Indian to soon have second largest metro network of the world: Shri Manohar Lal
Urban mobility is becoming increasingly crucial as cities grow and populations rise. Shri Manohar Lal, the Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs and Power, recently addressed this pressing issue during a meeting with the consultative committee members of parliament attached to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). He emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing the Urban Transport Network across India. This initiative aims to address the challenges posed by urbanization and improve the quality of life for city dwellers.
Current State of Urban Transport in India
During his address, Minister Manohar Lal highlighted the impressive progress made in urban transport. Currently, approximately 993 kilometers of metro rail is operational in 23 cities across the country. Additionally, around 997 kilometers of metro rail is under construction in 28 cities. This expansion positions India to potentially have the second-largest metro network in the world. The minister’s remarks underscore the government’s dedication to developing efficient and sustainable urban transport systems.
The meeting’s agenda focused on urban transport, with the Urban Transport Division of MoHUA presenting detailed information on various metro projects. Members were briefed on the Metro Rail Policy of 2017 and the status of metro networks in cities such as Delhi, Jaipur, Patna, and Lucknow. This comprehensive overview provided valuable insights into the ongoing efforts to enhance urban mobility.
Innovative Initiatives for Urban Mobility
The meeting also covered several innovative initiatives aimed at improving urban transport. One significant project discussed was the “PM-eBus Sewa,” which aims to deploy 10,000 electric buses through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This initiative will not only enhance city bus operations but also contribute to environmental sustainability. Key features of the scheme include a decade of operational support for the buses and assistance in developing and upgrading bus depots.
Another important topic was the “One Nation One Card” initiative. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2019, this National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) allows seamless travel across various modes of public transport, including metro, rail, and buses. This initiative aims to simplify the travel experience for citizens and promote the use of public transport.
Addressing Challenges in Urban Mobility
During the meeting, members of parliament raised several critical issues related to urban mobility. Topics included last-mile connectivity, the enhancement of amenities, and the need for improved metro connectivity in their respective constituencies. They also discussed the importance of scaling up metro operations across the country to ensure ease of travel and passenger comfort.
In response, Minister Manohar Lal urged officials to review the suggestions made by the members. He emphasized the importance of addressing these concerns to create a more efficient urban transport system. The government’s proactive approach aims to ensure that urban mobility keeps pace with the rapid growth of cities and meets the needs of the population.
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