In order to ensure better development of integrated multi-modal systems in the state, Narendra Modi, chief minister of Gujarat on Thursday announced setting up of a Multimodal Affordable Transport Authority (MATA).
Making his inaugural address at the first Asia Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) conference here, Modi said, "It is very important to have a holistic and integrated approach to move towards an energy efficient and sustainable future. We are, therefore, setting up of a Multimodal Affordable Transport Authority (MATA) to ensure development of integrated multi-modal systems."
The three-day Asia BRT conference is being organised by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), Ahmedabad Janmarg Limited (AJL) and Centre of Excellence in Urban Transport at CEPT University and supported by Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India and Urban Development & Urban Housing Department, Government of Gujarat.
In his inaugural speech, Modi appreciated the initiative of holding an international event on such an important aspect of public transport system.
The conference is being organised with a view to share knowledge from projects related to BRTS, exchange experiences from peer Asian cities during various phases of BRTS planning, implementation and operations as well as discuss establishment of Asia BRTS Association (ABA), an international forum of Asian BRTS cities for cooperation, collaboration, sharing of knowledge and business development.
Delegates from 15 international cities - Singapore, Cebu (Philippines), Colombo and Matale (Sri Lanka), Jakarta( Indonesia), Jinan (China), Lahore (Pakistan), Seoul (South Korea), Taipei (Taiwan), Lalitpur and Kathmandu (Nepal), Thimpu (Bhutan), Lagos( Nigeria), Guayaquil (Ecuador) and Bogotá (Columbia) along with fifteen Indian cities are attending this conference.
In his address Anil Baijal, ex-Secretary, MoUD and Chairman, National Institute of Urban Affairs in which he emphasised on important aspects like as Information, Communication and Education strategy, development of unified authority for urban transport, financial sustainability, redesigning of city roads for non-motorised modes, intensification of development along corridors, last mile connectivity.
Further, IP Gautam, Principal Secretary, Urban Development and Urban Housing Department, Government of Gujarat discussed the acute urban transportation problems faced by the Asian cities and how BRT system in Ahmedabad has helped mitigate some of these problems in Ahmedabad.