Government is preparing an action plan for modernisation of the trucking fleet by gradually replacing older 2-3 axial rigid trucks through multi-axial, low emission vehicles, together with incentives for fleet operation, through conversion to modern prime movers/multi-axle trucks conforming to Euro-2 and Euro-3 emission standards in the country.
According to planning commission sources, the planning for the transport sector is the establishment of an efficient and well-integrated system, which will facilitate the development of a competitive economy and poverty reduction, while ensuring safety in mobility. The strategic thrust is on optimal utilisation of the existing capacity, improved management, and co-ordinated use of various modes of transport. Private transporters involvement in this sector will be enhanced and institutional capacity building activities undertaken to enhance sector efficiencies.
Motorways, efficient port handling and customs, replacement of railway tracks and their doubling, new railway carriages and locomotives, multi-axial road haulage vehicles, and mass transit systems in large metropolitan areas, are some of the current major initiatives.
All these will reduce transit times, and cut down the costs of doing business. Reducing delays in our transport system is critical instrument for the cost of doing business, and hence increasing our competitiveness, sources concluded.