Question : TRAFFIC CONGESTION

(a) whether the Government has framed or proposes to frame policies to make urban areas congestion free and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has sent advisories to States to identify traffic congestion sites in their cities;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the States thereto;

(d) whether the Government proposes to upgrade road infrastructure and double-quick public transport before levying congestion charges in the congested areas in cities; and

(e) if so, the details thereof ?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

(a): Yes, Madam. Government of India notified National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP) in 2006. This policy provides framework for development of Urban Transport to ensure safe, affordable, quick, comfortable, reliable and sustainable access within the city. The policy is available on the website of the Ministry of Urban Development: https:// www.moud.gov.in.

(b)&(c): Yes, Madam. An advisory has been issued on 15-1-2013 to all States and Union Territories for taking up studies/surveys on various aspects of Congestion Charges as per city requirements and consider adopting “congestion charging system” as a measure to decongest a particular area of the city. This advisory is available on the website of the Ministry of Urban Development: https://www.moud.gov.in/ urbantransport. No response/ reports were expected from the States/Union Territories on the advisory.

(d)&(e): Urban Transport is intertwined with Urban Development which is a State subject. As such proposal for new projects/upgradation of existing infrastructure has to be initiated by the Government of States/Union Territories. Government of India provides financial assistance to States/UTs for Urban Transport projects/ studies which include road infrastructure and other public transport, in line with National Urban Transport Policy, 2006 and Urban Transport Planning Scheme.