New Initiatives to Revamp Urban Transport System

On July 29^th, 2024, the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) issued a notification detailing new steps to revamp the urban transport system in India. These steps aim to improve the sustainability, efficiency, and integration of urban transport infrastructure.

Urban Transport and State Responsibility

Urban planning falls under the jurisdiction of state governments, which are responsible for planning, initiating, and developing urban transport infrastructure. The Central Government supports these efforts through various policies and financial assistance programs:

1. National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP), 2006: Provides guidelines for integrated urban transport planning.
2. Metro Rail Policy, 2017: Offers guidance for the development of metro rail projects.
3. Transit Oriented Development Policy, 2017: Promotes sustainable urban development with an emphasis on the use of clean fuel.

Central Financial Assistance

The Central Government supports urban transport initiatives through several schemes:

• FAME I & II Schemes: These schemes promote the adoption and manufacturing of electric vehicles.
• Metro Rail Projects: Financial assistance is provided for the implementation of metro rail projects in various cities.
• PM-eBus Sewa: Launched in August 2023, this scheme aims to deploy 10,000 electric buses for city bus operations with central assistance of ₹20,000 crore.

Promotion of Electric Vehicles and Clean Fuel

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued several notifications to promote electric vehicles and clean fuel:

1. Permit Exemptions: Battery-operated transport vehicles and those running on ethanol and methanol fuels are exempt from permit requirements.
2. Fee Exemptions: Battery-operated vehicles are exempt from the payment of fees for issuing or renewing registration certificates and assigning new registration marks.
3. Tourist Permits: All India Tourist Permits for battery-operated vehicles are issued without registration fee.
4. Retro-fitment of Electric Kits: Vehicles can be retrofitted with hybrid electric systems or electric kits, ensuring compliance with standards.

Government Support and Goals

These initiatives reflect the Central Government’s commitment to improving urban transport through sustainable practices and the adoption of clean fuel technologies. By providing financial support and policy guidance, the government aims to create a more integrated, efficient, and environmentally friendly urban transport system.