Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, highlights the pivotal role ropeways will play in tackling traffic congestion across Indian cities, highways, and remote areas. Speaking at the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Government of Maharashtra in Mumbai, Gadkari stresses the need for innovative solutions.
Present at the ceremony were Minister for Public Work Department, Government of Maharashtra, Ravindra Chavan, and officials from the respective departments. During the event, the Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) and Maharashtra Urban Development Department inked an MoU for the development of a Traffic Simulation Model in six cities within Maharashtra.
Adding to the momentum, the National Highway Logistics Management Ltd (NHLML) and Maharashtra Public Work Department signed an MoU for the development of ropeways in the state. Gadkari reveals that NHAI has received 40 proposals for ropeway projects, urging departments to submit Detailed Project Reports (DPR) promptly to expedite the work.
Elaborating on the significance of ropeways, Gadkari insists on the simultaneous development of parking facilities, accommodation, and food arrangements for tourists in ropeway areas. Stressing the affordability of ropeway systems, he believes they will significantly contribute to alleviating traffic problems.
Gadkari underscores the need to create a market for local products during ropeway construction, emphasising the importance of prioritizing solar energy for vehicle charging facilities. With urbanisation on the rise nationwide, the Minister highlights the necessity for scientifically studying transportation planning.
Gadkari envisions a future where traffic congestion is eased and accidents reduced through systematic study and implementation of innovative solutions promoted by the Engineer Academy. The Central Government, he notes, is actively exploring diverse options to address traffic issues, citing successful examples of double-layered flyovers in cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Nagpur, and Pune. Emphasizing the positive impact of new technology, Gadkari signals a shift towards a more efficient and sustainable transportation landscape.