Decode Centre’s urban transport policy

The point was made clear: the highlights of the Centre’s policy on improving and streamlining urban transport — mainly in the state capital — should get across to the public before the crucial 14th Lok Sabha elections. ‘‘It was felt that in regard to the urban transport sector, there should be a notified National Transport Policy, which provides a comprehensive framework for future coordination,’’ a senior Ministry official said.

The next workshop will focus on urban transport systems in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttaranchal. ‘‘The idea is to make transport fast, accessible, affordable and safe,’’ the official said, adding it has ‘‘nothing’’ to do with the elections. But, with a draft urban transport policy in place, the voters have to be told what is on the agenda, an aide of Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said.

The draft policy has all the right ingredients to draw the voter’s attention. The aim is to reduce existing levels of congestion, reduce impact of motor vehicles on urban air pollution and improve road safety.

Besides, the Centre wants the states to encourage the use of sustainable technologies that minimise consumption of imported fuels in urban transport and thus improve the country’s energy security.

The policy also addresses pricing and financing of public transport. The Centre has also invited from the states, proposals for light rail transit, sky bus, bus priority lanes, high capacity bus systems, electric trolley bus and improved parking and fuel systems.