Question : GROWTH OF VEHICLES IN METROPOLITAN AREAS

(a) the details of the short term as well as long term measures taken/ being taken for the management and solution of traffic congestion and related problems arising due to unprecedented growth in the number of vehicles on roads and their use in metropolitan areas;

(b) whether any expert study has recommended to discourage the use of private vehicles on the one hand and on other hand to strengthen public transport system like metro rail, MRT and other modes;

(c) If so, whether the Government has adopted a lackadaisical approach towards this growing problem; and

(d) If so, the details thereof ?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI SAUGATA ROY)

(a) & (b): Urban Transport is intertwined with Urban Development which is a State subject. As such the initiatives for urban transport management have to be taken up primarily by the State/ Union Territories and ULBs level.

However, realizing the seriousness of rapidly growing problem of urban transportation, the central Government has taken active steps like formulation of the National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP), financing of buses for Urban Transport, Bus Rapid Transit System Projects, traffic transit management centres under Urban Transport under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) and sanction of metro railway projects for various cities.

(c): No, Madam.

(d): Does not arise in view of (c) above.