Around 32% of our population as per SECC, 2011 resides in urban areas. Urban areas are considered to be the growth engines of the economy. The biggest component of this growth engine is mobility, so urban transport is biggest priority of the state.
Following policy measures have been taken to address mobility/transport needs –
National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) (2019): It is also referred as ‘One Nation One Card’, as it is inter-operable i.e. it will allow the passenger to pay for their bus travels, toll taxes, parking charges, retail shopping and even withdrawing money. The prototype has been developed by BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electronics Limited).
Metro Rail Policy (2017): It envisages increasing Metro rail network in the country. With features like opening big window for private investment, making it mandatory to setup Urban Metropolitan Transport Authority, third party assessment of projects etc. It aims to take metro ambitions of India to next level.
Other measures like targeting conversion to electric vehicle by 2030, transit oriented development policy etc. are steps in the right direction.
