The minister also encouraged introduction of private public partnerships (PPP) in improving transport systems.
“It’s high time that we adopt new technologies that reduce pollution and are economically viable, thereby changing the economy of public transport system,” Gadkari said, adding “PPP is one such concept that can be introduced to reduce the economic pressure from the State governments.”
He suggested conversion of diesel-run buses into electric buses or buses that could run on CNG or bio-diesel, thereby making India a pollution-free country.
Gadkari was speaking while inaugurating the 21st meeting of South India Transport Council, which represents states such as Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana and Goa.
Transport ministers of all the South Indian states along with Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar were present at the inaugural of the two-day conference that will discuss and chalk out solutions to various transport related issues haunting this region.
Stressing the need to reach out to poorer sections, the minister urged States to implement ‘transparent, time-bound and corruption-free transport systems’. “As per the information available with me, nearly 30 percent of the driving licences issued across the country are bogus,” he acknowledged.
“I have learnt from the people that to get licence one need not go to RTO office, you get it anywhere,” Gadkari added, citing an example wherein during his younger days he was also asked to shell out Rs 1,000 to get a licence. Speaking earlier, chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar assured the Union Minister to achieve the target of 50 percent reduction in road accidents by 2020.
