While addressing the 2nd Smart Transportation Infra Summit & Expo organized by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry , the Road Transport and Highways Minister, Mr. Nitin Gadkari asserted that logistics is one of the most important ingredients which can boost exports 1.5 times with rapid improvement.
The current logistics cost is 18% in India and if reduced to the level of 10%, the economic growth will be propelled, said Mr. Gadkari.
He highlighted the need and importance of modernization of road infrastructure and road safety. He said that the government is in the process of developing a smart solution for the same, which would be cost effective, pollution free and supportive of import substitution.
Mr. Gadkari articulated two philosophies for checking air and water pollution. He first mentioned the conversion of knowledge to wealth through research, innovation, and sustainable international practices. Next he mentioned the conversion of waste to wealth through efficient use of alternative fuels and diversification of agriculture to energy and power sector.
He emphasised the use of water transport, electric transport, bio CNG, ethanol, bio diesel and petrol in order of priority for smart transportation.
Dr. Mahesh Gupta, President, PHD Chamber appreciated the recent efforts of the central government in the modernization and upgradation of the transport and road infrastructure.
The issue of pollution and traffic jams can be addressed through smart transportation, said Dr. Mahesh Gupta.
He suggested that the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) model as followed by Singapore, Canada and London should be adopted by India as well to manage traffic.
Dr. Mahesh Gupta also pointed out that the odd and even system alone, is not a solution to manage the problem of traffic congestions and pollution in Delhi.
Mr. G S Bali, Transport Minister, Himachal Pradesh, during his keynote address congratulated the central government in taking adequate steps to develop an efficient road infrastructure.
He mentioned the need to shift from road transport to water transport in state of Himachal Pradesh.
He also expressed his concern over road safety and said that it was one of the major challenges faced by the state of Himachal Pradesh. He urged Shri Nitin Gadkari ji to concentrate on crash barriers and expand the scope of road safety beyond national highways to cover remote areas.
To have a growing economy we need to have speed, for that we need road safety and to support these two we need a sound infrastructure, said Mr Bali.
Mr. Nitin Gadkari suggested Mr. G.S Bali, to promote alternate means of transport such cable cars, ropeways, seaplanes and gondolas in the state of Himachal Pradesh. He also said that the other hill states can also come up with similar plans in the times to come.
Among other who were also present on the occasion comprised Vice President, PHD Chamber, Mr. Anil Khaitan; its Chairman, International Affairs Committee-Americas (North), Mr. Rajnish Goenka; Ambassador of Mexico, Ms. Melba Pria; Secretary, National Safety Council-Delhi, Mr. A B Lal; Managing Director, Volvo India Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Kamal Bali.
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