changing needs.
If it goes as per planning, the state will soon have a brand new transport policy. The state's ports and transport department is working overtime to translate this into reality. According to top-level officials in the department, the idea is to realise the changing needs of rural and urban transport. Also the new policy would bear in view the future developments like Bus Rapid Transport System and Metro Rail projects.
"A set of people have already started working on the same. The Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) is also working to develop the concept of integrated depots. The space they have can be put to several usages, instead of just one," the sources in transport department said. "In addition, types and frequency of buses to be run on various routes and role of the private operators is also being analysed."
The transport convergence is also another aspect that is being looked at while drafting the new policy. With new modes of public transport like Bus Rapid Transport System and Metro Rail slowly being realised for Ahmedabad, the policy is to provide the direction to converge them, providing complete network, the official added.
"There are several agencies like GSRTC and the municipal bodies playing important role in public transport. With Metro and BRTS and other agencies, the roles have to be defined and coordination ensured," he said.
Interestingly, the Centre had three years back prompted all he states to consider coming out with an inclusive transport policy. Centre's National Urban Transport Policy focused on integration of land use and transport planning. The idea was to put a comprehensive mobility plan in place to encourage public transport, non-motorised transport and providing separate paths for pedestrians.
The Union urban development ministry is also asking the cities to set up an urban transport fund. Cities like Surat in Gujarat and Pimpri in Maharashtra already have such funds. This fund could come from the proceeds of earmarked state and local taxes.
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