Centre to promote multi-model public transport systems: Minister

Hyderabad, Apr 7 (UNI) The Centre will promote multi-model public transport with active involvement of the private sector under its new National Urban Transport Policy, Union Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy said today.

The policy, approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday, aimed at giving the urban residents quick and affordable access to reach their destination and focused on clean technologies, he said inaugurating a National Convention ''Citiscapes'' organised by the FICCI.

Acknowledging that sale of small cars had increased tremendously in the recent past, the Union Minister said, ''It is not at all necessary for the people to use cars at all times.'' ''We need to learn from the experiences of Latin American countries where Bus Rapid Transport System is in vogue and take into consideration also the environmental costs of more personalised transport,'' he added.

Even those owning cars abroad use mass rapid public transport systems, he said adding that the government intended to develop dedicated bus lanes for quicker movement of people to their workplaces.

He urged states which had not fallen in line, to repeal the Urban Land Ceiling Act and also review the Rent Control laws to provide justice for property owners.

Stating that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was particular that poor should be provided water connection at subsidised rates, he said civic bodies had to recover operation and maintenance cost for drinking water projects from those who could afford to pay.

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