By edukalive 
India’s road transport sector is on the brink of a transformative journey, thanks to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). On January 6th and 7th, 2025, MoRTH organized a two-day workshop at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi, bringing together the best minds in the field to discuss challenges, brainstorm solutions, and chart a course for the future. This workshop was nothing short of a milestone in quest for a more sustainable, safer, and citizen-friendly transport system.
Day 1: Setting the Stage
The first day of the workshop was dedicated to in-depth discussions with Transport Secretaries from all States and Union Territories. Under the chairmanship of Secretary RT&H, Shri V Umashankar, the participants explored key issues in the transport sector. Additional Secretary Transport, Shri Mahmood Ahmed, set the tone for the day with themes that sparked a lively brainstorming session.
The outcome? A roadmap filled with actionable insights that would be fine-tuned the next day.
Day 2: Collaboration at Its Best
On the second day, Hon’ble RT&H Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari took the reins. Joined by Transport Ministers from across the country, the discussions became even more dynamic. Together, they aligned on ideas that will redefine India’s road transport ecosystem. The day culminated with the 42nd Transport Development Council meeting, where inputs from transport organizations such as AIMTC and BOCI were carefully deliberated.
Key Themes and Takeaways
The two-day workshop focused on three pivotal themes: Sustainable Transport, Safer Movement, and Smart Mobility for Citizens. Let’s take a closer look at the highlights.
1. Driving Sustainability
Sustainability was at the heart of the discussions. Some notable initiatives included:
- Vehicle Scrapping Policy: Plans to expedite Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) and Automated Testing Stations (ATSs) across states were laid out. The goal? To streamline the transition to cleaner vehicles while boosting the economy.
- PUCC 2.0: Revised Pollution Under Control Certificates were introduced to enhance compliance and air quality.
- BS-VII Norms: Timelines for introducing these advanced emission standards were discussed, promising significant reductions in pollution.
2. Prioritizing Safety
Safety on roads is non-negotiable, and the workshop addressed it head-on with a series of measures:
- Driver Training Institutes (DTIs): A nationwide scheme to set up DTIs was launched, incentivizing the creation of integrated driver training and testing centers.
- Tech-Powered Road Safety: The launch of Naksha (Data Driven Road Safety Stack) brought tools like Sanjaya Portal and black spot identification into the spotlight. States committed to using these tools to reduce accidents.
- E-Rickshaw Safety: Special guidelines to ensure the safety of the rapidly growing e-rickshaw segment are in the pipeline.
- Women and Child Safety: Plans for vehicle location tracking devices (VLTDs) and integrated command centers aim to make public transport safer for women and children.
3. Smart Mobility for All
Convenience for citizens took center stage under the Smart Mobility theme:
- Faceless Transport Services: By March 2025, all states will offer fully digitalized services like vehicle registration and license issuance, making processes quicker and more efficient.
- Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS): The adoption of advanced ITS, including open-loop smart cards and Automatic Vehicle Location Systems, is set to modernize public transport.
- Ease of Doing Business: Initiatives like the BH series, AITP, and High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) aim to make transport-related processes hassle-free.
A Vision for the Future
The workshop ended with an inspiring address by Shri Nitin Gadkari. He emphasized the need for a unified approach to building a transport system that is not just efficient and safe but also environmentally sustainable. “Our collaborative efforts today will shape a transport system that meets the needs of every citizen and contributes to national development,” he said.
India’s road transport sector is evolving, and this workshop was a testament to the government’s commitment to change. By focusing on sustainability, safety, and smart mobility, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has laid a strong foundation for a future-ready transport system. Together, we are driving towards a better, safer, and more sustainable tomorrow. Let’s keep moving forward – one road at a time!