US minister calls for exchange of ideas to resolve mass transport woes
“As I went past the CST and Churchgate stations, I thought, this is what New York will look like in 2030. We have been comparing our metros with Mumbai for a while now. Our transport systems in Penn or Grand Central in New York are similar to CST or Churchgate. So basically, we are here not as solution providers; but also to exchange ideas with transport experts in India – especially Mumbai,” said James S Simpson – administrator of United States Federal Transit Administration. A delegation headed by Simpson was in city to sign Memorandum of Co-operation for sharing knowledge and science-technology with the state government.
Simpson agreed that countries like the US have more people using their own cars. “We face the same problem as Mumbai does. But we do understand the importance of mass transport. We are also pushing for systems such as Bus Rapid Transport System (BRTS). However, the modes of transport such as Metro and Monorail which are being developed in Mumbai have been running there for decades. Now we are upgrading them. That is why we are trying to get people to use public transport,” said Simpson.
The US delegation comprising transport experts, government officials and representatives of US transport companies visited Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) headquarters, on Monday. Later, a memorandum of co-operation was signed which enabled MMRDA and US government to exchange technological know-how and expertise. “We would require advanced technology to develop high speed trains between Mumbai-Aurangabad-Nagpur routes. They can help in developing Intelligent Transport System (ITS) and traffic and transportation information centres. We intend to exchange specialists, delegations, organise joint symposia, training programs and do joint research. A core team has been formed to implement the co-operation,” said Rajesh Tope, minister of state for urban development.
“Many road and rail networks are being developed in Maharashtra.” informed TC Benjamin, principal secretary, ministry of Urban Development.
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